Paul wrote >I've just sent off a screed to McMurdo - asking them for 'best-practice' for >their Fastfind units when used in typical sea-kayaking conditions. I defined >that as being 'worn' on the PFD - rather than stored in a drybag in a hull >compartment. And >I'd think it very worthwhile - but perhaps not so easily achievable. >Perhaps Chris Cunningham might solicit emailed responses in a short poll >(both in Sea-Kayaker magazine & online) - to wit: G'day, Thanks Paul I'll be very interested in McMurdo's response. Another really important question is how long they last in water! They may only be designed for land, or on board disabled ships, or lifeboats. I might even buy the McMurdo PLB product if they can show its properly certified as suitable. Re your suggestion for a poll. That's a good set of questions. I'd be interested in organising an identical poll in Oz amongst kayak and yacht associations. It could usefully include a question such as have you ever had to use one while swimming for several hours awaiting rescue and was it successful? This could cover the issue of how long they last immersed (the specifications suggest not long at all) Maybe code numbers instead of names would prevent unscrupulous spamming of competing products. In parallel it could be useful to get a number of clubs to agree to a joint email/letter to PLB manufacturers with a list of questions on their specifications and whether they are suitable for sea kayaking or for use by someone swimming for 24 hours. Such an open email, Cc rather than Bcc and with sponsorship from a large number of kayaking and yachting associations and clubs, might encourage development of more appropriate products. It would at least allow a list to be published showing PLBs with specs suitable for sea kayakers or deckhands at risk of falling overboard, as well as showing PLBs that were acknowledged by manufacturers as not suitable, and showing PLBs for which information was not provided. 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 Fri Aug 05 2011 - 01:01:08 PDT
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