This didn't make the list earlier. DL > > It is ironic that for years responsible paddling tactics have included the > used of a float plan, which hasn't had the uptake it should have in my > opinion; now we have the SPOT device, basically providing a > float-plan-like followup scenerio, but is casing some false-alarm issues. > Perhaps the old float plan was one where the follow-up by those back home > was initiated subsequent to the end of the trip (post-trip lack of > communication). The SPOT devices is kind of like a float plan check-in > every couple of days, so naturally there will be more cases of false > alarm. Interestingly, when I leave a float plan with my spouse, she is > instructed to always allow a couple of extra days for a multi-day trip to > allow for the posibility of an unforsceen delay; likewise, for a day trip, > I always suggest a few extra hours or even a day - after all, if I'm dead > in the water, I'm really dead in the water and time will not be a critical > issue. > > The only critical time window is the response time for a 911 SPOT message, > and that I would like to see more data on. > > The lack of an OKAY message Craig highlighted off theWCP forum, was kind > of timely as far as coincidence with our recent discussion. I for one > think the SPOT holds a lot of promise for multiple applications but > continue to keep my ears to the water to see what transpires. It will be > interesting to get feedback from Bob re his discusions back in Alaska with > his SAR buddies. > > BTW, lots of SAR volunteer positions avaliable in BC - seems to be always > a need for more volunteers. Don't know why that could be. :-) > > Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This is the "unique challenge" of the SPOT. Anyone could file a float plan, but few did; many more are likely to buy a SPOT--we just like gadgets. People who filed a float plan were probably more responsible to begin with and worked out contingencies for non contact issues. People who buy a SPOT might often feel no more is needed than to press a button. Mark -----Original Message----- On Behalf Of Doug Lloyd > It is ironic that for years responsible paddling tactics have included the > used of a float plan, which hasn't had the uptake it should have in my > opinion; now we have the SPOT device, basically providing a > float-plan-like followup scenerio, but is casing some false-alarm issues. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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