Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT - A few observations

> > I do think that there are more people likely to be listening to marine
> > VHF
> > channel 16 that are likely to come to your rescue than there are people
> > likely to be listening to aviation VHF 121.5mHz.
>
> It does depend where you are.  Some cities have waterfront airports -
Toronto being one example.  The city was well within visual range.  On a
recent sailing event, we were far enough out that VHF radio was unable to
reach shore and Cell phones were unable to pick up a signal either.  In this
case, there was no emergency.  We were just a little bit late getting back
to our destination.  This example does show the limitations of our standard
communication devices.  Since there is a steady flow of traffic out of the
city airport, the ability to communicate with a passing aircraft might have
proven useful in an emergency.  This is also a scenario where SPOT's signal
would have clear access to Satellites.
****************************

Aviation VHF don't have marine channels, and vice versa. As most paddlers
already carry marine handheld VHF, in the above situation they would've had
to carry one more handheld - aviation (which at best is splashproof, which
in turn means cumbersome designated drypack for this baby).  OTH, boaters
(those with cabins) may carry all-band dash-mounted transceiver with marine,
avia, SSB, etc etc. One more thought has crystallyzed in my mind after this
described above situation - that SPOT is a very good device exactly for the
above situation - when there is no emergency. To keep family happy, you
know... Like , I'm OK, will be home late.  When there IS an emergency, I
tend to think that 406 PLB with built-in GPS will be more reliable and very
likely, faster tool in the USA and Canada - its satellite signal received by
the ground station is transmitted directly to mission control centre, 24/7.

Please correct me anybody who knows better this anatomy: SPOT distress call
from the main SPOT hub (I forgot where exactly it is), will be
re-transmitted to local 911 dispatch centre - or to Coast Guard? Or both? I
have a gut feeling that local police, receiving a call from 911 dispatch
center, will not jump in Zodiacs or choppers and rush to my rescue, - they
normally don't do that. They will have to relay the message to the Coast
Guard instead.
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************