At 08:58 AM 12/2/98 -0800, Edward wrote: >Somebody else said: "EPIRB require much longer response times (24-36 >hours ?)" ???? Why so long? I really prefer same-day service when I am >bobbing. > One reason is that the false alarm rate with EPIRBs is about 90%. The Coast Guard may wait several hours before responding just to be sure it's for real. This situation should improve as traceable EPIRBs with their unique coded signals replace those that just send out "generic" signals. The second reason: In areas where there is not yet continuous satellite coverage, your EPIRB signal is not detected until a satellite happens to pass overhead. It then records your signal, but does not download it to SAR stations until it passes over one of those. As satellite coverage improves, EPIRB signals will be able to be received in "real time". Even so I expect the response time will still be longer than if you were able to contact someone nearby on VHF 16. So, although I carry an EPIRB, I don't count on it for situations where I might swimming - I think of it more for situations where I might be stranded ashore with a dislocated shoulder, for example, able to hold out for a couple of days, but unable to proceed under my own power. While we're talking EPIRBs, I notice Breitling-Orbiter (www.breitling-orbiter.ch) is making a watch with a built-in 121.5 MHz beacon. The ultimate X-mas gift for the tech-weenie kayaker on your list? Cheers Philip T. **************************************** Mountain Equipment Co-op 1655 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 Tel: 640-732-1989 Fax: 604-731-6483 email: pid_at_mec.ca Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca ***************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Dec 02 1998 - 09:47:14 PST
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