DSC v EPIRB

[kellers]

I have just updated my VHF to the new, all-singing DSC type. Reading the instructions, if I press the emergency button a signal is sent with my position (I am connected to GPS) to the emergency services.
Does this replace the older EPIRB, which had no position locating device included?

Do I now need an EPIRB at all?

Thanks for your wisdom

Kellers

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[tony_brighton]

2 different purposes based on range. Your DSC VHF only has the range of VHF i.e. a few tens of miles (max isle Of Wight to Cherbourg on a really good day). It needs a coast radio station to alert the CG. The EPIRB is a satellite device which has largely unlimited range offshore. So I wouldn't throw out the EPIRB even if it doesn't have the optional extra GPS engine inside it (for £300!!).

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[bedouin]

Chalk and Cheese

I don't think DSC adds a significant safety benefit over VHF CH16 for coastal use - and it's dependency on the GPS, and the ships batteries, must be seen as a serious limitation. If the boat sinks, you lose DSC.

That said, for coastal work a VHF is perfectly adequate - even better if it is a waterproof hand-held.

For offshore sailing (i.e. out of guaranteed VHF range of shore) then a VHF (DSC or not) is of much less use, and an EPIRB comes into its own.

Many EPIRBS do now have GPS included so can transmit their position immediately. For those that can't the satelites can determine your position with sufficient accuracy to find you (though this can take an hour or so).

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[wooslehunter]

An EPIRB once activated will transmit continuously until the batteries are exhausted. The emergency services can track an EPIRB. Hence if you're in the poo and with the EPIRB you stand a pretty good chance of being found.

GMDSS will fix the position when the call is sent out. If you have to abandon then the VHF will stay with the boat.

Stick with the EPIRB as well. It's rare to have too much safety equipment.

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[MIKE_MCKIE]

Hate to sound like a schoolmaster, but if you have a DSC VHF set, you really should have done the RYA Short Range radio course, and if was anything like the one I attended, it will have explained ALL the emergency systems, including the EPIRB.

As everyone else has said, even if it is old, keep the EPIRB, different functions for different requirements.

Lets hope you never need to use either!
brgds
Mike

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[Mike_Martin]

Hi Kellers,

This response should really come from someone in the MCA but as I know my field.

VHF/DSC and EPIRBS are just different elements of the same GMDSS, it tends to go in lines of defence during a DISTRESS situation.

Voice comms (Satellite/MF/HF/VHF) are your first line of defence ie being able to get out an alert and keep in contact with the SAR units (as well as any vessels assisting) responding, to update them and be updated yourself.

EPIRBS are a much later, usually "last ditch" line, right in there with life rafts and grab bags. In that you've either lost or you are out of range for your comms kit or the vessel has sunk. They also have less of a comfort factor in that no-one can update you on what is going on.

The question as to whether your EPIRB is obsolete or not can't really be answered until you identify whether it is an actual EPIRB (406MHz or 1.6GHz) or a Personal Locator Beacon (121.5MHz or 243MHZ) as these do a similar job but in quite different ways and again can be viewed as different lines of defence. The general answer would be as given by the other Forumites as in it is an extra piece of back-up.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Services Section,
Radiocommunications Agency