Abstract: An overboard tracking device is an apparatus which facilitates the location of individuals wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or similar survival devices in a body of water. The apparatus includes a prismatic buoyant housing, a power source, at least one switch, a controller, a transceiver, a thermionic layer, an antenna layer, and a waterproof casing. The prismatic buoyant housing maintains the apparatus above water. The power source provides power for the operation of the apparatus. The at least one switch enables manual or automatic activation or deactivation for the apparatus. The controller processes the data and signals received from external radar sources. The transceiver facilitates the sending and receiving of radio wave signals to/from external radar sources. The thermionic layer generates the power stored in the power source. The antenna layer transmits radio waves from/to the transceiver. The waterproof casing prevents contact of the electronic components with water.

Abstract: An overboard tracking patch is an apparatus which increases the visibility and tracking capabilities of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for more efficient tracking of overboard individuals. In a passive embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer layer, an intermediate layer, an attachment layer, and a processor. The outer layer increases the visibility of PFDs during both daytime and nighttime conditions. The intermediate layer provides radio identification capabilities for the remote tracking of PFDs using search radars. The attachment layer enables users to attach the present invention to a PFD. The processor stores PFD information and other identification data. In a hybrid active-passive embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a thermionic layer and a power-storage layer. The thermionic layer generates power due to the heat exchange between the body of the user and the thermionic layer. The power-storage layer serves to store power generated by the thermionic layer to power up the processor.

Abstract: An overboard tracking device is an apparatus which facilitates the location of individuals wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or similar survival devices in a body of water. The apparatus includes a prismatic buoyant housing, a power source, at least one switch, a controller, a transceiver, a thermionic layer, an antenna layer, and a waterproof casing. The prismatic buoyant housing maintains the apparatus above water. The power source provides power for the operation of the apparatus. The at least one switch enables manual or automatic activation or deactivation for the apparatus. The controller processes the data and signals received from external radar sources. The transceiver facilitates the sending and receiving of radio wave signals to/from external radar sources. The thermionic layer generates the power stored in the power source. The antenna layer transmits radio waves from/to the transceiver. The waterproof casing prevents contact of the electronic components with water.

Abstract: An overboard tracking patch is an apparatus which increases the visibility and tracking capabilities of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for more efficient tracking of overboard individuals. In a passive embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer layer, an intermediate layer, an attachment layer, and a processor. The outer layer increases the visibility of PFDs during both daytime and nighttime conditions. The intermediate layer provides radio identification capabilities for the remote tracking of PFDs using search radars. The attachment layer enables users to attach the present invention to a PFD. The processor stores PFD information and other identification data. In a hybrid active-passive embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a thermionic layer and a power-storage layer. The thermionic layer generates power due to the heat exchange between the body of the user and the thermionic layer. The power-storage layer serves to store power generated by the thermionic layer to power up the processor.