G'Day, Thanks to Jens for asking the question about the proper location for a PLB and to Paul and Jack for supplying the detailed answer. My reading also confirms that a PLB should be worn high near the shoulder with the antenna vetical, just as Paul and Jack explain. A rough estimate shows that this is within a radio wavelength of the sea surface so the sea will act as a 'radio mirror' or ground plane to direct the signal upwards in much the same way as an EPIRB floating in the sea would. AMSA and NSW Maritime are willing to discuss the issue. I've found detailed answers to my questions so a submission will include the points listed below plus points relating to human behaviour and emergency signalling raised by the professional kayakers working with me. I'd be grateful if anyone can see any holes in the arguments or who may have additional points worth including. USE OF CLASS 1 EPIRBs IN A SEA KAYAK 1. A class 1 EPIRB is required to release and activate under hydrostatic pressure of between 3 to 10 feet of water. The chances of a false alarm when used in a sea kayak are therefore extremely high if it were fitted on the deck and subject to waves, surf, rolling and the stresses of a rescue. 2. A class 1 EPIRB is so large that if it were fitted in the cockpit it would prevent safe exit from the kayak or effective re-entry. 3. A class 1 EPIRB is in most cases too large to fit in a kayak day hatch 4. Storing a class 1 EPIRB in the front or rear hatches of a kayak places the kayak at serious risk of being swamped in the effort to retrieve the EPIRB in an emergency at sea In conclusion it is not possible to safely use a Class 1 EPIRB in a sea kayak at sea without running a significant risk of false alarms and impeding essential kayaker rescues USE OF CLASS 2 EPIRBs IN A SEA KAYAK 1. Class 2 EPIRBs do not automatically activate under hydrostatic pressure so are much less susceptible to false alarm when used with a kayak. 2. They are relatively large and could significantly impede normal kayaker rescues. 3. There are none commercially available that are fitted with a GPS. In conclusion a PLB with GPS would provide a far safer alternative than a Class 2 EPIRB when used for sea kayaking. The only reason to choose a Class 2 EPIRB over a PLB is to meet the requirements of a regulation that is dangerous and ineffective when applied to sea kayaks SIGNALLING EFFICACY OF PLBs VS EPIRBs 1. Some EPIRBs can be activated automatically and this is a false alarm hazard when they are used with sea kayaks. PLBs cannot be activated automatically and in this respect less susceptible to false alarms 2. A PLB is designed to be worn on the person while an EPIRB is designed to float in the water. Both modes transmit radio signals effectively to the emergency response authorities. 3. At least one PLB is available with a 48 hour capacity, strobe, GPS and with no automatic activation i.e. when compared with EPIRBs this PLB is functionally equivalent or superior in every respect for sea kayaking emergency signalling. While checking all this out I came across some informative web sites listed below: - Classes of EPIRB and activation requirements http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html <http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html> Comparative tests between an EPIRB and three PLBs http://www.equipped.org/406_GPS_beacon_test_report_2005.pdf <http://www.equipped.org/406_GPS_beacon_test_report_2005.pdf> McMurdo report on scenario testing for EPIRBs PLBs http://www.equipped.com/McMurdo%20406%20MHz%20Beacons%20Test%20Report%20HiRes .pdf <http://www.equipped.com/McMurdo%20406%20MHz%20Beacons%20Test%20Report%20HiRe s.pdf> A comparison of EPIRB and PLB functionality in general http://www.equipped.org/faq_plb/default.asp?Action=Q&ID=42 <http://www.equipped.org/faq_plb/default.asp?Action=Q&ID=42> Information on EPIRB and PLB standards http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09186.html <http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09186.html> An extremely comprehensive list of FAQs for PLBs http://www.equipped.org/faq_plb/default.asp <http://www.equipped.org/faq_plb/default.asp> ?" Details on how to get your PLB tested by the USCG in different states http://www.equipped.com/406testing.htm <http://www.equipped.com/406testing.htm> My mate Vince Brownings report on EPIRBs and a discussion with AMSA http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/magazine/53/epirb.htm <http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/magazine/53/epirb.htm> All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Nov 11 2009 - 05:20:09 PST
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