Abstract: A capsize alerting apparatus (40) for a maritime vessel (10) is provided. The capsize alerting apparatus comprises an antenna (15) which is fixed on the maritime vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state. The antenna is further operable when the vessel is in the capsized state to transmit a capsize alert message indicating that the vessel has capsized. Accordingly, by fixing an antenna to the vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state, the vessel is able to communicate a capsize alert signal to a receiver (20) even though the vessel is in a capsized state in which a conventional communications system will not function.

Abstract: A personal safety system is disclosed. The personal safety system comprises: a personal safety device and a base unit coupled over a local communications link; transceiver logic operable to transmit a periodic status message and an acknowledgement message generated in response to each received status message between said personal safety device and said base unit over said local communications link; and alert logic operable, in the event that said transceiver logic indicates that a number of either of said status and acknowledgement messages fail to be transmitted between said personal safety device and said base unit, to activate an alarm mechanism on both said personal safety device and said base unit. Accordingly, the member of crew wearing the personal safety device will detect the alarm mechanism activating and be provided with the assurance that a similar alarm mechanism is activating on the base unit.