Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT anxiety

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 7:25 PM, Bob Myers <qajaqbob_at_gmail.com> wrote:

>
> The problem is that people are panicking over a lack of an OK message
> sent from SPOT, and not responding to an actual call for help.  There
> is every reason for the Coast Guard and other SAR operators to be
> skeptical of a lack of SPOT tracking or OK messages - they absolutely
> should not respond for that reason alone.  There really should be some
> other information other than a lack of SPOT tracking.   I would be
> surprised if they don't quickly establish a policy like that.


This is EXACTLY the point! The existing float plan system in which you tell
your wife to expect a phone call every night and to call the USCG if she
doesn't get one by the next morning is in jeopardy. At that point you will
HAVE TO CARRY SPOT or some other "official" distress device or go it alone
knowing no one will look for you even if you wife camps on the desk of the
OIC in Seattle. God help you if your SPOT stops working or you have the bad
judgement to get into trouble where SPOT doesn't see the satellite. Because
the policy you wouldn't be surprised to see the USCG implement isn't likely
to listen to your wife on the phone saying that you are overdue.


> However, SPOT can call for help, and THAT is the primary SAR usage for
> the device - not failure to receive OK or tracking messages.   There's
> little reason to believe that 911 functionality of SPOT will ever be
> ignored due to false alarms, especially if you're paying GEOS for the
> search and rescue insurance as well.  So no, there won't be an end of
> SPOT usefulness, and you shouldn't leave it at home.


That's not the point. The point is that once the USCG implements the
policies to protect them from the panic-strucken SPOT users you will not
have access to any other means of telling the USCG there is a problem other
than SPOT or one of the new EPIRBs. This is a swell marketing service for
SPOT but not so hot for people who might run into trouble north of Orcas
Island and not had the foresight to pay up for their SPOT.

We know that SPOT will do 911 notifications. But right now there are free
alternatives to paying up every month. Alternatives that work. But probably
won't in a year or so.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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