Ipswich-based IT consultancy Active Web Solutions has been instrumental in developing a satellite safety system for its client the Royal National Lifeboat Institution which should ensure improved safety for fishing crews.

Ipswich-based IT consultancy Active Web Solutions has been instrumental in developing a satellite safety system for its client the Royal National Lifeboat Institution which should ensure improved safety for fishing crews.

AWS was involved in the RNLI's research and development of a new product called MOB Guardian - an innovative satellite based safety system that sends an automatic alert when a vessel is in trouble or there is a man overboard situation.

The system was tested in a 100-boat pilot involving fishermen around the UK coast and manufacture was approved in March last year following successful results.

RNLI appointed AWS to host, manage and develop the software applications for MOB Guardian and to provide the terrestrial technical infrastructure and satellite airtime over the next 10 years.

McMurdo Ltd, the marine electronic and safety equipment manufacturer, will produce, promote and distribute the on-board equipment.

Jim Cullumbine, RNLI business development manager for the MOB Guardian system, said:

“Our relationship with AWS has been extremely important for this project.

“They have provided technical and development expertise of the highest order and we are delighted that they will be working with us for the foreseeable future on this very important safety system.”

Richard Anscombe, commercial director at AWS, said: “We are pleased to continue our strong relationship with RNLI. This is a testament of our ability to be flexible to their evolving needs, and we too are excited about our contribution to such an important project.”