Geostationary satellites detect non GPS 406 signals almost instantly but polar orbiting satellites are required to position fix. The position fix can take up to two hours whilst the satellites move into position. Thus whilst AMSA would be alerted very soon after beacon initiation, it can take time to get a position fix from a non GPS 406.

I'm not sure of AMSA's exact procedures; but a registered 406 distress activation can initiate SAR alert almost immediately. The beacon will send the registered user data and confirmation action can be initiated. E.g. Call a relative to confirm details of voyage etc and begin SAR procedures based on that.

With a GPS equipped 406, position information is transmitted by the beacon immediately with registration data (also later confirmed by doppler fix). Thus AMSA would also get position information when the beacon is activated. This could speed up SAR procedures.

So a GPS equipped 406 does not only improve location accuracy, but can also improve SAR response times.

Commercial aircraft do generally procedurally monitor 121.5, although it is not strictly compulsory. This is also an aircraft distress frequency that an aircraft can issue a mayday on to alert nearby air traffic etc. It is also used (though not quite correctly) for air to air communication. Aircraft will call another aircraft on 121.5 and request they move to a chat frequency. 121.5 in aircraft is usually monitored on a secondary VHF radio as the primary VHF radio is used for Air Traffic Control. The secondary VHF radio is also used for company communication, weather updating etc and so 121.5 is not continually monitored. When a beacon is detected by overflying aircraft, the details are relayed to Air Traffic Control (fade in fade out etc), ATC may then ask other aircraft to monitor and advise for general location identification. I don't know what action ATC then take in regard to this.

I have read that in the US, SAR will not be actioned on a 121.5 distress signal alone. There must be a secondary notification, concerned relative, smoke, fire etc. I am not sure about Australia.

In a Sydney - Gold Coast race some years ago, we saw a rescue helicopter head over toward a distant yacht and then shortly return. I understand they had an accidental/fault with an EPIRB, non monitored VHF etc that ticked enough boxes to initiate a SAR operation.

Without denigrating the benefits and usefulness of EPIRBs (like RACQ, I wouldn't be without it), I hazard a guess that most (more than 50%) rescues effected from EPIRB activation have been caused by poor seamanship in the first place.

ie:- Should not have been out there in those conditions in that boat. Boat was overloaded. Ran out of fuel........etc, etc.

This one could be good and it's out now on iTunes

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SirJman said..

frant said..

What absolute crap. This film should be howled down in hoots of laughter.
Who sleeps in the for'd cabin at sea? Who sleeps for more than 20 minutes when alone at sea? Who would allow the hatch over the nav table to stay open at sea? who would not be able to repair a hole above the waterline in flat calm sea? Who would climb a mast shackled tro the bosuns chair? Whowould head to sea not knowing how to broadcast a May DaY cal? l WTF is an SOS call and who makes one of those on a VHF radio on channel 88 particularly with the radio sitting on deck. Who abandons a floating vessel? If your sailing partner is frightened by this film then obviously they bhave absolutely no concept of sailing and are not ready anyway.

It is only a Hollywood movie, I'd take it for what it is. Maybe the storm happened before the epoxy set? Isn't 88 the distress calling channel on 27MHz radios? At the end of the day you can over-analyze any movie...the monkeys didn't look real in planet of the apes.

?rel=0

I really think "CISCO" WROTE THE BLOODY SCRIPT FROM THIS MOvIe

Watched "All is Lost" on the flight to LA. Crap realism and not a good movie either. Redford did well in a poor situation.

I went and saw it on Friday and I thought it was ok

Regards Don

Always had TV time for the Tiki ( adventure in Paradise )when I was little

sorry to re hash old thread. but only knew of this movie because of it mentioned here and well i got to 25 minutes and had to turn off. Couldnt possiably sit through 1.45 hrs of that.

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HG02 said..

Always had TV time for the Tiki ( adventure in Paradise )when I was little

Always a good show. After visiting the same places the reality is a little different. Wonder how many people were inspired by this show to cruise the Pacific!