What if Your Rescue Hinged on an EPIRB

From the Coast Guard News, a story about an EPIRB.  Every rescue mission is different, in the event you need to be rescued having the right equipment is truly the difference between rescue and recovery.

There was no moon, and multiple cloud layers and thunderstorm cells blocked any available light provided by the stars,” said Lt. j.g. Caleb Thorp, the Hercules pilot. “The rain was near continuous, which reflected any light emitted from the aircraft and caused our night vision goggles to be useless.  So we secured as many lights on the aircraft as possible to aid the search outside.  We could only see straight down where we saw very rough seas.”

Finally, through the waves and winds, the C-130 crew received a blip on their radar that matched the profile of a sailboat.

Unable to actually see the vessel, and failing to establish communications over the radio, the Hercules crew began to fly over the boat’s location, flashing the plane’s wing tip landing lights to grab the crew’s attention.

The sailing vessel Wolfhound is seen here approximately 80-miles north of Bermuda in the FLIR camera of a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., Feb. 9, 2013. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd class Sarah Bachman and Petty Officer 3rd Class Jerimiah Strombeck

“We couldn’t see anything on the first pass, but on the second pass we saw a light cutting through the blowing rain,” said Thorp. “We flashed our lights and the sailing vessel flashed a handheld light back at the aircraft.”

The sailing vessel, later identified as the 48-foot long Wolfhound, lost all power and was at the mercy of the Atlantic Ocean.  With the power out, its radio was useless, and the four Irish nationals aboard had no other means of contacting a rescue agency.

Within six hours, both of the AMVER merchant vessels arrived on scene, led there by the Hercules crew.  The crew of the 738-foot Tetian Trader eventually came alongside the Wolfhound and helped the crew leave their stricken ship.

On average, there is a commercial ship in the AMVER system that is involved in saving a life somewhere in the world every 33 hours.

The rescue of the crew aboard the Wolfhound demonstrates how the culmination of EPIRB technology and the partnerships between multiple agencies save lives. The only other thing that might have better facilitated this successful search and rescue effort would have been if the sailboat’s EPRIB had been registered and up to date. With an unregistered EPRIB, a distress alert may be delayed before reaching the Coast Guard, often in situations in which there is not a moment to spare.

After reading this story, I would like to remind you to check the date on your EPIRB battery, make sure your EPIRB is registered and consider replacing older EPIRB technology with a GPS enabled EPIRB.

The Coast Guard, World Rescue Authorities and groups like AMVER can only do so much, you have to do your part and provide yourself with the best life saving tools available.

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National Safe Boating Week Post 3

Ditch Bags...
Every boat big and small needs some kind of safety gear and there are ditch bags for all purposes, they come in different sizes and shapes.
Consider if you have a small vessel or even a canoe or kayak you need to have identification and at the very least a signal mirror but a PLB is optimal for small vessels.
You may consider a document pouch style bag that will hold those items.
If you have a larger vessel we suggest building the best bag for your boating needs, consider the number of persons on the boat, the distance you will travel from shore, the length of the trip and other equipment already on board the vessel.
Some basic items to consider are as follows
Flares (USCG)
Signal Mirror (we always suggest Coast Guard Approved equipment)
Fishing Kit
Sea Sick Pills
Floating Flash Light
Strobe Light
Batteries and Spares
Water (the packets we put in the life raft store easily)
Food (We suggest the same  kind we put into the life rafts)
First Aid (as much as your skills allow for proper use)
PLB or EPIRB
VHF Radio
Identification and other documents (at least copies)
Sea Sick Bags
Dye Marker or Rescue Streamer
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
Any Prescription Medication taken by members of the crew
Isothermal Blankets

Just remember when packing a ditch bag that it will be your resources should your boat sink or capsize. You need one and you need to make sure it is packed properly for each trip.
It never hurts to double check the dates and contents 2-3 times per year. Don't let it become a set it and forget it boating item.

For more information on packing a great Ditch Bag contact Triad Marine.

                                                                  Perfect for small Boats

National Safe Boating Week Post #2

Today for National Safe Boating Week we are going to talk about EPIRBs and PLBs. An EPIRB stands for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon and PLB stands for Personal Locator Beacon. Both EPIRBs and PLBs operate on the 406 MHz signal using the same COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite system, which is directly monitored by Search and Rescue Personnel. 


Different boaters will have a different need when it comes to choosing an EPIRB or PLB, although both units operate the same way there are key differences in each unit. EPIRBs have a longer battery life and they are designed to float upright in the water when tethered to a person or life raft. You can get and EPIRB in an automatic and manual activation model. PLBs will have a lower battery operating time and will all be manual activation. The good thing about a PLB is the size and potability you can take with you for all of your land based adventures as well. 


When choosing the right EPIRB or PLB remember to stay away from gadget devices, remember only a device that operates on the 406MHz signal is an EPIRB or PLB. These will be the only units using the COSPAS-SARSAT system and monitored by rescue authorities. While gadgets have a place and a purpose but should not be your only signaling source for emergencies. 


Coast Guard Rescues 3 They had a PLB


Here are Other posts about PLBs


PLBs are not Gadgets 


If you missed the Kick off to National Safe Boating Week find it Here 


There is no doubt that EPIRBs and PLBs save lives, they also cut down on search and rescue time as well as the expense. 


If you are injured or in the water you want the Rescue Authorities there as soon as possible.


Here is a good note from the Coast Guard about upgrading to an EPIRB or PLB with a GPS signal built into the unit.

EPIRB and PLB Spring Check List

If you read THIS POST last week then you know we are trying to help you check the safety gear on your boat before Spring arrives and lots of boating gets under way. This week will will focus on EPIRBs and PLBs. Both EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)  (**note that the link is very helpful but a bit dated as the 121.5 MHz signal is no longer monitored as an emergency response signal and is now used as a fly over homing signal only**)and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacon) operate in the same way. There are differences including a longer battery life, floatation and deployment options, but they all have a battery life and expiration date! 

EPIRBs and PLBs operate on the 406 MHz frequency, if you still have 121.5 EPIRB you will need to replace it.
Starting on 1 February 2009, the Cospas-Sarsat System stopped processing signals from the deprecated 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz beacons; now only signals from 406 MHz beacons are processed. The switch to 406 MHz is expected to result in a substantial reduction in wasted use of SAR resources on false alerts while simultaneously increasing the responsiveness of the system for real distress cases.

COSPAS-SARSAT

If you have an EPIRB or PLB locate the battery expiration date and check it.

If you do not have one you should strongly consider purchasing one.

The gentleman in this post was not going to buy one but we encouraged him to purchase at least a PLB and it saved his life.

EPIRBs have to have a minimum battery life of 48 hours, they are designed to float in the water up right and transmit a signal, they also have a tether line to tied them to you or your life raft. EPIRBs come in Manual Deployment Versions and Automatic Deployment Versions. The Automatic Deployment EPIRBs have a housing and a Hydrostatic release unit that will set the EPIRB off and release it from the housing, allowing it to float to the surface and transmit. EPIRBs are also available with and with out a GPS transmitter built in. The GPS will help narrow down the search area.

PLBs will have a minimum operation time of 24 hours, they all have to be manually deployed and even though some models float they are not designed to float up right and transmit in the water like and EPIRB. PLBs usually have to be held with the antenna facing the sky. This doesn't mean your signal would not transmit if there was not a clear view of the sky, it is simply the best case scenario. Most PLB models have the built in GPS transmitter which will give rescuers a better idea of exactly where the user is.

So the check list is as follows:

Be sure the EPIRB is a 406 MHz and not a 121.5 MHz operating unit. It is OK to have both.

Be sure the battery is not expired

If the battery is expired find a factory authorized replacement center in your area.

Preform the manufactures self test

If it is an Automatic Deployment Unit check the date on the Hydrostatic Release

(good for 2 years)

Make sure the Housing is in working condition

For PLBs

Check the battery and perform the self test.

Safe boating is the best boating. Come back later in the week as we highlight some rescue stories and introduce you to AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System , there are some rescue stories like these that resulted because of AMVER.

Also don't forget to fan us on Facebook for our Daily Deal section of our Website using QR Code and a password only fans get... the savings are Awesome!!

Colder Weather Means More Boating Risks

As the cooler temperatures make their way south to the Houston area we find increased risks with boating...Should you fall over board and remain in the water very long you are at increased risk for hypothermia. Hypothermia is actually defined as any time the core body temperature falls below 95* F. Taking extra precautions in cooler temperatures is the key to avoiding a tragic outcome.  On Friday December 2, 2010 we had a shrimp boat capsize in our waters and 3 of the 4 men were rescued clinging to debris, sadly they have to be treated for hypothermia which leaves a grim reality that the 4th person in the water probably has hypothermia as well leaving them at greater risk of drowning. He has still not been located and the Coast Guard suspended it's search for him. You can read the full story here.

Make sure there is a working PFD for each person aboard and make sure they are wearing it. By having the life vest on you give yourself an advantage should you fall over board. Once you fall into the cold water if you begin to lose dexterity and function you will not be able to swim to keep your head above water a PFD is designed to help you stay afloat. Wearing it is the only way to be sure it will work.

With that being said there are some things that can make your journeys on the water safer and help protect you against hypothermia. The first thing you need is a life raft this will help get you our of the water if your boat were to capsize or sink. even if you go into the water and become wet and cold you can increase your chances by having a way to get out of the water. Pack some extra isothermal blankets in your ditch bag and use them to attempt to stay warm once you are in the life raft. Purchase an EPIRB or PLB or both and keep the PLB with you. The sooner they can find you the better chance you have of recovering fully from hypothermia.

If you plan on making overnight trips in cold weather you may want to consider an immersion suit for each crew member. The immersion suits are designed to help you stay warm, they will make a big difference in how quickly your body begins to go through the stages of hypothermia.

As always file a float plan, check dates on safety gear, check all components of the boat, and be prepared for the worst conditions and you will always have a more enjoyable boating experience.
There are a lot of ditch bag items that can help one survive and if you need help choosing these items we will be happy to sit down and help you. We can also provide you with more information on PFDs, PLBs, EPIRBs, and Life Rafts.

Survival Times in Cold Water Without Protective Clothing

Water Temperature		Loss of Dexterity	Exhaustion or	Expected Time of
Degrees C	Degrees F	with no protective clothing	Unconsciousness	Survival
0.3	32.5	Under 2 min.	Under 15 min.	Under 15 to 45 min.
0.3 to 4.5	32.5 - 40	Under 3 min.	15 to 30 min.	30 to 90 min.
4.5 to 10	40 - 50	Under 5 min.	30 to 60 min.	1 to 3 hrs.
10 to 15.5	50 - 60	10 to 15 min.	1 to 2 hrs.	1 to 6 hrs.
15.5 to 21	60 - 70	30 to 40 min.	2 to 7 hrs.	2 to 40 hrs.
21 to 26.5	70 - 80	1 to 2 hrs.	2 to 12 hrs.	3 hrs. to indefinite
Over 26.5	Over 80	2 to 12 hrs.	Indefinite	Indefinite

The above table is simply a reference, remember each person's body reacts differently and one may become colder more quickly if they suffer from certain illnesses or if they take blood thinning medications.

I have a (Insert Unsinkable Boat Name Here) so I don't need one of "Those"

In the title it says I have a (unsinkable boat) you can choose your favorite brand name as my point is not to bash the boats but the mentality that comes with the word unsinkable. Also in the title I don't need one of "those" you can make this a few items EPIRB, PLB, Ditch Bag, or a Life Raft.


"In 2008 the #1 cause of deaths - 278 of them -- in boating accidents was because of capsizing, flooding or swamping.

Last month the U.S. Coast Guard awarded a two-year grant to the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and Davis & Company (boat surveyors) to investigate capsizing and swamping occurrences in recreational boating. The last time the USCG investigated this category of accident in a special study was in the 1970s. In 2008 there were 856 reported accidents involved with capsizing, swamping or flooding, and 535 (62.5%) of these involved "cabin motorboats" or "open motorboats."


To me 62.5% is a big number of cabin and open motor boats, that is more than half. So these unsinkable boats do you think they capsize ...Of course when you are doing things wrong like this little story below or mother nature decides the weather will change and the seas will be rough.


"Katherine Martin was operating a 17-foot Boston Whaler when she crashed with an 18-foot Larson Bow Rider operated by Eric Meyer at 12:15 a.m., police said. The Boston Whaler (unsinkable boat) capsized and sent all five people on board into the water. "
See the full story HERE


Beyond capsizing there are chances of motor and electronics failure so every boat no matter the sinkable factor needs to be properly equipped for every trip you make on the water.


Should your unsinkable boat capsize would you be able to hold on the the hull of the boat in rough seas and manage to hold on to your kids, wife, family, or friends. If you are in an area where no one may see you for 17 hours like THIS POST how will you fair. Do you have an accessible life vest for everyone on board or better yet are they wearing them.  A PLB could have changed their story and reduced time in the water how could it change yours.
Remember This Story From Last Summer a PLB or EPIRB could have re-written this as well.
Safe boating is the most important part of boating, in the event your unsinkable boat leaves you stranded or capsizes wouldn't you like to just say that it did not matter because I had my back up plan in place.


No one at this point can make recreational boaters have life rafts, EPIRBs and PLBs as these are not regulated under laws like the commercial vessels, so it is up to each boater to put forth personal responsibility in the matter.  Not every boat needs to be decked out with every piece of safety gear available but at least choose safety gear based on where you boat and the number of people you are going to be responsible for while on the water.
Everyone from the Kayaker to the ocean cruiser can benefit from safety gear, starting with a small and simple PLB and going all out with an EPIRB, Life Raft, PLB, Ditch Bag, VHF radio, Sat Phone and many other items you may want when doing an ocean sail or cruise.


Remember unsinkable means nothing to mother nature, unsinkable doesn't mean the battery won't go down, the engine and electronics won't fail or that your boat won't capsize.
Something as simple as spending less than $400 on a PLB can re-write your story!

As Small as most Mobile phones sells for $279.00

Buy it Here

use Coupon Code BLOG at check out to save $25.00

This Larger PLB unit is full of features and will come with a belt clip, lanyard and floats!

Also now with yearly subscription you can get the "I'm OK" service to learn more visit 406 Link 

$395.00

Buy it Here

Use Coupon code BLOG at check out to save $25.00

Don't go on any outdoor adventure without the peace of mind a PLB can bring.

Houston Boat Show 2010 Our Booth

Once again we participated in the Houston Boat Show at our booth we displayed Inflatable boats from Zodiac and Achilles as well as EPIRBs and PLBs from ACR and McMurdo

Follow Up on the EPIRB story from Last Week!

Last week I blogged about a customer of ours being saved using his Fastfind 210 PLB ...you can see the original post HERE

Fastfind 210 PLB

This week there is some good news for Mr. Ketchum the rescued war Veteran...Someone recovered his sailboat and they are returning it to him for free ...what a great gesture around the holidays. We wish Mr. Ketchum the best and a very Merry Christmas!

You can see the article about the recovery HERE

EPIRBs Save Lives! Another Tale of Rescue not Recovery!

Not too long ago our company Triad Marine sold a Fastfind 210 PLB, Revere Offshore Commander 4 in a valise and a new Achilles dinghy to a gentleman who was heading to Belize in a sail boat. Sailing to Belize this time of year is not to unusual but the weather has not been that great and the customer is 80 years old and had decided to sail solo. Given all of those conditions no good could come from this trip.





When the gentleman left we were all a bit worried and we had reason to be, the news reported that the Coast Guard rescued and 80 year old man who had set off his EPIRB after sending a radio distress signal stating he was unable to fend for himself.




I have never been happier to have sold someone a PLB. This story turned out to be a rescue and not a recovery. Apparently he did not need his life raft because he was able to be rescued before his boat had taken on too much water.

3 Hours and the Coast Guard was there! PLBs and EPIRBs work and save lives!
See the story below!



EPIRB leads Coast Guard to distressed mariner
Dec 15th, 2009 by cgnews.


SABINE, Texas — Following a distress from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) onboard a 34-foot sailing vessel, the Coast Guard found a missing 80-year-old man Tuesday who had departed Houston ten days ago.
The Eighth Coast Guard District command center received the distress alert located approximately 115 miles south of Sabine at 9:30 a.m. The Coast Guard contacted the owner of the EPIRB and was notified by a family member that the 80-year-old owner of the sailing vessel, Enchantress, departed Houston approximately ten days ago and was headed toward Kemah, Texas.


A Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter and crew from Coast Guard Air Station Houston and an HU-25 Falcon rescue plane and crew from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi launched and located the owner and his sailing vessel at approximately 12:30 p.m. The man was hoisted and transported to Coast Guard Air Station Houston where he met by ambulance and transported to South East Memorial Hospital.


"The gentleman said over the radio to us that he was 'unable to fend for himself.' We safely hoisted him into the helicopter, and as soon as we started to hoist the swimmer, lightening struck within close proximity of the aircraft. The storm front began moving in and definitely made the situation more tedious, but we fell back on our training and the mission was a success," said Lt. Aaron Mader, air craft commander, Coast Guard Air Station Houston.


The Coast Guard reminds mariners to have a registered EPIRB onboard the vessel and to file a float plan with family members and friends.


Click HERE to see the video of him being rescued.

Now ask your self is $299.00 too much to spend to be able to return home to your family!

I may save your life!

Thank you to the Coast Guard and to the makers of the Fastfind 210 both for a job well done. We are so happy to see our customer is safe and that a product we believe proved it's self once more!

Warning From the USCG on EPIRB Battery replacements

November 30, 2009 Alert 08-09



Washington, DC


UNAPPROVED EPIRB BATTERY REPLACEMENTS


Fishing vessel safety staff in the Coast Guard’s Seventh District has received at least three reports in


the past few months regarding unapproved replacements of 406 EPIRB batteries by servicing


companies having no association with the EPIRB manufacturer. These unauthorized battery


installations would likely result in a failure of this critical item of lifesaving equipment, and as such are


not in compliance with the operational readiness requirements of 46 CFR.


The following is a typical excerpt from an EPIRB manufacturer report:


“The unit was opened and a foreign battery was found inside. The battery was built up using


(manufacturer) fuses and wiring salvaged from the original (manufacturer) battery. They then


covered their battery with the original (manufacturer) yellow heat shrink, (manufacturer) labels


and taped it together. This was then covered with a black heat shrink wrap. The connections


were soldered and not spot welded, as is required by the design and is performed in


(manufacturer) production. The battery measured 8.7 volts. Our batteries read 9+ volts when


they are new. This battery was installed one week prior to it being brought into (manufacturer).


There was also evidence of water intrusion due to the crack in the top cap, which (servicing


company) did not recognize as they are not trained in these matters.


The EPIRB was condemned by (manufacturer) and the customer was notified when he came


to pick the unit up.”


Every approved (i.e., accepted by the FCC) EPIRB is tested during its approval process using a


battery, or batteries, specified by the manufacturer. Approved EPIRBs come with a user's manual


which describes battery maintenance and replacement procedures. In order for the EPIRB to remain


within the conditions of its approval, the manufacturer's instructions in the user's manual must be


adhered to. To ensure that replacement batteries are of the same type with which the EPIRB was


approved, and are correctly installed, manufacturers typically specify that battery replacements only


be done by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved shop.


Any modification or changes to an EPIRP must be made in accordance with the manufacturer. The


use of alternative replacement parts or batteries is prohibited and may prevent the device from


meeting lifesaving requirements. The Coast Guard strongly reminds EPIRB owners and servicing


facilities to be aware of the compliance implications and potential for equipment failure stemming from


any EPIRB modification or unauthorized battery replacement.


This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or


international safety, operational or material requirement. Questions regarding the information


presented in this alert may be addressed to LCDR Vince Gamma of the U.S. Coast Guard


Headquarters Lifesaving & Fire Safety Standards Division at 202.372.1396 or


Vincent.A.Gamma@uscg.mil.


********