Safe on the move with AIS – Karl Ocean relies on the easyTRX3S

Annika and Eric from the YouTube channel Karl Ocean and the Instagram channel karl.ocean document their life on a sailboat, including the refit of their over 40-year-old sailboat, Karl – authentic, entertaining, and with great attention to detail. Their journey inspires thousands of followers, who accompany the couple on their journey to a long-distance cruising lifestyle.

Safety on board plays a central role for them – especially on the high seas. The AIS Transceiver easyTRX3S has recently become an important part of their safety equipment. While many boats only receive AIS, the easyTRX3S also enables the active transmission of AIS signals. This means that Annika and Eric are recognized by other vessels and visible on the plotter – a huge advantage, especially at night, in poor visibility, or in busy sea areas.

“Now other boats can see us, which gives us a huge safety factor – especially when sailing at night.”
– Eric from Karl Ocean

 

Why an AIS transceiver?

AIS (Automatic Identification System) ensures that vessels are more easily perceived by one another. Many recreational boats use AIS only passively – they receive signals from other vessels but do not transmit their own. The easyTRX3S closes this gap because it is a so-called Class B AIS transceiver that both receives and transmits. For Annika and Eric, this means:

  • Better visibility for other vessels
  • Early collision avoidance
  • Greater safety while sailing – even at night or in poor visibility
  • Increased visibility in busy areas

 

Simple installation, reliable operation

The easyTRX3S is easy to integrate on board and is compatible with common chart plotters and on-board networks. Thanks to integrated interfaces (such as NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, or USB), connection is quick and easy – even for DIY crews like Eric and Annika.

“Installation was super easy!”
– Eric from Karl Ocean

The transceiver regularly transmits position data, course, speed, and other information. This not only makes Karl more visible, but also actively communicates with his surroundings – a safety benefit that provides peace of mind.

 

The special thing about the easyTRX3S – ME SENSE inside!

Ob im dichten Verkehr, bei Nachtfahrten oder auf Langstrecke: Wer sendet, wird gesehen. Für Karl Ocean ein klarer Schritt in Richtung professioneller Ausrüstung – und ein gutes Gefühl bei jeder Überfahrt.
Zudem beim easyTRX3S einzigartig, ist das integrierte ME SENSE Relay zur smarten Bootsüberwachung per App. Es gibt zahlreiche Sensoren zu nahezu allen wichtigen Bootsdaten, die einfach und unkompliziert montiert werden können. So sind die beiden immer Up to date, auch wenn sie ausnahmsweise mal nicht an Bord sind.

Whether in heavy traffic, during night trips, or on long-distance journeys: whoever transmits is seen. For Karl Ocean, this is a clear step toward professional equipment – ​​and a reassuring feeling on every crossing.
Also unique to the easyTRX3S is the integrated ME SENSE Relay for smart Boat Monitoring via app. There are numerous sensors for almost all important boat data that can be installed easily and simply. This way, the two are always up to date, even when they are not on board for a change.

“We can see how our boat is doing at any time in the app.”
– Eric from Karl Ocean

YouTube Kanal of Annika and Eric

Office closed – Public Holidays May/June 2025

Weatherdock Office closed 2022

Due to some upcoming holidays in May, we would like to inform you that our office will be closed on the following days:

May 1, 2025 – Labor Day
May 29, 2025 – Ascension Day
May 30, 2025 – Bridge Day
June 9, 2025 – Whit Monday
June 19, 2025 – Corpus Christi
June 20, 2025 – Bridge Day

We will process your requests as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

Important information about AIS Class M

We are currently receiving many inquiries about the new AIS Class M and would like to provide more clarity:

 

Are easyRESCUE devices still compliant with the standard?

YES – all of our easyRESCUE devices are still approved! They are considered AIS SART devices, which are subject to an even stricter standard (IEC61097-14). AIS SART devices meet SOLAS requirements and are also approved for commercial shipping.

All easyRESCUE variants equipped with DSC have always implemented the DSC function (send and receive) according to Class M. Therefore, all of our easyRESCUE variants with DSC are still approved under the new standard.

 

What’s new?

The new AIS Class M standard only applies to AIS MOB devices. The following new regulations apply to AIS Class M as of January 2025:

  • All automatic activation devices must be deactivated (arm/disarm switch).
  • In addition to the “closed loop” (a pre-programmed MMSI number range), DSC is also transmitted in the “open loop,” thus placing a distress call within the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) rescue chain.
  • DSC must not only be transmitted but also received in order to acknowledge a distress call and clear the radio channel.
    Only AIS MOB devices capable of receiving DSC are permitted to alert on AIS frequencies.
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Aktuelle Weatherdock-Produkte sind normkonform!

  • AIS Class M – new standard (ECDIS 63269 IEC 2022)
    Required product features at a glance:

    • DSC in “closed loop” and “open loop”
    • DSC transmission and reception
    • Automatic triggering can be switched off
  • easy2-MOB fully compliant and approved
  • easyRESCUE product family fully compliant and approved

What does this mean for Weatherdock products?

  • AIS SART devices without DSC – like some of our easyRESCUE variants – do not fall under the new AIS Class M standard, but rather under a different, still valid standard.
  • AIS SART devices with DSC – like our easyRESCUE-PRO(BT) and our easyRESCUE-PRO3 – fall under and comply with the new AIS Class M standard in addition to the AIS SART standard.
  • All easyRESCUE devices continue to comply with the standard and are approved.
  • Our easy2-MOB is certified according to the new AIS Class M standard and may be used and sold without restrictions.

 

⇒ What this means for you:

✅ All Weatherdock rescue beacons (easyRESCUE & easy2-MOB) may continue to be sold/purchased and used – fully compliant with the regulations.

AIS standards – This applies to our products

Product Approval as AIS MOB (AIS Class M)
(IEC63269)
Approval as AIS SART (SOLAS)
(IEC61097-14)
easy2-MOB (A22800) ✔️ Approved ❌ No AIS SART, but AIS MOB
easyRESCUE Standard (A040) ❌ No AIS MOB, but AIS SART, no DSC ✔️ Approved
easyRESCUE Automatik (A049) ❌ No AIS MOB, but AIS SART, no DSC ✔️ Approved
easyRECUE-BW-COM (A040-BW-COM) ❌ No AIS MOB, but AIS SART, no DSC ✔️ Approved
easyRESCUE-PRO(BT) ✔️ Approved ✔️ Approved
easyRESCUE-PRO3 ✔️ Approved ✔️ Approved

Image Video of german Sea Rescue Equipment Association FSR (Fachverband Seenot-Rettungsmittel e. V.)

The German Maritime Rescue Equipment Association FSR (Fachverband Seenot-Rettungsmittel e. V.) is an organization that has been committed to safety on the water for over 40 years. The association unites leading manufacturers and importers of marine rescue equipment with the goal of promoting innovative and reliable safety equipment for commercial and recreational shipping.

The FSR is involved in the following areas:
Promotion of safety standards: Development and improvement of marine rescue equipment
Education & training: Seminars and lectures for water sports enthusiasts on safety measures
Cooperation with authorities: Support with standards and legal requirements

Through its activities, the FSR actively contributes to improving safety on the water.
Weatherdock AG is also a member of the association and is committed to the highest safety standards in the maritime industry.

 

FSR Image Video

As part of BOOT Düsseldorf 2025, the FSR interviewed its members for a new image video. The video focuses on the importance of safety equipment and measures in water sports. Our CEO, Alfred Kotouczek, also has his say. Watch the video here >

 

Seminars and Lectures of the German Association for Maritime Rescue (FSR)

The German Association for Maritime Rescue Equipment (FSR) offers various seminars and lectures aimed at water sports enthusiasts and designed to raise awareness of safety on the water. A key offering is the safety seminar under the motto “Safety and Joy on the Boat.” This seminar sensitizes participants to potential hazards at sea and imparts knowledge about the correct safety equipment and its use. It is aimed particularly at small crews on sailing or motor yachts.

 

FSR at BOOT Düsseldorf

In addition to seminars, the FSR organizes theme days on specific safety aspects at trade fairs such as BOOT Düsseldorf. For example, theme days on pyrotechnics, cold-weather suits, and life rafts were offered in 2025. These events allow participants to delve deeply into specific safety topics and gain practical experience.

Together with the FSR, we are committed to ensuring that safety on the water is always our top priority.

More about the FSR - German Sea Rescue Equipment Association

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