Monday, August 31, 2009
FOUND ALIVE!!!!!!
We are so happy to announce the missing boaters were found alive! We are so happy for them and their families as they have been reunited.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
On the subject of EPIRBs
This is link is to a great article. Thanks to these guys for putting this out there.
Thank You for Your Business
Adrienne Rust
Triad Marine & Industrial Supply
1155 FM 518
Kemah,TX 77565
281-334-0815
Fax- 281-334-0041
arust@triadmarine.com
From Twitter Coast Guard News Site
Coast Guard continues search for three overdue boaters in Gulf of Mexico | Coast Guard News http://ow.ly/lxMJ
Thank You for Your Business
Adrienne Rust
Triad Marine & Industrial Supply
1155 FM 518
Kemah,TX 77565
281-334-0815
Fax- 281-334-0041
arust@triadmarine.com
Missing boaters still not found!
I found something that has hit us in the safety business close to home. As much as we use safety equipment to make money we get a good feeling when someone walks out of our doors with and EPIRB, PLB or Life Raft. We are a small business and we try to be involved in our community and spread the good word about safety and the need for the proper equipment. Someone finally posted what we have been thinking for a while.
EPIRBs
If this doesn't make the case for requiring, by law, an EPIRB beyond the state water boundary, I don't know what would. I'll say another prayer for these men and their families.
This is from the fishing forum and I can't help but think about the way many of these situations could have ended differently.
A PLB is between $300.00 and $600.00 with a GPS on board the unit ....skip a weekend of fishing and use the $300.00 you would have spent for food, drinks, and fuel to buy a PLB! It could very well save your life!
EPIRBs
If this doesn't make the case for requiring, by law, an EPIRB beyond the state water boundary, I don't know what would. I'll say another prayer for these men and their families.
This is from the fishing forum and I can't help but think about the way many of these situations could have ended differently.
A PLB is between $300.00 and $600.00 with a GPS on board the unit ....skip a weekend of fishing and use the $300.00 you would have spent for food, drinks, and fuel to buy a PLB! It could very well save your life!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
If you have a 121 Signal EPIRB it is time to upgrade!
We suggest when you upgrade to 406 signal you also include a GPS as it is just one more tool you will have should they need to look for you!
February 1, 2009: The Phaseout of 121.5 MHz Beacons
for Satellite Distress Alerting
In October 2000 the International Cospas-Sarsat Program, announced at its 25th Council Session held in London, UK that it plans to terminate satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons on February 1, 2009. All mariners, aviators, and individuals using emergency beacons on those frequencies will need to switch to those operating on the newer, more reliable, digital
406 MHz frequency if they want to be detected by satellites.
The decision to stop satellite processing of 121.5 / 243 MHz signals is due to problems in this frequency band which inundate search and rescue authorities with poor accuracy and numerous false alerts, adversely impacting the effectiveness of lifesaving services. Although the 406 MHz beacons cost more at the moment, they provide search and rescue agencies with more reliable and complete information to do their job more efficiently and effectively. The Cospas-Sarsat Program made the decision to terminate 121.5/243 MHz satellite alerting services, in part, in response to guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These two agencies of the United Nations are responsible for regulating the safety on international transits of ships and aircraft, respectively, and handling international standards and plans for maritime and aviation search and rescue. More than 180 nations are members of IMO and ICAO.
NOAA, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and NASA (the four Federal Agencies who manage, operate, and use the SARSAT system) are strongly advising users of 121.5/243 MHz beacons to make the switch to 406. Meanwhile, anyone planning to buy a new distress beacon may wish to take the Cospas-Sarsat decision into account.
Here is a link to the page so you can get more information as it could be helpful to you in the future. This is an important switch and the information is vital!
http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/phaseout.html
February 1, 2009: The Phaseout of 121.5 MHz Beacons
for Satellite Distress Alerting
In October 2000 the International Cospas-Sarsat Program, announced at its 25th Council Session held in London, UK that it plans to terminate satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons on February 1, 2009. All mariners, aviators, and individuals using emergency beacons on those frequencies will need to switch to those operating on the newer, more reliable, digital
406 MHz frequency if they want to be detected by satellites.
The decision to stop satellite processing of 121.5 / 243 MHz signals is due to problems in this frequency band which inundate search and rescue authorities with poor accuracy and numerous false alerts, adversely impacting the effectiveness of lifesaving services. Although the 406 MHz beacons cost more at the moment, they provide search and rescue agencies with more reliable and complete information to do their job more efficiently and effectively. The Cospas-Sarsat Program made the decision to terminate 121.5/243 MHz satellite alerting services, in part, in response to guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These two agencies of the United Nations are responsible for regulating the safety on international transits of ships and aircraft, respectively, and handling international standards and plans for maritime and aviation search and rescue. More than 180 nations are members of IMO and ICAO.
NOAA, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and NASA (the four Federal Agencies who manage, operate, and use the SARSAT system) are strongly advising users of 121.5/243 MHz beacons to make the switch to 406. Meanwhile, anyone planning to buy a new distress beacon may wish to take the Cospas-Sarsat decision into account.
Here is a link to the page so you can get more information as it could be helpful to you in the future. This is an important switch and the information is vital!
http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/phaseout.html
From the Fishing forum in relation to the missing boaters
Taken from TBH, and still praying for their safe return.Will,Here's a link that shows all of the searches that we've done through today...
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=644268
My office, and my guys, are in charge of coordinating all of the search efforts for James, Curt, and Tressel. So far we've conducted approx 30 searches, covering about 30,000 square miles, and have not found any signs of the boat, people, or debris. We continue to search though. Yes, we got the report about the yellow rope tied off to a rig and something underwater, but neither James' wife, or friends can ever remember seeing a yellow rope on his boat, so we don't believe that is related. Also, CBP (Customs) did have an aircraft in the air today doing a normal patrol, and we asked them to keep an eye out for James' boat, but they are not part of our organized search efforts. They have their own mission to complete, but are trying to assist us by offering more eyes in the sky. They also assisted by being comms relay between us and our aircraft further offshore.Also, just to clarify, there is no "3 day search limit" set in stone for any case. Each case is different and we evaluate each case based on a variety of factors. In this case, the biggest factor is the large search area, and possibility that they could be anywhere out there. I'll PM you my number if you want to give me a call tomorrow.
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=644268
My office, and my guys, are in charge of coordinating all of the search efforts for James, Curt, and Tressel. So far we've conducted approx 30 searches, covering about 30,000 square miles, and have not found any signs of the boat, people, or debris. We continue to search though. Yes, we got the report about the yellow rope tied off to a rig and something underwater, but neither James' wife, or friends can ever remember seeing a yellow rope on his boat, so we don't believe that is related. Also, CBP (Customs) did have an aircraft in the air today doing a normal patrol, and we asked them to keep an eye out for James' boat, but they are not part of our organized search efforts. They have their own mission to complete, but are trying to assist us by offering more eyes in the sky. They also assisted by being comms relay between us and our aircraft further offshore.Also, just to clarify, there is no "3 day search limit" set in stone for any case. Each case is different and we evaluate each case based on a variety of factors. In this case, the biggest factor is the large search area, and possibility that they could be anywhere out there. I'll PM you my number if you want to give me a call tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
In relation to the missing boaters
There is a fishing forum a lot of guys from the area use and I will say this is a hot topic because it hits all of these guys close to home.
http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/index.php
Click on the home page and under hot topics you can read the thread. Lots of guys discussing and lots of prayers being sent out. We even got a shout out from one guy (thanks). We are true believers that EPIRBs , PLBs, life vests and life rafts along with proper abandon ship equipment are your best assets on the water. I have copied a couple of the comments I found very interesting.
How many of you guys go offshore without a raft?After life jackets my raft is the single most important piece of equipment on my boat period. I was really proud of my fishing partner this past weekend. We fished the tuna mania out of his 33 Contender. His raft failed inspection at Triad and he would not leave without a new raft. I have a well equipped ditch bag with a Pelican case with sat phone, epirb, handheld gps, handheld vhf, WATER, food, flares, parachute flares, mirror, whistles, strobes, batteries, space blankets, rain jacket, hand line fishing kit, and did I say WATER.You can't be too careful out there, be prepared for the worst.Just imagine, your running 100 plus miles offshore. Something happens, a storm, a thru hull breaks, whatever. You have to ditch. Would you rather be on top of that boat if it even floats or would you rather be in an enclosed offshore raft with your ditch bag and epirb? Suppose the current is running offshore, you could be in the water for days. I would rather be somewhat dry than floating with a jacket. You spend thousands of dollars on reals and tackle and 200 dollar rods. If your going to put friends and family members lives in your hands spend some of that money on a raft. Hopefully you'll never ever need it but I can guarantee the one time you need it you'll be glad you have it. Do you guys realize that you will die of hypothermia in 87 degree water, eventually.I hope these guys are OK, it teaches us that you can't take anything for granted when dealing with mother nature. Fishing is the most dangerous job on earth for a reason.
__________________Capt. Jeff Gerrans
http://www.chachingoffshorefishing.com/
Sent to me from CG Sir, I am a search and rescue controller that has been working on this case and I see that a lot of fisherman go offshore to this area. I can not figure out how to post on here, so can you post this for me?The USCG has been searching continuously since notification on Saturday. The 23' Sea Chaser Catamaran white with blue bimini top, 3 pob 2 white males and 1 black male. The vessel was last seen at East Bay Rig 110 at 1730 on Friday night. They were supposed to anchor or drift overnight at Hilltop or Hilldrop (a couple of underwater rock areas) then return on Saturday at 2pm. After the last sighting by the rig we do not know in which direction they were headed. So far we have done 5 Helo searches, 6 falcon jet searches, 4 C-130 searches, a shoreline search from Matagorda up to Freeport and we have a CGC that has been searching as well. We have covered 18,573 SQNM. We have covered the waters from Galveston South Jetty down to Port O'Connor and out 123NM with no sightings of the vessel, debris, or persons. We are asking that everyone who is going out to keep a sharp look out and notify the CG on VHF CH 16. We appreciate everyones help.
__________________http://www.sageleafcustomhomes.com/
I applaud the USCG in their efforts and I still hope this turns out to be a rescue and not a recovery. Thanks again to Captain Jeff for the shout out as well as the use of safety gear!
http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/index.php
Click on the home page and under hot topics you can read the thread. Lots of guys discussing and lots of prayers being sent out. We even got a shout out from one guy (thanks). We are true believers that EPIRBs , PLBs, life vests and life rafts along with proper abandon ship equipment are your best assets on the water. I have copied a couple of the comments I found very interesting.
How many of you guys go offshore without a raft?After life jackets my raft is the single most important piece of equipment on my boat period. I was really proud of my fishing partner this past weekend. We fished the tuna mania out of his 33 Contender. His raft failed inspection at Triad and he would not leave without a new raft. I have a well equipped ditch bag with a Pelican case with sat phone, epirb, handheld gps, handheld vhf, WATER, food, flares, parachute flares, mirror, whistles, strobes, batteries, space blankets, rain jacket, hand line fishing kit, and did I say WATER.You can't be too careful out there, be prepared for the worst.Just imagine, your running 100 plus miles offshore. Something happens, a storm, a thru hull breaks, whatever. You have to ditch. Would you rather be on top of that boat if it even floats or would you rather be in an enclosed offshore raft with your ditch bag and epirb? Suppose the current is running offshore, you could be in the water for days. I would rather be somewhat dry than floating with a jacket. You spend thousands of dollars on reals and tackle and 200 dollar rods. If your going to put friends and family members lives in your hands spend some of that money on a raft. Hopefully you'll never ever need it but I can guarantee the one time you need it you'll be glad you have it. Do you guys realize that you will die of hypothermia in 87 degree water, eventually.I hope these guys are OK, it teaches us that you can't take anything for granted when dealing with mother nature. Fishing is the most dangerous job on earth for a reason.
__________________Capt. Jeff Gerrans
http://www.chachingoffshorefishing.com/
Sent to me from CG Sir, I am a search and rescue controller that has been working on this case and I see that a lot of fisherman go offshore to this area. I can not figure out how to post on here, so can you post this for me?The USCG has been searching continuously since notification on Saturday. The 23' Sea Chaser Catamaran white with blue bimini top, 3 pob 2 white males and 1 black male. The vessel was last seen at East Bay Rig 110 at 1730 on Friday night. They were supposed to anchor or drift overnight at Hilltop or Hilldrop (a couple of underwater rock areas) then return on Saturday at 2pm. After the last sighting by the rig we do not know in which direction they were headed. So far we have done 5 Helo searches, 6 falcon jet searches, 4 C-130 searches, a shoreline search from Matagorda up to Freeport and we have a CGC that has been searching as well. We have covered 18,573 SQNM. We have covered the waters from Galveston South Jetty down to Port O'Connor and out 123NM with no sightings of the vessel, debris, or persons. We are asking that everyone who is going out to keep a sharp look out and notify the CG on VHF CH 16. We appreciate everyones help.
__________________http://www.sageleafcustomhomes.com/
I applaud the USCG in their efforts and I still hope this turns out to be a rescue and not a recovery. Thanks again to Captain Jeff for the shout out as well as the use of safety gear!
It can happen to anyone at any time (Missing Boaters off Matagorda)
Coast Guard searches for three overdue boaters off Matagorda
Aug 23rd, 2009
by cgnews.
google_protectAndRun("render_ads.js::google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is currently searching for three overdue boaters approximately 70 nautical miles off the Matagorda coast, Sunday.
Watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston received a call at approximately 9 p.m. from the Matagorda Police Department Saturday, reporting three men overdue from a fishing trip. The men were scheduled to return home at 2 p.m. but failed to do so. The wife of the owner of the boat reported that the men launched the 23-foot center console catamaran from Riverbend in the vicinity of Matagorda. They were headed for a fishing destination approximately 70 to 80 nautical miles off the Matagorda coast.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday, crewmembers from an offshore oil rig reported seeing the 23-foot catamaran with the three men on board.
The owner of the boat, James Phillips, age 30, from Blessing, was reported to be wearing green shorts and a t-shirt. Fellow fisherman Curtis Hall, age 28, from Palacios, was reported to be wearing cut-off fishing shorts.
The Coast Guard is asking anyone with information regarding the location of three men to contact watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston at (713) 678-9053.
The following Coast Guard assests have joined in the search and rescue effort:
Coast Guard Cutter Manowar, homeported in Galveston
Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65C rescue helicopter and crew
Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi HU-25 Falcon jet and crew
It is with a heavy I heart we make posts like these. We hope for the safe return of these men to their families.
As we like to say prepare for the worst so you can enjoy the best!
Aug 23rd, 2009
by cgnews.
google_protectAndRun("render_ads.js::google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is currently searching for three overdue boaters approximately 70 nautical miles off the Matagorda coast, Sunday.
Watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston received a call at approximately 9 p.m. from the Matagorda Police Department Saturday, reporting three men overdue from a fishing trip. The men were scheduled to return home at 2 p.m. but failed to do so. The wife of the owner of the boat reported that the men launched the 23-foot center console catamaran from Riverbend in the vicinity of Matagorda. They were headed for a fishing destination approximately 70 to 80 nautical miles off the Matagorda coast.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday, crewmembers from an offshore oil rig reported seeing the 23-foot catamaran with the three men on board.
The owner of the boat, James Phillips, age 30, from Blessing, was reported to be wearing green shorts and a t-shirt. Fellow fisherman Curtis Hall, age 28, from Palacios, was reported to be wearing cut-off fishing shorts.
The Coast Guard is asking anyone with information regarding the location of three men to contact watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston at (713) 678-9053.
The following Coast Guard assests have joined in the search and rescue effort:
Coast Guard Cutter Manowar, homeported in Galveston
Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65C rescue helicopter and crew
Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi HU-25 Falcon jet and crew
It is with a heavy I heart we make posts like these. We hope for the safe return of these men to their families.
As we like to say prepare for the worst so you can enjoy the best!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Harvest Moon Regatta Demo 2009
One Demo Life Raft 
One Lucky Volunteer
One inflatable PFD
One knowledgeable instructor
Learn to fire the raft
Saturday afternoon we made a trip to Lakewood Yacht Club to do a life raft demonstration for safety day. They are preparing racers for the up coming Harvest Moon Regatta to happen October 1st through the 3rd. Mike has done a demo for them for many years and we always love to take the opportunity to educate people on the proper use of safety equipment. Mike takes time to explain how the life raft deploys and how to use all the equipment inside. We certainly hope no one ever needs to use their life raft but if they do we feel better knowing that they will know how. These demonstrations also give us a chance to see new and old faces and perhaps meet potential customers or earn a repeat customer. In a day and age where everything can be bought from the Internet and a call center somewhere unknown to you answers all your questions it feels good to just see a face sometimes. I am a firm believer that knowledge is best gained through talking to someone knowledgeable!
We wish each race a fun and safe race! May the wind fill your sails!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Happy Boating Larry and Pam
Here is a good shot of Larry with his new Achilles HB315DX with a two stroke Yamaha 15 on it. We wish Larry and his wife Pam many happy adventures in their new Achilles.
August Boat and Customer of the Month
For August the boat and customer of the month have to be Ken and Sherry. They have been very awesome throughout the purchase process. They wanted a small rigid hull inflatable and I suggested the Achilles HB240LX. This is not a big RIB but it is deep and open so it feels bigger than the 7'10" that it is. We ordered it and had to wait for it to arrive and when it finally came in we had some hold ups in the Weaver Snap Davits fitting the boat to their large boat. After some trials and errors we finally made the delivery. I have a couple of shots of the boat on the swim platform davits, a shot of the boat with the Yamaha F2.5MSH and a great shot of Ken and Sherry with the new dinghy. We wish them many happy years of boating fun and we hope their Achilles with the Yamaha is a reliable and fun package. We know that they will have the prettiest new dinghy at the up coming TMCA dinghy regatta! Happy boating and Thanks for being awesome customers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)