RE: [Paddlewise] emergency message device - SPOT

From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 21:27:58 -0800
Craig said:

>It does not notify SAR but it
> does
> give your friends and family information on where you have been.
> 
Craig, 

It does notify SAR when you are in trouble. The system uses the GEOS
satellite system and service (same one that is used to track commercial
ships and containers). When a 911 message is received, they notify the CG or
SAR (depending on whether your position is on land or water) for a rescue.

When in a foreign country, they notify the US Embassy or Consulate for them
to notify whomever is able to do a rescue in that location. There is also an
insurance service that you can get for $8 if you sign up for it when you
register your unit that will cover up to $100,000 for rescue costs.

There are 3 kinds of messages that the unit can send:
	1. I'm ok and at (location) with a link to a Google Map
	2. "Help" - Non-emergency, but I need help (SAR folks are not
notified). Emailed and a link to Google Maps is shown.
	3. "911" - Emergency - SAR, CG, etc notified. Location is updated
every 5 minutes after the initial call is made.

A message that I sent almost two weeks ago came in as:

SPOT Check OK.  I'm here and everything is ok. 
Unit Number: 0-7349014
Latitude: 34.203
Longitude: -119.2564
Nearest Town from unit Location:  Unknown Distance to the nearest town:
Unknown Time in GMT the message was sent: 01/20/2008 18:54:44
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=34.203,-119.2564&ie=UTF8&z=
12&om=1

Hope this helps clear up some of the controversy.

Steve Holtzman
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Received on Thu Jan 31 2008 - 05:01:51 PST

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