Re: [Paddlewise] Spot by Globestar

On Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 11:25 AM, Derek <glamourpets_at_yahoo.com> wrote:

> Does anyone on the list have a b Spotb  by Globestar?


<snip>

>
> My intention is to extend my paddling season into the late fall months.
>  This device adds an extra layer of safety.  Survival time in 4C water is
> about 15 minutes.  Although a dry suit will extend this time, you donb t
> want to mess around.  Ib ll be paddling in a city harbour that does have
> year-round harbour police and fire services.  Boat traffic will be limited
> because most of the Sailing clubs an Marinas do their haul outs in
> Mid-October.


SPOT's ability to operate "world wide" is, if you'll pardon the pun, spotty.
It does seem to offer reasonable coverage of North America, however. But not
Oceania, much of Asia, or nearly all of southern Africa. Bob Carter did a
creditable job of presenting some of the drawbacks of using SPOT as a safety
device both from a personal standpoint (will they get to me in time) and a
cultural standpoint (Aunt Mabel getting antsy at not receiving an "ok"
message). Be sure the people you appoint to receive your "ok" messages
understand the way the system works.

There are other problems. SPOT personnel seem to have a difficult time
identifying just exactly which SAR agency should be notified if a "911" call
comes in. This is especially true for hikers and climbers; less so for
paddlers and yachtsmen since the agency is usually a Federal not a local SAR
agency. But if you are paddling in an area where there may be some crossover
in rescue functions (like a harbor with both harbor police and local police
and Coast Guard) then it may take a long time to get it all sorted out.

  I do carry a VHF handheld, but this is only useful if someone is
> listening.
>
>
If you paddle a harbor area then the Coastguard (either US or Canadian)
should be listening to Channel 16. This is by far the most reliable device
to get you rescued in a timely manner because you are talking directly to
the SAR (Search and Rescue) authority... and the people who will be coming
to get you. If you have harbor police they should also be monitoring channel
16. The VHF does not depend on local boaters to be "listening" in order to
be an effective rescue device.

If all you do is paddle a harbor in fall and winter then make certain your
VHF handheld is fully charged - and can hold its charge for the duration of
your paddle. Batteries on the new VHF handhelds are much improved over those
sold even a couple of years ago. Also take along flares that will help guide
rescue personnel to you during daylight as well as night hours. And dress
for the water temperature not the air temperatures.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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