Having nearly gotten stuck out on the water yesterday, I was lucky enough to get in, but then had to contact the police to let them know my mate was still out in the water (after dark) because the wind had dropped out. Just wondering what the best device would be to alert people to the fact you need help?
I was about to get a small PLB (www.whitworths.com.au/acr-resqlink-406mhz-gps-plb) which comes with a few freebies (first aid kit and Strobe Light for $399, but was then told about Spot Assist, which turns your cell-phone into a satellite emergency system.
The beauty of the Spot Assist seems to be that you can text family/friends/rescue services for help without having to activate a full-blown rescue operation.
If I'm stuck somewhere, I'll probably end up making it to land, but not necessarily within mobile range. Even if stuck out on the water, it would be a good to be able to text for help, explain the situation a little and have your coordinates sent out at the same time.
Anyone had any experiences with these or other systems?
Toody up at Green Island suggests the following unit ( www.findmespot.com/en-us?cid=102 ). No need for a phone. Pre-program mobile numbers to send texts to or rescue service if an emergency. More features than a PLB and a little cheaper up front.
Spot = $229 to purchase and $115 per year to register
PLB = $300-400 (depending on the brand and model)
Here in America our Coast Guard recommends a potable VHF radio and a strobe light over a fancy GPS locator thingy.
Many windsurfers in San Francisco bay use them.
With the radio you can talk directly to the Coast Guard.
Thanks Beaglebuddy, a portable, waterproof VHF radio with Channel 16 for making rescue calls seems like a pretty good option as well. At least you can talk with someone and relay real-time information directly.
depending on coverage area where you're at, but in my case I always take my waterproof mobile phone (sony xperia active 200$) with me plus it records my speed runs
People have talked of using a small fanny pack or even a tiny backpack.
If you use a kitey harness like I do one could suspend a small fanny pack between the two rings in the back where that grabby bar goes.
I have a PLB, and put it one of these bags. Goes on your harness.http://eu.dakine.com/p/windsurf/accessories/solo-bag
I also take a mobile, as you can't use the PLB unless it's really life threatening, so a bit full on. I prefer the idea of the PLB when you sailing in countries where you might be worried if they would even look for you 
, unless they get a bit of pressure from your home country. The PLB has a small strobe.
Not that I have any real experience in this.
Not sure what the rules are in Australia are regarding registering and using the PLB without a license. I have the necessary marine radio license... etc.
^they should be registered with AMSA. In doing so there is provision to put a description of your vessel or vehicle, a free text box to type anything else relevant and emergency contacts.
If you activate your PLB/EPIRB it helps if they know what they are looking for and who it belongs too. There is a big differnce between looking for a vessel or a person in the water. Also so they can contact your next of Kin or nominated person for further info.
Registration is also free.
DO NOT GET THE SPOT! I had one for a little over a year, it's JUNK. I had the bluetooth version where you can send custom txt messages. It barely worked. I would send messages from my back yard and out of 5 tries I think I got one. At one point I was out in the wilderness and wanted to send an OK message. Turns out that your phone application has to be "logged in" for it to work. What kind of idiocy is that? You HAVE to be logged in with the application (which requires internet) or you cant send messages (at least with the BT version). Once you log in, you don't need internet. If you reset your phone in the wilderness, you're screwed. I would not trust it in a life or death situation. Since I paid for a years worth of contract I still carried it with me and thankfully never had to rely on it.
I picked up an ACR ResQlink after my SPOT contract expired. There are no yearly charges and the first test message I sent arrived in my mailbox by the time I got from my back yard to the computer. You can't send custom messages but you can buy a service to send OK messages. Though this device is not designed for that and I would not recommend wasting the battery like that. The battery is rated for 5 years where as the SPOT uses two AA's that die within the first 15 minutes. If you do the research you'll see that the frequency and the satellite it uses are much better than SPOT. It's always on my harness in the Dakine bag. If you want a REAL life saving device get a PLB.
Good to hear the feedback. I've now got myself a spare mobile phone and sim card to go in one of my spare waterproof GPS Paqua's. Think I'll also get the PLB that's currently on offer with the free strobe light. If I end up somewhere away from my car I'll use the phone to call for help. If I really get stuck somehwere I'll call for rescue. Hoping it never happens, but like wearing a helmet, gives peace of mind knowing you've taken some steps to reduce the risk.
That current deal from Whitworths looks pretty good. PLB + strobe + first-aid kit. The signaling mirror may be useful, but looks like a glorified CD.
I paddle with a group at dusk sometimes - those that use strobes on their backs/shoulders are a bit of a pain to be near. Maybe ask if you can swap the strobe for the cheaper strobe/torch combo?
Many PLBs are negatively buoyant (will sink). I believe the resqlink is negatively buoyant, however the resqlink+ comes with a neoprene cover (which is sewed on to the strap) that makes it positively buoyant.
While working on autonomous vessels I used to use the original SPOT beacon. With tracking mode about 95% of the messages came through. They also use them a lot for tracking adventure races with seemingly good success (I've only been on the armchair spectator side of this :-) ). e.g. the tour divide, iditarod, world solar challenge. You can see examples at trackleaders.com
I haven't used the new fancy mobile phone enabled versions. The batteries in the SPOT units are user replacable (lithium AAs) whereas PLB batteries require factory replacement every 5-7 years depending on model.
I do like the ability to check in with the SPOT and let those that care know that you are okay if you are running really late (I always seem to underestimate how long my adventures are going to take). Seems you can now also do that with PLBs using 406link.com (use the gps test button to send a message to your contact), just not too often.
Personally I think I'll get a ACR resqlink+ as PLBs have gone through more stringent testing and the waterproofing on the original SPOT looked ordinary to me. I was also thinking of getting a NP high hook buoyancy vest. The NP vest doesn't look as sexy as modern impact vests but has enough pocket space for a few safety items. I'm a little concerned about smashing the PLB with the boom or mast in a crash.... (I'm clumsy) Not sure what to do about that one.
