PLB/Flares

[Daydream believer]

If you test the epirb as much as some suggest how long will the battery last

 

[jerrytug]

If you test the epirb as much as some suggest how long will the battery last

My McMurdo says in the instructions, if you test at the intervals they reccomend (which I can't remember just now) then the battery will last as long as it is meant to, why not just follow the instructions, they are all free on the net.

 

[trapezeartist]

But you will have done that test with it static and optimally aligned for the SATs. Move 200nm and get in the water and see how long it takes.

You're right, I wasn't moving, but I don't see why that should make a difference. And it was no more "optimally aligned" than it would be in real use: simply held in the recommended orientation. This is the first time I have ever tested the GPS so it was a totally "cold" test. I'm satisfied it was a valid and realistic test.

 

[VicMallows]

My McMurdo says in the instructions, ............... why not just follow the instructions

Because I know only too well that in big organizations the 'instructions' are written by technical authors often with minimal input/feedback from the actual Engineers responsible.

 

[William_H]

Back to the original post, I look forward to the time when our local authorities abandon the requirement for carriage of in date falres. They also require the boiat to carry an EPIRB.
It is unlikely a person would carry flares on them when they fall overboard but a personal beacon might seem a reasonable thing to wear. Certainly a more positive chance of rescue even if it takes some time. Flares are horible things. In the news last week a girl was hit by a fare at a party and badly burned. I will bet it was stolen. No one would set one off for fun if they paid for it. I imagine it was a rocket falre as our regs virtually demand rocket flares over hand held red. So yes lets get rid of flares olewill

 

[charles_reed]

They serve two different, but related purposes. Which you choose depends on what you see as the greatest risk. Flares are for attracting attention visually and perhaps helping rescuers home in on you. EPIRBs are to signal a boat is requiring assistance and once set off does not need any human attention, a PLB locates the position of an individual and needs to be activated and kept out of the water. Neither can be "seen" by other people or vessels, but a remote observer and neither are instant. A DSC radio performs a similar function to an EPIRB but range limited by VHF range. However will be heard instantly by both other vessels (assuming their radio is on) and shoreside observers who can arrange assistance.

So, for coastal cruising a DSC is most important, out of VHF range then an EPIRB or PLB (but recognising they are not "instant"). Flares of less importance given the other methods available, but have been proved to be useful in the past.

There is lobbying to get flares removed from compulsory list on boats that have compulsory requirements on the basis that other methods do everything a flare can. Not everybody agrees.

Your info re PLBs may be slightly out-of-date - the latest are fully waterproof to 10m, BUT YES, the aerial has to be deployed and the switch pressed.
EPIRBs CAN be fully automatic and self-deploying but most aren't, however they have a 48-hr transmit life compared to 24 hrs for a PLB,
Most modern EPIRBs and PLBs have a GPS receiver and transmit a detailed position within 60 seconds of going off.
The delay in SAR is probably mainly down to the human element in the chain.
I'd agree totally that a properly set-up DSC, connected to a GPS signal and with a registered MMSI is probably the most anyone needs.
However try justifying a lack of flares, or out-of-date flares to Portuguese coastguards and the Greek Limenikos Soma and you'll receive a rude answer.

 

[Daydream believer]

I'd agree totally that a properly set-up DSC, connected to a GPS signal and with a registered MMSI is probably the most anyone

& if the mast goes over the side?

 

[lustyd]

I'd agree totally that a properly set-up DSC, connected to a GPS signal and with a registered MMSI is probably the most anyone needs.

The chap in the RIB who fell overboard in the Irish Sea last year would probably disagree, and he'd thank his PLB for the fact that he's able to disagree!

 

[lustyd]

worn round neck when single handed

I can see two issues there - firstly losing it as you go overboard (hopefully you have the floating case on it) and secondly getting strangled by the cord as your LJ goes off and it gets tangled. I noticed last weekend that McMurdo now have a much better case to attach to the LJ straps which allows you to remove it more easily. It looks much stronger than the yellow plastic one included in the pack too http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/99246853/mcmurdo-fastfind-belt-pouch

 

[VicMallows]

I'd agree totally that a properly set-up DSC, connected to a GPS signal and with a registered MMSI is probably the most anyone needs.

Indeed, if one of the 'man-overboard' alarms (which trigger if the base unit LOOSES contact with the wearer) could be interfaced to a DSC radio this could be an excellent solution for single-handers when within VHF range. In theory the DSC alert could also contain the relevant information that a single-hander was overboard. Sadly any such device would not be 'legal' under present rules.

 

[lustyd]

Indeed, if one of the 'man-overboard' alarms (which trigger if the base unit LOOSES contact with the wearer) could be interfaced to a DSC radio this could be an excellent solution for single-handers when within VHF range. In theory the DSC alert could also contain the relevant information that a single-hander was overboard. Sadly any such device would not be 'legal' under present rules.

I can see this wasting a lot of rescue resources. What's the issue with just using a PLB, this scenario is exactly what they are for!

 

[saltyrob]

Hi Folks,

I have given the moths in my wallet an airing and bought a Kannad Safelink Solo .Its a little fella and practical for our smallish cruiser and sailing range. Mrs Salty is a competent crew but likes the reassurance, so that alone makes it worth while.

Please check your LJ , inflated mine and inflatable bag have a tiny hole in it .

Many thanks for your comments


Rob

 

[VicMallows]

I can see this wasting a lot of rescue resources. What's the issue with just using a PLB, this scenario is exactly what they are for!

Yes, I can see your point if on a crewed yacht an alert was triggered even though the MOB was easily recovered by the crew. I was primarily thinking about single-handers, and the (alleged) considerable delay before a PLB alert is acted upon. No ideal solution

 

[lustyd]

Yes, I can see your point if on a crewed yacht an alert was triggered even though the MOB was easily recovered by the crew. I was primarily thinking about single-handers, and the (alleged) considerable delay before a PLB alert is acted upon. No ideal solution

The chap on the RIB was picked up rather quickly I seem to recall so I'd say PLB is the ideal solution and comments to the contrary are idle speculation, hence your use of the word alleged. Unfortunately the idle speculation you've been reading has slowed adoption of this technology and potentially cost some lives as a result.

 

[prv]

Yes, I can see your point if on a crewed yacht an alert was triggered even though the MOB was easily recovered by the crew.

That's not the false alarm scenario. That's a genuine alert which may then be cancelled if appropriate.

The false alarm scenario is when Fred wanders off to the marina bogs with his tag still in his pocket, or Bob's fridge compressor occasionally disrupts the signal, or Gladys's battery goes flat, or any of the other reasons that people with MOB alarms report them going off. If it's just a siren going off on the boat then no harm done, but if Fred's radio is busy broadcasting automated maydays all the time he's studying the back of the cubicle door, then a lot of SAR time and money will be wasted and such alerts will be taken less seriously.

Pete