PLB's

[Sneaky Pete]

I am looking to buy a PLB. As well as GPS some have AIS fitted. I don’t know if there is much advantage to the AIS for cruising inshore. Can anyone comment from personal experience of what are the best and worst on the market just now? I wear a lifejacket all the time on the boat so would prefer one that can attach to this.

 

[Plum]

I am looking to buy a PLB. As well as GPS some have AIS fitted. I don’t know if there is much advantage to the AIS for cruising inshore. Can anyone comment from personal experience of what are the best and worst on the market just now? I wear a lifejacket all the time on the boat so would prefer one that can attach to this.

I decided, particularly as I mostly sail single handed, not to go for and AIS transmitter plb, but to go for the http://oceansignal.com/products/plb1/ for two reasons: 1 because of its small size it fits inside my lifejacket clipped to the inflation tube, if it is anywhere else if you end up in the water and your LJ inflates you would struggle to find it. 2 it has a very long battery life meaning you get more years out of it before having to worry about replacement.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Hoolie]

AFAIK you can't get combined PLB and AIS yet. PLB contacts rescue services via satellite so you float and wait. The AIS versions are aimed at local recovery mainly by the boat the MOB fell off.

If you single-hand then a PLB is best. If you're multi-crew then AIS is best. If you have an unlimited budget then buy both. I think you will find all the devices on offer will do what they say they do, though size may be a factor in deciding which to buy.

 

[William_H]

As said AIS is only useful to the mother ship if returning to find you. All other vessels will be (perhaps not immediately) alerted to your GPS coordinates via the authorities. You decide but I would not think AIS vital to a PLB. olewill

 

[knuterikt]

As said AIS is only useful to the mother ship if returning to find you. All other vessels will be (perhaps not immediately) alerted to your GPS coordinates via the authorities.

All vessels equiped with AIS receiver will receive the AIS mob message with position data immediately. If they get an alarm depends on the equipment installed.

 

[PaulRainbow]

All vessels equiped with AIS receiver will receive the AIS mob message with position data immediately. If they get an alarm depends on the equipment installed.

Some will also send a DSC alert.