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Small-scale safety devices help sailors

The Guardian watch can be automatically or manually activated

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Two wristwatch-sized safety devices are helping sailors in the Volvo Ocean Race.

All the crews in the race are wearing Guardian beacons as they sail round the world.

Sailors have died in the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean in previous events, as the giant waves and bitter cold make it hard to survive for long in the water.

The Guardian combines a fully functioning wristwatch with the latest in miniature transmitter technology that alerts the emergency services if an individual falls overboard.

Paul Greensmith of UK company McMurdo, which makes the Guardian, said the watch can be programmed to transmit automatically or be manually activated.

VIDEO Small-scale safety devices help sailors through some tough spots. CNN looks at two wristwatch-sized ones. Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

"The transmission can then be picked up by the yacht or a search and rescue helicopter."

A receiver picks up the distress signal on the international emergency search and rescue frequency. Indicator lights help to locate the sailor overboard, even in poor visibility and heavy seas.

"There have been personal location beacons, but they tend to be fairly large, bulky items. The new Guardian watch is unique because it is built into an ordinary digital wristwatch and is very comfortable to wear," Greensmith said.

Another piece of wrist-top technology is being tried out by Grant Dalton, the highly experienced Kiwi skipper of Amer Sports One.

Herve Riffault of manufacturer Suunto said the M9 personal navigation provides information on the wrist rather than having to look at different electronic devices on the boat.

Having a computer like this so conveniently placed, life is much easier for the average sailor. And with information now easily accessible, there's more time on board the boat to make those important tactical decisions.