The options --
EPIRB - the old stand-by, one-way emergency signal for catastrophic vessel events.
PLB - one-way emergency signal that covers catastrophic vessel events and MOB. A disadvantage is that there is no direct PLB to vessel communication possible to aid in immediate MOB Search & Rescue. Possible third-party communication if everything happens just right.
MOB Device with AIS - personal device on PFD which broadcasts DSC signal and GPS data locally (5 mile range) to alert vessels in area of MOB and direct immediate Search & Rescue. No remote emergency transmissions from the device but one assumes remaining crew on board can initiate emergency communications via VHF.
Satellite Communication (Garmin inReach) - tracking available for family/friends, 2-way text messages possible and interactive emergency signal activation. No help with MOB S&R other than emergency messaging. Subscription required.
All of these are going to run around half a boat buck and, I suppose, you could carry more than one type of device on board, but I’m trying to convince myself that the right ONE would be enough. But which one is the right ONE?
I’m thinking that a catastrophic vessel event (immediate sinking) in coastal waters is unlikely to happen without people being notified of it via VHF/emergency signals, etc. and my biggest fear is the MOB situation. We do all the usual things to minimize getting into that situation, but IF it happens, especially in cold Pacific waters, that is a true life-threatening emergency. Since we tend to be pretty independent cruisers, I’m leaning toward the MOB device with AIS (on each PFD). I feel that, with these, there’s a better chance of us getting ourselves out of a MOB situation - a rare, but more likely event than a vessel catastrophe.
Thoughts?Statistics: Posted by Andy Tanerby — Fri Jun 30, 2017 12:11 am
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