EPRIB and PLB

C

CDory23

New member
Hi all,

I"m starting to go further offshore in my 22 and thinking more and more about safety. I don't have any plans to go further than say roughly 30 miles off shore. My reasons are generally in chase of fish. I"m in California SF BAY area and go to the Farralone islands, Cordell banks, and have also driven down south and launched there for Catalina island. The channel islands are also in the future. I would like to not break the bank but have a good EPRIB or PLB.

If possible I would also like to use this for back country backpacking which I do very rarely. I DO not want to compromise the quality of the device for its main use of ocean boating for a rare event of backpacking.

I understand the EPRIB is registered to the vessel and not the person, and also that the PLB needs a waterproof case floatable case, and can only be activated manually which I prefer anyway. Besides that and the 48 hour battery life is there really any advantages of the EPRIB over the PLB?

Any products/advice for my uses?

Thanks
 
Just purchased a PLB ResQlink ACR. Weighs 5.4 ounces,Floats,5watts power. 66 channel gps receiver aquires faster from cold start,automatic strobe,406 MHz,gps lat and lon and 121.5 mhz. Feel better to have something ,before next season on Lake Erie will fill a ditch bag and get a second PLB or E-Pirb.
 
EPIRBs are generally a little "louder" than PLBs.

Either will be better in a true emergency than a SPOT, Delorme InReach, etc etc, although with the Delorme you can tell if your message was received and also communicate with rescuers.

I believe the Delorme is indispensable in terms of basic gear and workplace productivity when out in remote places on land or water for work. When it's just me and the water, I use a PLB. I don't think an EPIRB is going to be a good backpacking buddy. You nailed the issues with using a PLB as a dedicated marine device, but also found the one that floats.

I think you are set. Just keep up on the registration and batteries.
 
I use the same PLB model as Larry, Its the + model to have the floating ability and it is easy to carry and doesn't break the bank. I use it in the boat plus backpacking/kayaking plus some more remote or solo motorcycle trips as well.

Greg
 
For your purpose the "ResQLink + is an excellent choice. I believe it is the smallest and lightest.

I had never "heard" that an EPRIB was "Louder" that would imply a higher power transmitter. The PLB and full size EPRIB are both 5 watts.

I would add in one of the floating VHF hand held, with DSC and GPS. This allows close by boats to respond. The beacons are only to Satellite, and SAR craft (the 121.5 beacon).
 
I tend to have an unpleasant list of priorities when it comes to safety equipment on board. Most of my morbid ideas come from stories that were related to me rather than my own experiences (thankfully). Here is one of them based on a friend's experience commercial fishing off of the Oregon coast. He had an EPIRB when his boat sank, but that's not what saved his life.

If you and a new fancy floating EPIRB with lithium ion batteries are tossed into the open ocean, guess which one will last longer? Which will still be "peeping" after 4 hours? My guess is that you would prefer to be alive when you are located. Mustang used to sell a float coat with a crotch strap. Sort of half of a survival suit, but probably good for 10 or 12 hours in your "southern" waters, maybe more. Not a pleasant thought, but I'd be sure and have one (or more) on board before I thought about buying an EPIRB.

Mark
 
Mustang still makes the float coat with the neoprene "beaver tail" like the crotch piece on a wet suit. That piece keeps the jacket down and water from pumping through it. Keeping the flotation that low on the body, your shoulders are clear of the water even though it only has 15# of flotation (USCG III). It also has an insulated orange hood with reflective tape.

http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-ThermoSys ... B003P8MLX8

Then if the EPIRB works (Electronic Position Indicator for the Recovery of Bodies), the recovered bodies are more likely to be alive.

Makes a nice Christmas gift.

Mark :xnaughty
 
If you are really interested in survival, then consider a full immersion suit, such as by Sterns or Mustang. They are less expensive than a float coat mentioned above, and will give you a considerably better chance of survival. All of us hope that with an EPRIB, or PLB, we would be picked up in a matter minutes. The reality is that 30 minutes is a fast response time, and more typical of an hour--assuming that all is in order. (You have the PLB / EPRIB< it is fired off correctly, that Sar Sat makes the SAR contact immediately on reception, Local SAR is able to make the contacts, confirm that this EPRIB is on board your boat, you are in the location on your float plan left with the contact, you named in your registration, and the SAR has assets (Chopper or rescue vessel. free to respond.

A strobe or high intensity light is also essential as part of the rescue gear. We like the combination Firefly plus, by ACR.

Especially if you are Northern Waters, what type raft you have may also make a substantial difference in survival. (Since we do mostly cruising, we depend on an inflated dinghy as our life raft., along with the content of the ditch bag. Some would differ with that approach, and suggest a full offshore raft)
 
When I first came to Sequim and started thinking of boating in the area (think the Strait of Juan de Fuca) and also down in the Puget Sound, south from Point Wilson (and it's own nightmarish stories), looking at a"lifeboat" was not far back in my head. One of my then considerations was the Portland Pudgy, a "tupperware" boat with a US Coast Guard certification as a life boat. The reality of that was the 128 pounds, included in the package, and not only the thought of getting it up onto the cabin top, but having it up there where 75% of my boating destinations put me in a beam sea situation.

From Dr Bob:
"Especially if you are Northern Waters, what type raft you have may also make a substantial difference in survival. (Since we do mostly cruising, we depend on an inflated dinghy as our life raft., along with the content of the ditch bag. Some would differ with that approach, and suggest a full offshore raft)
Click to expand...

At that time, about 10 years ago, the Alaskan was the most touted, and highly favored inflatable of the C-dory set. It is a "doughnut boat" == the inflated tubes to completely around the floor, encircling the riders. Seemed like a good idea to me, It has Gator Hide on the bottom to protect from the rocks and sharp things on them, It's proven tough, and it is light but adequately sized for 2 not so small people and a dog or so.

That has been my inflatable for several years. It does not row like a whery, and it won't plane like a flats boat, but it will take a wave from any direction, and keep floating, even when filled to the brim with water. Worked for me. Should things go deep six all of a sudden, it's up there and ready to go in seconds, Dive in, get down on the floor and call the Coast Guard.

Seems over time, the thought in the pub here has changed some. We want better directional stability, we want to go faster, or we want something else, and the thoughts are more "tender" leaning than lifeboat. I guess it all depends on your planned, preferred and usual use.

My Alaskan, works as a tender, and is rowable directionally, could take a small OB and fits on the top easily. It cost about what 2 Mustang survival suits would, and unless I were to wear them all the time, I think the Alaskan is as easily available, would keep me out of the Big ocean, and be every bit as visible. Think I'll stay with it.

Now back to the original programming.

Marks definition of an EPIRB may be close to the truth, but it is not the usually accepted designation (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon).

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_961.sized.jpg
 
My favorite Mustang gear was their "anti-exposure" coveralls. A little warm for southern waters (they had zippers in the armpits) and not a complete survival suit, but extremely comfortable for winter salmon fishing in the rain or snow. I used them everywhere from SF to Nome. I wore mine out after several decades. Money well spent.

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-MSTDFSOBXS/ ... tads-plaid^18283950120-sku^MSTDFSOBXS@ADL4LP-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^56051352613

The idea of getting an inflatable life raft that has enough room for 2 people and a dog leads me to the rest of my friend's story. He had his dog on board and an inflatable life jacket. When they both ended up in the water that night, the terrorized dog kept trying to climb on top of him, scratching his face and tearing at the life jacket. He simply told me that first he had to kill his dog. I didn't ask for details, but dogs and inflatable life saving equipment are not a good mix.

Mark
 
We have a 68 lb 9'2" inflatable, with an air floor--heavier than some we have owned--and a disadvantage, but we can get in on the roof, with the davit fairly easily. The air floor does insulate, from cold water, and would be an advantage in those circumstances. We like that the dinghy can handle up to 9.9 hp, and thus can plane with both of us. (Or with a 3.5 hp plane with one of use, or with the Torpedo, run with no gas, for about 10 to 15 miles). Not ideal, but enough to save a life in the PNW.

Harvey's choice is an excellent compromise.

I have always (except in racing sailboats where the life raft was mandated) used a dinghy with a CO2 bottle, for rapid inflation, rather than the more expensive "life Raft" (which required frequent certification). One could argue that the Life raft is more purpose built, and perhaps a little safer. On our larger boats we either carried a larger hard dinghy, filled with inflatable fenders, (which could be used to make a floatation collar), plus a large inflatable, or a RIB, with a second smaller, lighter inflatable. We had Sunbrella covers made for each of these rafts/inflatables. In today's world, vacuum packed life rafts are lighter and last longer than older products.
 
I have a Fast Find PLB. One day about7 years ago I was about 1/2 mile off shore between Ft Desoto and Egmont Key, I could not get cell service. That day on the way home I bought an Icom marine radio an a Fast Find PLB. I put together a ditch bag. I won't get on any boat without my own ditch bag.

I live where the water is warm. People talk about the definition of "Off Shore". My definition of off shore is the distance I can swim easily and quickly on any given day. It doesn't have to be very far to be life threatening.
 
Probably as good a time as any to post photos of our ditch bag, for many may not have seen it. There have been updates, and a few items are not in the photo

ditch_bag_010.jpg

Starting in the Left upper corner: Gerber Multi tool; Vinyl international orange distress flag (also may give shelter); Pencil; 4 Orion Skyblazer Aerial signals; paracord; bic lighter; crescent wrench; ViseGrips, small; Smoke pot Signal (better day); Mylar space blanket; writing pad; VHF radio (AA batteries--has been upgraded to GPS/DSC); hand held compass; Whistle; ACR Firefly Strobe/flashlight; Signal Mirror; fishing kit; 12 spare AA batteries; First aid kit (Kerlex, steristrips, Telfa pads, gauze pads, 36" square muslin, band aids, sterile saline wipes, alcohol wipes, Triple antibiotic ointment)
Not shown: Small Air horn, Swiss Army knife: (includes traditional, plus magnifying glass, file, saw, fish scaler, Scissors, phillips and several flat head screwdrivers, ); GPS (Colorado 400 C (includes all US Coast line charts, and select topo maps of lake areas)I Also have added a 300 /30/strobe lumen LED flashlight (waterproof),

This reminded me to replace all batteries at end of season, to check all gear, and put small amounts of Corrosion Block on all metal parts.

Your choices may vary, but this kit is based on our experiences and needs. We also throw a couple of bottles of water, and some high energy bars in a bag in the dink when we go for an "excursion".

This all fits in this waterproof bag:
ditch_bag_012.jpg
 
Does the survival suit qualify as a PFD?

I would have a difficult time finding the correct fit for the Mustang Survival Suit. Chest size requires a large. waist size requires a medium and inseam length requires a 2XL!
 
In response to the question asked what I'm I doing about Life Raft/life jackets/survival suit etc.....I have put a lot of thought in to it and in the decision making process currently.

Survival suit: Realistically I"m not going to be wearing a heavy jacket type at any time. If the weather is cold at all I have the Wallas going inside the cabin. Its still an option to leave out and grab as such you would do a lifejacket but in a real emergency I would need it to already be on. A full survival suit isn't in consideration for me at this time for the pure time factor it would take to put on.

Life jackets: I currently have high quality stowed vests but plan to buy high quality inflatable vests that will be worn at all times while boating offshore. One of them will have the new PLB clipped to it, ready to go. Also looking for a small handheld vhf that will be most likely clipped to the other. (I'm always out with at least one other person)

Life raft: This is something I"m going back and forth on. I understand the huge quality differences between rafts and a main feature of multiple air reservoirs. Still with that knowledge, I am seriously considering getting the Revere Coastal Compact:

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/revere-su ... t--9941097

I understand this raft is a single air reservoir which is a disadvantage and I grind my teeth while I say this but I love the small stowage space needed. The 22's can fill up fast with stuff!

For my use of going maximum of 30miles out on calm days with generally other boats around targeting the same fish as I, I feel this is a safe practice.

Safety is a very personal thing, but I'm open to any constructive criticism on my plans. If there is a better raft that isn't a huge space hog I may be open to it. I've been boating my whole life, but still relatively new to near offshore boating.

I do like Bobs C02 cartridge dinghy plan, but don't see that being practical for me. The dinghy is generally left at home on most of my fishing day trips. The 22's really can fill up fast with stuff.

We all hope these are items that we never have to use and just being safety minded is a huge preventative. I am always checking weather/ocean conditions. The boat/motors are always well maintained, and my back is never turned to the ocean. I generally don't go out in the fog/night and always aware of charts. Still even the most safety minded person could have an incident and I hope I"m prepared for that as well as the rest of you.
 
Rain":8edpxxj4 said:
Does the survival suit qualify as a PFD?
Click to expand...

Yes, usually as a USCG type III/V. The different USCG types have a lot to do with whether they keep your face above water if you are unconscious. Most of the time it is described as whether you enter the water conscious, but there are more grisly details to consider. As hypothermia kicks in, whether you can consciously keep your head out of the water becomes important in the last several hours (in warm water). For that reason, some of the May West type PFDs that are stored in a locker get USCG type I certification and some of the real world flotation gear worn every day by cold water fishermen is not certified. Google "Stormy Seas" for a brand that has decided that wearability is more important than USGS certification.

An actual "survival" suit has enclosed feet and hands. It make you look like Gumby. I had training when a crew member as to how to get them on. Once on, you are not going to use the radio, grab a ditty bag, run down the deck, etc. It's on and overboard. The upside is that there are reports of crew members saying that they were actually more comfortable once they donned the suits and abandoned ship.

A Mustang "exposure" suit is what I had. I may be talking myself into getting another one (I haven't tried the Stearns version). Mine was surprisingly easy to get on quickly. The entire lining was a slippery nylon material. The legs were over-sized and had zippers from the knee down so that it was easy to put on even when wearing rubber boots. Much easier than a survival suit. It also had large zippers in the armpits so that wearing it in moderate weather was okay. I used mine basically like coveralls. It was actually grease, diesel, and grime that killed it.

The flotation amount is less than type I and II, but (assuming that you are conscious) because that flotation starts at your ankles, it is mostly submerged and provides a greater amount of "lift" than does a May West jacket that is floating around your ears. I only tried it once (in Lake Washington) and it was similar to wearing a wetsuit except that swimming would be difficult.

This thread has brought up another expenditure that comes before an EPIRB, RADAR, and other zippy toys. An honest first aid kit. What should it include? Time to think gruesome again.

Mark
 
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