[Paddlewise] NOAA announcement EPRIB - HIKERS . . .McMurdo Pains Wessex Fast Find unit

Regarding the advice of 

    The I would prefer the Fastfind (Plus) by McMurdo (scroll down to the
end).
     from Jochen Grikschat

NOAA also has a picture of this same EPRIB on their web site

Picture of McMurdo Pains Wessex FastFind Plus with the product and model
name clearly displayed.  

	and this starts July 1, 2003, I assume for the lower 48 states in
the U.S.A. 

So . . . for next Fall 2003 travel plans, this is on my list of items. . 

I would assume I will be able to purchase this item in 2003 in the U.S.A. as
I cannot readily find it now in the U.S.A. (and do not need it now).  I have
sent sales_at_reveresupply.com a request as this is a distributor for the
U.S.A. that also has a web site and email address as listed on McMurdo web
site  www.pwss.com.  

I also noticed the McMurdo Pains Wessex FastFind unit that does not have a
built in GPS (I wonder if the FastFind allows for the attachment of an
external GPS as more expensive EPRIB do).  I assume this model would be less
expensive. 

Yes, I realize the intent of "do not get lost or take unnecessary risks in
the first place".  With this device as with the paddle floats, tow ropes,
sea seats, etc, I hope it would be never used.  I would be personally quite
embarrassed and angered if I ever had to use this device (how did I ever let
myself get into this situation?).  
 
Now could I use this EPRIB in Canada ?? (Thunder Bay area on Lake Superior,
canoeing in the provincial parks in Ontario which are far more remote than
the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area in Minnesota, U.S.A.)?

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