Re: [Paddlewise] Storm Whistle vs. Fox 40

Dan Hagen wrote:
>Neither whistle has quite the range of an air horn, but when within
>range both whistles are very noticeable due to their high pitches. At
>most distances they are actually more noticable than the air horn that I
>tested. 
>
>Quite frankly I am surprised by how well these whistles work. I have
>always carried an air horn, and was skeptical about the efficacy of
>these wimpy little whistles, but that was before I tested them. 

My comments from using audiable signal devices at sea, last twenty years:

1. I've been told that the Canadian Coast Guard require a whistles to
produce 115 decibels in order for it to be compliant with regulations. Does
your pea less whistle measure up when you are in Canadian waters? And just
how do the authorities determine decibel levels: at one meter, ten, or what?

2. Tether your whistle (or air horn) against loss.

3. I've experienced the use of double-barrel whistles in gale fore
conditions on open water, and they do work at a good range above the
background noise of waves. The wind is the problem. At high wind speeds, if
your face is straight on to the wind, nature produces its own whistling
effect past the listeners ears, thereby negating your ability to hear. Your
paddling companions should be instructed to turn one ear to lee from time
to time, so as to permit hearing someone whistling for help behind you.

4. After the age of 50ish, hearing loss may occur at the high pitched
frequencies. On group paddles with our club, we bring along air horns which
are better heard by the graying crowd.

5. As far as setting up predetermined whistle signals, forget it. It just
gets too difficult, in my opinion and experience, and to confusing. Real
life use of whistles on the high seas has left an indelible impression with
me that there is only one universal signal that a whistle blast represents
: "SLOW DOWN YOU JERK, YOU ARE WAY TOO FAR AHEAD OF THE REST OF US !" Of
course, I will not tell fellow Paddlewisers whether I've been on the giving
or receiving end of that signal!

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd 	
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