SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

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Piemonster
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SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Piemonster »

Anyone have experience of both options of emergency SOS devices?

I know what the obvious difference between the two types are, but some real world feedback would be insightful.

At the minute I’m inclined to go with an SOS only PLB.

The majority of usage will be in a very small boat in Salt Water, and most regular the put ins/get outs have good phone coverage. I don’t tend to check in. I don’t use GPS to navigate.

I’m sceptical of devices with lots of buttons for salt water ingress.

If there was ever a circumstance that warranted a satellite communications service, is there a rental option?

I’m happy to have my inclination changed if there’s a good reason for it.
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Piemonster
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Piemonster »

And I’ve only just noticed the Spot Tracker wanted thread. Will go take a nosey.

Edit, I don’t participate in any events. Even bike packing ones.
quimarche
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by quimarche »

If you don't need tracking then a PLB is a good option. For a £200 quid one-off payment and no monthly fee you can keep it within reach and send out a global SOS. They're waterproof, have long shelf lives (5 years?), and can be used afloat and ashore.

Downsides? They need to be manually activated, and they may need assistance to float. You will need to ensure the aerial is extended.

When choosing, you must make sure it transmits on 406MHz at least. Additional transmission frequencies (121.5MHz and AIS) will assist rescuers to pinpoint your location.

Take a look at Ocean Signal rescueME and McMurdo FastFind.

FWIW I use a SPOT tracker when cruising, but only for tracking; there's always an EPIRB on board.

Whichever you choose, make sure you keep it on your person; it's no use if it lives in the chart table.
Last edited by quimarche on Sun Mar 08, 2020 10:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Asposium
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Asposium »

My experience is of an inReach tracker.

When pressing the SOS button it was nice to chat with someone about the problem and to know with 100% certainty the SOS had been received.

As for salt water, Garmin make this case for the inReach mini.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/64272 ... 0-12723-01
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Piemonster
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Piemonster »

Thank you both.

Interesting point about being in touch with the operator. I can see that making a difference in a stressful situation. The lack of live tracking is another thing that stands out.

It was the Ocean Signal I was looking at. FWIW it’d be attached to me, either clipped to a PFD or Life Jacket.
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Piemonster
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Piemonster »

I’m hovering over the buy button for the Ocean Rescue PLB1 from a well known purveyor of Sea Kayaks in Scotland.

Any reason not to trigger?
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Piemonster
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Piemonster »

Whilst I’m at it. Any marine radio users here.

The rowing club use these so I’ve booked the RYA Marine Radio Course. Any advice on actual units if I go down the road of owning a radio.

The water is shared with some light traffic...
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I actually swore seeing this yesterday, was just taking the dog out front for a wazz and did not expect to see this monster so close.
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Dave Barter
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Dave Barter »

Piemonster wrote: Fri May 22, 2020 8:10 am Whilst I’m at it. Any marine radio users here.
Yes I have my VHF qualification and use a DSC capable unit when se kayaking. I have an Icom IC-M91D handset which is brilliant. So far my one and only distress call has been to alert the coastguard of a sheep trapped on a cliff after being chased down it by a dog.
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quimarche
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by quimarche »

Your instructor will be able to provide assistance but here are a few things to consider.

You'll need a licence to operate a VHF marine radio - this is what the RYA course will give you. SRC = Short Range Certificate = VHF, (rather than the long-range HF ham radios used when crossing oceans). DSC = Digital Selective Calling = digital distress calls and telephone-style address-book dialling.

You've said you're in a very small boat; that suggests a handheld radio rather than one that's permanently fixed. You'll be able to take the radio anywhere you go, but you'll have a shorter range and a shorter battery life.

You've said you don't use GPS to navigate; DSC works best when combined with GPS (little point sending a distress call if it can't say where you are) so either choose a DSC radio that has built-in GPS, or a non-DSC non-GPS radio. You'll need a separate Ship Portable Radio Licence.

If I was in your sea-boots (small boat, solo, inshore) I'd choose a handheld DSC radio with built-in GPS, knowing I could send a distress call at the push of a button, and could also determine my location at any time.

iCom has a good knowledge base: https://icomuk.co.uk/Choosing-a-VHF-Marine-radio, https://icomuk.co.uk/Handheld_VHF_Marine_Radio.

Ofcom is the place to apply for radio licences: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-li ... io/vhf-faq.

Google should throw up a good selection of suggestions and reviews:
https://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/pbo-tested-1 ... dios-44934
https://uk.boats.com/reviews/the-10-bes ... hf-radios/
https://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/gear/new ... hf-radios/
https://www.outsidepursuits.com/best-vhf-marine-radio/

All of the above is based on the understanding that sending a distress call doesn't equate to being rescued. The predominant sentiment in all the SPOT-type threads here is one of self-support. Blondie Hasler advocated "drowning like a gentleman".
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Piemonster
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Re: SOS only PLB vs subscription service Satellite Communicator

Post by Piemonster »

That is useful thank you.

Yes, I’ll either be in a kayak or a 5 man skiff. The Skiff is still handheld in terms of radios.

The Skiff is part of a club so no need to sort a radio for that. Just a license to use it.

I have a local provider for the training albeit online.

I’ll have a look at the built in GPS options, I’m sensing expensive.
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