epirb / gps

[simonfraser]

hi,

i sail alone, winter time too
so i am considering buying an epirb / gps
eprib
looking at the info i am prompted to enter emergency phone no.'s
i am happy to do so, bu there is no guarantee that there will be some one at the other end
would it be reasonable to call the local coast guard station - walton on naze - to let them know when i am out at sea ?
thanks, simon

 

[[3889]]

This site states "Shore Contact.

It is vitally important that you have a nominated Shore Contact. A responsible person ashore (family/friend) must be made aware of your plans - start and finish points, time of departure/arrival, the number of people in the party and any changes to this information. It is the Shore Contact's responsibility to notify the Coastguard if they become concerned for your safety. Coastguard themselves cannot act as Shore Contact, their primary role is to co-ordinate maritime search and rescue."

 

[john_morris_uk]

You can call them, and no doubt they will take your details politely, but they will do nothing with the details unless they receive a Mayday from you or telephone call from someone saying you are missing or in trouble.

Form CG66 will give them all the details they need to help them with a search. I don't think that you will find them taking any more interest in you unless they get a distress call. Personally I don't even call the CG with passage plans etc.

I once called the CG to let them know I had lost an anchor in a force 9 and was no longer able to remain in the shelter of the headland I was hiding behind. I let them know when we had made the 40 mile passage to a safe harbour.

 

[jaycee]

as i understand the position epirbs on121.5 mhz will become unusable in 2009 and then only 406 mhz will be used.i could be wrong though.

 

[jaycee]

sorry simonfraser97,i did not see your attachment before i sent the first post.

 

[StugeronSteve]

Just bought a McMurdo with GPS, (G5?) IIRC the compulsory registration requires an emergency contact, which in my case is my brother. I suppose, by prior arrangement, you could nominate your marina office (if manned 24/7), they would know that your boat his away from its berth.

 

[boomerangben]

The contact number is required so that if the beacon transmits, the CG can call you to find out if you are indeed at sea, or if you are tucked up safe and sound with a dodgy beacon. In other words, the contact details need to include someone who knows if you are out sailing or not. I suppose if the CG know you are out sailing and the beacon goes off, it saves them a phone call.