• Regulatory approval of VHF DSC beacons will remove significant trade barriers
• Decision lays foundation for global adoption of Mobilarm V100 – provides access to large international markets
• Potential to significantly strengthen revenue base – increased product sales and volumes expected
• Follows recently secured contract with US Navy to develop submarine escape version of Mobilarm V100
• Mobilarm continues to pursue local and international growth opportunities
Geneva, 29 November 2010
Marine safety equipment provider, Mobilarm Limited
(ASX:MBO), today announced that a major breakthrough in international regulatory approval for the use of VHF DSC man overboard beacons was made when the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) met recently in Geneva to discuss Maritime Survivor Locating Systems and their use of the Global Marine Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Mobilarm first released its GMDSS-based man overboard system, the Mobilarm V100, in May 2009. Since this time, the innovative Mobilarm V100, which operates on VHF Digital Selective Calling (VHF DSC), has attracted considerable attention from both industry and telecommunication regulators worldwide.
The Mobilarm V100 is a pocket-sized Maritime Survivor Locating Device for use in the commercial marine, defence and offshore oil and gas industries. A recent contract from Bristow Helicopters Australia and BHP Billiton Petroleum will see personnel travelling offshore to BHP platforms carry the V100 as part of the mandatory safety equipment on board.
Industry stakeholders immediately recognised the device’s unique ability to improve safety and save lives in a man overboard or survival at sea situation. While the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) moved quickly to approve the use of open loop VHF DSC man overboard systems, the process to gain approval from international regulators is only now progressing to advanced stages.
The ITU decision paves the way for open loop VHF DSC man overboard systems to be approved and accepted internationally, which is expected to result in VHF DSC man overboard devices being formally recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Following the release of the recent ITU report, Mobilarm CEO Lindsay Lyon commented, “Until now, Mobilarm has been restricted by regulatory approvals on where it can sell its VHF DSC man overboard technology.
”This international regulatory move to accept VHF DSC open loop beacons removes this significant trade barrier and provides a strong foundation for global approval of the technology, which will provide significant international distribution channels and increased volume sales.
“Mobilarm has recently been awarded a contract from the United States Navy to develop a submarine escape version of the V100, and will continue to pursue growth opportunities in global markets.
“Mobilarm continues to focus on organic growth opportunities and build greater visibility in Australia, with the Company recently securing a contract to supply beacons to Bristow Helicopters Australia (part of the Bristow Group) as the sole contractor to BHP Billiton Petroleum for offshore personnel transfers by helicopter in Australia.”
-Ends-
Further details:
Lindsay Lyon
Chief Executive Officer
Email lindsayl@mobilarm.com
Tel. +61 (0)409 531 738
www.mobilarm.com
