Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT Coast Guard New Procedures

On Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 3:23 PM, Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net> wrote:

>
>    In the case they receive a call from someone saying that someone has not
> reported in with their SPOT system the Coast Guard will treat it as an
> Unreported Vessel as opposed to an Overdue Vessel or a Vessel In Distress,
> the
> latter two require a more immediate response.


....(snip) .....

   Only if the kayaker remains unreported for "several days" will they begin
> to treat it as a more urgent issue.


I wonder how they treat a telephone call from a contact for a "float plan"
who has not fulfilled the terms of the plan. Certainly no one can blame the
CG for making a change given the circumstances.

   Despite the false alarms the system has saved lives. Despite the risks of
> solo trips I take, I do not want to die out there and if SPOT can give me a
> survival edge in a desperate situation then I will carry one. I will
> continue
> to use the SPOT system because despite its flaws. I still believe it has
> benefits especially the 911 button. Also I an currently tracking a couple
> of
> kayakers who are on trips in Southeast and it is fun to watch the progress
> of
> their trips.


Since I no longer make expedition-style trips (that's why I have the
mutha-ship) I'll hold off on a SPOT. A Garmin mapping GPS can do much the
same as the tracking facility although it's after-the-fact.

With PLB units now under US$600 (even at West Marine) I would be much more
likely to carry one of these rather than the SPOT with its fee. And a PLB is
much more likely to get immediate help.

Heading North tomorrow for 7 days to look for whales
>
>
Sorry your first trip had a problem. Good luck with this one.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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