Spot 3 tracker

[pcatterall]

Just bought one of these gadgets and quite impressed to date. Very handy way to keep everyone in touch with your whereabouts, interesting for friends to find out where you are and of comfort to my nearest and dearest as we report in.
I am getting a handle on who should be on the recipient list for the messaging opportunities and how we can use the 'help' message without alarming anyone.

I wonder though about the SOS function, this is potentially very handy but does anyone know what actually happens when you send an SOS message?

I would guess that the system operators will get in touch with the appropriate emergency service and be able to link them with your signal so they can see your position and access any tracking info, they wont have any info about the boat, as I was not asked to supply this.
There seems that there could be an opportunity to enhance the value of these and similar devices in relation to sailing. A coast guard chap I spoke to said 'they' were aware of the potential and were looking in to how to get the best out of it.

Any thoughts?

 

[Pords]

Believe there is a lot of info on the jester challenge link further down the page. Good bit of kit by all accounts and have looked at investing myself.

 

[pcatterall]

I just searched GEOS SAR flash reports and see a number of land and sea shouts which followed activation of the SPOT trackers SOS.
While I would not suggest the SPOT instead of the a 'proper' EPRIB It seems to have good value in emergencies plus its more routine message and tracker function. I like the idea of a bit of kit that you know works because you use it a lot and have the confidence that it will work in an emergency.