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| - | <<stories:coastguard_rescue_safety_lessons|Previous Story^stories:bellingham_stories|Story List^stories:rescue_avoidance|Next Story>> | + | <<stories:rescue_comm|Previous Story^stories:bellingham_stories|Story List^stories:rescue_avoidance|Next Story>> |
| ===== PLB - anyone using? ===== | ===== PLB - anyone using? ===== | ||
| - | **Reivers Dustin** 12/15/22 #32910 | + | **Reivers Dustin** 12/15/22 #32910 |
| - | I'm looking at ACR ResQLink. It's a one-time deal (send to manufacturer after each use). Not for use as GPS or commo device unless you pay optional subscription for texting stuff. Anyone have one? ... even better ever fire it off? | + | I'm looking at ACR ResQLink. It's a one-time deal (send to manufacturer after each use). Not for use as GPS or commo device unless you pay optional subscription for texting stuff. Anyone have one? … even better ever fire it off? |
| - | The Garmin "InReach" is nearly as good, but I don't want nothing but a panic button. InReach requires subscription in order to function. | + | The Garmin "InReach" is nearly as good, but I don't want nothing but a panic button. InReach requires subscription in order to function. |
| - | Also, cell phone coverage is never guaranteed. How about the times my wife gets my text message the next day? Texts are low power transmissions, but they are "non-deterministic" Cell company has no required minimum latency. They can take all the time they want. If cell phone is your thing, get a sat-phone (and pay the bucks). You will have assured reception. Oh, and yes, Sat-phone texts are still low transmit priority. | + | Also, cell phone coverage is never guaranteed. How about the times my wife gets my text message the next day? Texts are low power transmissions, but they are "non-deterministic" Cell company has no required minimum latency. They can take all the time they want. If cell phone is your thing, get a sat-phone (and pay the bucks). You will have assured reception. Oh, and yes, Sat-phone texts are still low transmit priority. |
| - | As with the VHF radio, my plan is to never use this. However, I also plan to not bet my life on the weather, the logs, the rudder cable, ... or on all those lovely promises my fellow paddlers whisper in my ear before a big downwinder. | + | As with the VHF radio, my plan is to never use this. However, I also plan to not bet my life on the weather, the logs, the rudder cable, … or on all those lovely promises my fellow paddlers whisper in my ear before a big downwinder. |
| - | **Reivers Dustin **12/15/22 #32913 \\ | + | **Reivers Dustin **12/15/22 #32913\\ |
| - | Just saw this one: \\ | + | Just saw this one:\\ |
| - | McMurdo Fastfind Return Link PLB (marinesuperstore.com) | + | [[https://www.marinesuperstore.com/safety-beacons/plb-ais/mcmurdo-fastfind-return-link-plb|McMurdo Fastfind Return Link PLB (marinesuperstore.com)]] |
| - | **Reivers Dustin **12/15/22 #32915 | + | **Reivers Dustin **12/15/22 #32915 |
| Better link: | Better link: | ||
| - | Amazon.com: McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) (45016) : Everything Else | + | [[https://www.amazon.com/McMurdo-Fast-Find-220-PLB/dp/B008OPJGBC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K4GQBV8VAVWI&keywords=fast+find+mcmurdo&qid=1671146391&sprefix=fast+find+mcmurdo,aps,118&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1|Amazon.com: McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) (45016) : Everything Else]] |
| - | **Gabriel Wicke **12/15/22 #32920 | + | **Gabriel Wicke **12/15/22 #32920 |
| I have been carrying the ACR ResQLink for a eight years or so, but have not yet used it. I like that it is free and supposedly very reliable, even in steep mountain terrain without a clear view of the sky. You need to renew the registration with NOAA every couple years (simple online form), and after five years or so you need a new battery. Apart from that it is zero maintenance. | I have been carrying the ACR ResQLink for a eight years or so, but have not yet used it. I like that it is free and supposedly very reliable, even in steep mountain terrain without a clear view of the sky. You need to renew the registration with NOAA every couple years (simple online form), and after five years or so you need a new battery. Apart from that it is zero maintenance. | ||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
| Definitely a very good combo with a VHF for paddling, in my view. | Definitely a very good combo with a VHF for paddling, in my view. | ||
| - | **zach** 12/15/22 #32921 | + | **zach** 12/15/22 #32921 |
| I have had one of those yellow plastic mcmurdo PLBs since 2011. Bought it the day after a buddy died downwinding (cell phone was on the ski and the ski blew away when the leash failed). The plb lives on my PFD. I don't know if it is better or worse than the more popular but more expensive ACR. I do think the ACR attaches more easily to the shoulder strap of the pfd, which I think is of some importance. The antenna has to be out of the water for it to transmit from what I have read. If it is not attached to the shoulder or maybe the top of your head you would have to hold it in the air with one of your hands, which seems like it could be a royal PITA if keeping yourself alive out there is a two hand job. The plb sends two signals - one that goes to satellites overhead every 50 seconds and gives your name and GPS location to search and rescue, and a second continuous locally broadcast homing frequency that allows the rescuers to precisely locate you somewhat like an avalanche beacon would. Does the local sheriff and DNR have the receiver to pick up that homing frequency? they might not. But I imagine in places with coast guard coverage they are capable of that. I have had mine serviced. It gets sent to england for a $100 battery replacement and overhaul every 5 years turnaround time was less than two weeks. Most of the places I downwind don't have VHF repeater stations or probably even anyone monitoring the VHF, so for me the PLB is a no brainer. $230 is half the price of a paddle, and battery replacement and refurbishment amounts to $20 a year. I can't justify not having one. | I have had one of those yellow plastic mcmurdo PLBs since 2011. Bought it the day after a buddy died downwinding (cell phone was on the ski and the ski blew away when the leash failed). The plb lives on my PFD. I don't know if it is better or worse than the more popular but more expensive ACR. I do think the ACR attaches more easily to the shoulder strap of the pfd, which I think is of some importance. The antenna has to be out of the water for it to transmit from what I have read. If it is not attached to the shoulder or maybe the top of your head you would have to hold it in the air with one of your hands, which seems like it could be a royal PITA if keeping yourself alive out there is a two hand job. The plb sends two signals - one that goes to satellites overhead every 50 seconds and gives your name and GPS location to search and rescue, and a second continuous locally broadcast homing frequency that allows the rescuers to precisely locate you somewhat like an avalanche beacon would. Does the local sheriff and DNR have the receiver to pick up that homing frequency? they might not. But I imagine in places with coast guard coverage they are capable of that. I have had mine serviced. It gets sent to england for a $100 battery replacement and overhaul every 5 years turnaround time was less than two weeks. Most of the places I downwind don't have VHF repeater stations or probably even anyone monitoring the VHF, so for me the PLB is a no brainer. $230 is half the price of a paddle, and battery replacement and refurbishment amounts to $20 a year. I can't justify not having one. | ||
| - | **Larry Bussinger **12/16/22 #32922 | + | **Larry Bussinger **12/16/22 #32922 |
| - | I just watched a video on this and the instructions are to: hold in a horizontal orientation and don’t let the antenna get submerged. Doesn’t seem to useful when in the water hanging on to your boat. | + | I just watched a video on this and the instructions are to: hold in a horizontal orientation and don’t let the antenna get submerged. Doesn’t seem to useful when in the water hanging on to your boat. |
| Larry B | Larry B | ||
| - | **Reivers Dustin **12/16/22 #32923 | + | **Reivers Dustin **12/16/22 #32923 |
| - | All these opinions. All this advice. head is exploding. We just need to move on to the next crash-test dummy. Or maaaaybee, as LB suggested, can someone ask the Coast Guard for their advice? Ewe. so un-manly. Ask for guidance is a sign of weakness. Better to die with honor. Hoooraaa. | + | All these opinions. All this advice. head is exploding. We just need to move on to the next crash-test dummy. Or maaaaybee, as LB suggested, can someone ask the Coast Guard for their advice? Ewe. so un-manly. Ask for guidance is a sign of weakness. Better to die with honor. Hoooraaa. |
| - | **Dennis Mowry **12/16/22 #32930 | + | **Dennis Mowry **12/16/22 #32930 |
| I'm with Reivers on TMI. I'm waiting for the final decision.\\ | I'm with Reivers on TMI. I'm waiting for the final decision.\\ | ||
| :D' | :D' | ||
| - | **Reivers Dustin **12/16/22 #32932 | + | **Reivers Dustin **12/16/22 #32932 |
| - | Just registered PLB. A kindly note from the govmnt: (and no, I do not understand what this means) | + | Just registered PLB. A kindly note from the govmnt: (and no, I do not understand what this means) |
| IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding New Types of Beacons\\ | IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding New Types of Beacons\\ | ||
| Distress-tracking ELTs and 23-hex second generation beacons are not yet authorized for use in the US. If you are registering an ELT(DT) or a 23-hex SGB, understand that your registration will not be active in the SARSAT system until its beacon type has been officially authorized | Distress-tracking ELTs and 23-hex second generation beacons are not yet authorized for use in the US. If you are registering an ELT(DT) or a 23-hex SGB, understand that your registration will not be active in the SARSAT system until its beacon type has been officially authorized | ||
| - | **Paul Reavley **12/16/22 #32933 | + | **Paul Reavley **12/16/22 #32933 |
| This is about newer beacons that aren't authorized for use in the US yet. | This is about newer beacons that aren't authorized for use in the US yet. | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
| ELTs are for aviation emergency tracking so we don't need to worry about those for on the water use. 23-hex is a newer beacon tech spec that we aren't using and probably can't buy yet in the US. I suspect you won't see it for sale in the US until it is approved for use and incorporated into being supported by our rescue orgs. I suppose you might find be able to find a foreign source of beacons already using this tech - and that's what this warning is about. | ELTs are for aviation emergency tracking so we don't need to worry about those for on the water use. 23-hex is a newer beacon tech spec that we aren't using and probably can't buy yet in the US. I suspect you won't see it for sale in the US until it is approved for use and incorporated into being supported by our rescue orgs. I suppose you might find be able to find a foreign source of beacons already using this tech - and that's what this warning is about. | ||
| - | **beau whitehead **12/16/22 #32934 | + | **beau whitehead **12/16/22 #32934 |
| - | Had a lengthy discussion with a coworker who was on the fire boat Salish Star last Saturday. This person also happened to be in the Coast Guard until about 3 years ago and was stationed in Bellingham for several years. \\ | + | Had a lengthy discussion with a coworker who was on the fire boat Salish Star last Saturday. This person also happened to be in the Coast Guard until about 3 years ago and was stationed in Bellingham for several years.\\ |
| - | I basically asked him; what works, what doesn't and what the fire boat is equipped with and what the local CG has. (Keep in mind this is only for Bellingham Bay, not Lake Whatcom, not the Gorge. Those of you looking for one device that will miraculously save your life everywhere, well good luck with that.). Some of this has been already stated, ad nauseam (-: | + | I basically asked him; what works, what doesn't and what the fire boat is equipped with and what the local CG has. (Keep in mind this is only for Bellingham Bay, not Lake Whatcom, not the Gorge. Those of you looking for one device that will miraculously save your life everywhere, well good luck with that.). Some of this has been already stated, ad nauseam (-: |
| - | *VHF works, especially DSC (digital selective calling). Verbal communication via VHF might not work in a paddling situation, in high wind with water on the mic. But, VHF Channel 16, as well as DSC signals are monitored 24/7 at Coast Guard station Bellingham. On Saturday, once the CG picked up Dan's DSC, rescue didn't take long.\\ | + | *VHF works, especially DSC (digital selective calling). Verbal communication via VHF might not work in a paddling situation, in high wind with water on the mic. But, VHF Channel 16, as well as DSC signals are monitored 24/7 at Coast Guard station Bellingham. On Saturday, once the CG picked up Dan's DSC, rescue didn't take long.\\ |
| - | *EPIRB works if you are on a boat, sailboat, non-sinking vessel where you can operate it effectively. It is monitored by the Coast Guard. \\ | + | *EPIRB works if you are on a boat, sailboat, non-sinking vessel where you can operate it effectively. It is monitored by the Coast Guard.\\ |
| *PLB also can work, but like the EPIRB, uses satellite and there have been many occasions where it has taken up to 45 minutes to be received.\\ | *PLB also can work, but like the EPIRB, uses satellite and there have been many occasions where it has taken up to 45 minutes to be received.\\ | ||
| - | *Cell phone/Apple Watch: works great for the person on shore, who is calling for their buddy. Not great for the solo paddler. CG and Fire can't magically track your GPS on your phone or watch. 911 dispatch 'might' be able to get latitude/longitude from your first call, but if you are moving, it won't be updated. Very long lag time. Chatting with 911 is a loser idea vs VHF. (although better than nothing if it's all you have). | + | *Cell phone/Apple Watch: works great for the person on shore, who is calling for their buddy. Not great for the solo paddler. CG and Fire can't magically track your GPS on your phone or watch. 911 dispatch 'might' be able to get latitude/longitude from your first call, but if you are moving, it won't be updated. Very long lag time. Chatting with 911 is a loser idea vs VHF. (although better than nothing if it's all you have). |
| - | *Bright clothes work, although the guys Saturday checked a lot of crab pot buoys that are the same color as Vaikiobi PFDs's. Hanging on to the ski also helped with locating. \\ | + | *Bright clothes work, although the guys Saturday checked a lot of crab pot buoys that are the same color as Vaikiobi PFDs's. Hanging on to the ski also helped with locating.\\ |
| - | *Flares/smoke work. Especially in conjunction with DSC. | + | *Flares/smoke work. Especially in conjunction with DSC. |
| Monday morning quarterbacking Dan's ordeal, he did everything right, the guy is a rockstar in my eyes. My coworker who I spoke with said the only thing he would add is 1) calling earlier and 2) using flares or smoke in conjunction with the DSC. (he did admit that operating both might be difficult once hand dexterity was lost form cold) | Monday morning quarterbacking Dan's ordeal, he did everything right, the guy is a rockstar in my eyes. My coworker who I spoke with said the only thing he would add is 1) calling earlier and 2) using flares or smoke in conjunction with the DSC. (he did admit that operating both might be difficult once hand dexterity was lost form cold) | ||
| - | Technology is quickly changing and improving. But it doesn't mean it's available here & now. Just because you see the latest tech emergency beacon on your Google search, don't assume it will work here or that first responder know what the hell it is. \\ | + | Technology is quickly changing and improving. But it doesn't mean it's available here & now. Just because you see the latest tech emergency beacon on your Google search, don't assume it will work here or that first responder know what the hell it is. |
| - | **Reivers Dustin **12/16/22 #32935 | + | |
| - | Ok. Now we call him "Mic-Drop Beau". | + | **Reivers Dustin **12/16/22 #32935 |
| - | **D. Thompson **12/16/22 #32938 | + | Ok. Now we call him "Mic-Drop Beau". |
| + | |||
| + | **D. Thompson **12/16/22 #32938 | ||
| Rescue Streamer | Rescue Streamer | ||
| - | http://seerescuestreamer.com/about/?fs=e&s=cl | + | {{https://surfski.wiki//lib/plugins/ckgedit/fckeditor/userfiles/image/rescue/streamer.jpg?direct&600x354|streamer.jpg}} |
| + | |||
| + | [[http://seerescuestreamer.com/about/?fs=e&s=cl|http://seerescuestreamer.com/about/?fs=e&s=cl]] | ||
| Dr. Robert Yonover\\ | Dr. Robert Yonover\\ | ||
| Line 103: | Line 106: | ||
| For more information, see Hardcore Inventing Book (Skyhorse Publishing, NY) and Brainstorm Islands Book (for the creative/inventive child). | For more information, see Hardcore Inventing Book (Skyhorse Publishing, NY) and Brainstorm Islands Book (for the creative/inventive child). | ||
| - | ------ | + | ---- |
| - | **Larry Bussinger **12/17/22 #32939 | + | **Larry Bussinger **12/17/22 #32939 |
| Thanks Beau and coworker. | Thanks Beau and coworker. | ||
| Line 111: | Line 114: | ||
| Larry Bussinger | Larry Bussinger | ||
| - | **waterbornewarrior **12/17/22 #32940 | + | **waterbornewarrior **12/17/22 #32940 |
| - | I finally picked up a PLB after the Maui incident described below, and specifically the CG comment in the MauiNow article. It was the first time I'd seen a real world example of one used by an open-water paddler. | + | I finally picked up a PLB after the Maui incident described below, and specifically the CG comment in the MauiNow article. It was the first time I'd seen a real world example of one used by an open-water paddler. |
| - | The PLB doesn't seem any more onerous to deploy than DSC - clipped to PFD shoulder strap, and could likely stay there. (Sure, doesn't work submerged. Nor do any of your devices.) The fancier ACR one has sent and received notifications, a little piece of mind vs just wondering. Nobody has mentioned it's not a one-trick pony, so get your money's worth by take it hiking, biking, skiing, para-gliding, or motor-sporting of your choice... | + | The PLB doesn't seem any more onerous to deploy than DSC - clipped to PFD shoulder strap, and could likely stay there. (Sure, doesn't work submerged. Nor do any of your devices.) The fancier ACR one has sent and received notifications, a little piece of mind vs just wondering. Nobody has mentioned it's not a one-trick pony, so get your money's worth by take it hiking, biking, skiing, para-gliding, or motor-sporting of your choice… |
| “This case really highlights the importance of having an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Cox, a Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstander. “Had we not received the EPIRB alert we would not have known anything was wrong for some time.” | “This case really highlights the importance of having an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Cox, a Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstander. “Had we not received the EPIRB alert we would not have known anything was wrong for some time.” | ||
| The incident is a bit slow to unravel via this thread, but a lot of interesting info:\\ | The incident is a bit slow to unravel via this thread, but a lot of interesting info:\\ | ||
| - | https://surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19950-maui-rescue-plb.html | + | [[https://surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19950-maui-rescue-plb.html|https://surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19950-maui-rescue-plb.html]] |
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