RE: [Paddlewise] Visibility of kayakers & SAR

From: Whyte, David <DHW_at_Mail.amsa.gov.au>
Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2000 14:08:19 +1000
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	KEVIN M KENNEY [SMTP:kmkenney_at_PRODIGY.NET]
> but in
> reality one of the best signalling devices (during the day) is a simple $3
> plastic mirror available at lots of places. 
> 
> 
	A good cheap mirror is a discarded CD. A lot of places have software
on them that is no longer needed and throw them out. They are robust, very
reflective and have a hole in the middle for lining up. My CD burner on my
PC makes useless CDs regularly though not intentionally. 

	I work for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority which runs all
the rescues in Australian waters. I went and spoke to the SAR people who
have a huge background in search and rescue. The comments they made were.

	In Daylight nothing beats a well aimed mirror or heliograph and it
dosn't need to be very big.

	At night a good strobe is best

	THe best overall colour is bright orange as this can be seen in
nearly all weather conditions. 

	They showed me a book that they give to observers which has some
good pictures with tiny liftrafts etc in it, and the orange certainly stood
out.

	Fluorescent dye put in the water shows up extremly well and lasts
longer than flares. I took some on a recent expediton and found that a film
canister full would make a huge stream

	They said that the above is still needed if you are carrying an
EPRIB as they often us it for that final honing in on the subject

	David
	Australia

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Received on Wed Aug 02 2000 - 21:08:46 PDT

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