Possibly a Must Have Feature for All Boaters

It is an interesting feature. In that article, they talk about the concern of people going out "less prepared" because they think they can press a button on their phone and it will "save them." I can see that.

And the discussion of the tech industry "selling fear," or at least using fear to help sell a product.

We carried a SPOT device when we were boat cruising. I bought it to give our daughter peace of mind, so we could check in with her (using the canned "We're fine - here's where we are" button). This was after telling her to not expect to hear from us for a week or so, and it ran 10 days before we were close to civilization... we got that "Where have you people been? I was worried sick about you!" speech.

Never had to press that SOS button on that device, and never counted on using that as "an out."

We have a generation out there who have been raised that they cannot get by without their phone. This is the next step for that. No doubt, there will be some rescues made possible due to this technology... but... (see that "less prepared" in the first paragraph).
 
I think most of us here are of the suspender plus belt sorts, and probably even at least one more layer of protection. There will, undoubtedly be those who abuse this. But likely as important, even they will get that message for rescue hours earlier, and location provided. All of that not only makes rescue easier, it also makes it quicker, safer, and probably cheaper.
 
Seems kind of finicky to use. Your phone has to be charged, service fee, can you use it if effectively if you are floating in rougher water, etc., etc.

A PLB would be a much better choice.
 
I also will not give up my PLB or EPIRB. These are sure contacts, with good rescue protocols.

I have seen regular 911 dispatch centers, who get calls from out of their specific area, and it gives way to confusion, and either no rescue or delayed rescue.

The Spot, Inreach and others work well with messaging.

It will be seen how successful the Apple 911 feature will be.
 
YUP, I'm keeping my PLB, and for the price of that I-PHONE and "gadgetry" you can by 2 brand new ACR PLBs and no activation or annual fees. Also agree, they are much more tested and reliable.

I used the SPOT for several years with great results.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Forks_and_Friday_Harbor_2009_154.thumb.jpg
 
we grabbed a garmin inreach mini at costco for use when out of the phone zone. I can see where if a person was needing a new phone that would be a nice redundant system.

Here's a cheaper item that falls into the boater must have category. it's a $8 flat sided feed bucket. Cut off the lip on the flat side and you have a dust pan, garbage can, and more importantly a good bailing bucket. this amazon link shows the price at $19 bucks but they're about $8 at your local feed store and come a bunch of different colors

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-Pla ... B005FYLSIY
 
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