A second EPIRB?

I

In the know

Active member
exMember
Joined
Apr 12, 2006
RO Number
20824
Messages
2,958
I currently have a Cat I EPIRB on board, but have been toying with the idea of adding a second Cat II for my ditch bag in case 1) I am unable to manually activate the Cat I, or 2) It does not release.

Thoughts and opinions?
 
Liz:

I do venture offshore for fishing - hence the first EPIRB. Each year I like to add at least 1 safety device and this seems like a logical choice.
 
I sure can't argue with that logic. I've read true stories where the first EPIRB didn't operate and there is not another in the ditch bag and they sure wished they had one.
 
I think I might consider one of the personal EPIRBS so that you always have one with you, even when fishing on a friend's boat. I have considered the same thing.
 
Dave, another good thing about that is when on someone else's boat, you don't have to worry about whether or not his EPIRB is working!
 
Liz , Dave /Absoloot makes a good point .

I have a Cat 1 at the side of the tower console but also often carry my PLB/GPS in a secure pocket of my usually worn Mustang Bomber float coat. That gives a better chance of being covered if I go overboard or if needed when aboard a friend's boat. That Cat II might have an edge in reliability ( a good thing!) but the PLB can't be beat for wearability-convenience .
 
When we were passagemaking, we carried two EPRIBS--one in the inflatable (life raft) and the other by the companionway. Currently we have two personal locator beacons. Both are GPS enabled. We each carry one in our pocket and also a waterproof hand held VHF radio.
 
http://www.boatfix.com/cart2/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=3852
 
Just in case someone does not know what a AED is.

What is an AED?
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.

Cost of a AED and a EPRIB is similar. AED may be a little more, not much. Like laptops they keep coming down in cost.
 
I like the look of the personal EPIRB. If you were swept off the deck, you probably couldn't swim fast enough
to catch the boat. Hence, the use of Jack lines and trailing ropes behind the boat. I think I would eat, sleep and
***** with a personal epirb if I was far off shore. I'm remind of those stories of people coming across boats
sailing along, far off shore with no one onboard. Creepy.
 
"GPS interface (NMEA 0183) allows you to download your GPS coordinates from a GPS receiver into your P-EPIRB; when activated, your LAT/LON will accompany your 406 MHz signal on the first burst, dramatically saving valuable time for your distress message to reach local rescue centers"

Can someone explain this to me? Download your Lat/Lon? So you have to keep downloading where you are as you're going just incase you fall off or sink?
 
Steela- The "GPS Interface type" needs to be tethered to the onboard (can be H/H) GPS by an interface cable to provide last coordinates before a possible ditch.

I prefer the type I have that has basic built-in GPS so it is self contained with the PLB with no interfacing necessary, though interfacing can be set up with the GPS type also if one wants to avoid the somewhat longer GPS satellite aquisition period of the PLB/GPS's. That interface cable defeats what I consider the PLB's better feature- it's wearability.

I still consider the auto-deploying Cat.I in float-clear location to be the main emergency rescue position locator though.
 
That's what I thought it meant Sandy, thanks. I don't like the sound of it. Real poor conditions are not very compatible with trying to get to your GPS and unscrewing cables before you go down.

"I can't go overboard yet!! I ain't unscrewed my coax" LOL
 
Sandy:

Which PLB do you have?

As for an AED - IMO, to limited a use and trust me - you do not want me using a defibrillator - although it could be a good crew disciplinary tool.
 
That also sounds like it could make for a great drinking game! Guess wrong, do a shot, and get defibbed!
 
OK, lets think about this. EPIRB's if they work will sent a signal to tell someone that might be watching that you in need of help.Our EPIRB is one that i have to deploy,My life raft I got to deploy(well it will deploy if sinkes to more that my boat will go up less it breaks apart.) So if I need to drive the boat,help the wife, deploy the raft, deploy the epirp, Put on the suit,grab the over(i wish i had stuff bag) and do all that when the your hanging on just trying to keep the boat up right. So we all know how we all have all the things we need on us everytime we boat, and we never just go without nothing. (life jackets and stuff like that) I would think a personal EPIRB that you wore all the time , with your PFD ( i got the belt one )would be a great and very inportant item for everyone http://www.boatfix.com/cart2/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=3852 if you don't us it it can't help you. [:-eyebrows]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top