Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1

I would like to introduce you to the Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1, the world's smallest PLB (personal locator beacon). This unit has a 7 year battery storage life, a 7 year warranty and a host of features that are all condensed into a small, light weight portable device.

Introducing the world’s smallest PLB

• 30% smaller (typ) by volume
• Easily fits in lifejacket
• Retractable Antenna
• 7 Year Battery Life
• 7 year warranty
• High brightness strobe light >1candela
• 66 channel GPS receiver
• Unique mounting clip and flotation pouch

Give yourself peace of mind knowing you have a life saving device. The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 can be purchased for under $300.00.

PLB Talk

Again I will just talk some PLB talk. It is to important not to talk about them. PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) are such a great item for hunting, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and pretty much any other outdoor activity you can think of doing. 

Having a PLB could very well save your life. Today's PLBs are small, light weight, and very inexpensive compared to PLBs of the past. Check your facts about the PLB you are looking to purchase and remember the difference between a PLB and a personal signaling or tracking device will be the 406 MHz Signal. A true PLB that is intended to be a life saving device is FCC approved to operate on the 406MHz signal, requires a minimum operating life of 24 hours and is registered with NOAA. 

The 406MHz signal is internationally recognized for land and sea, monitored by a world wide coalition of rescue authorities and transmits to the COSPAS/SARSAT satellites. 

The battery transmits for 24 hours as laid out by the rescue authorities and the FCC before approval can be granted to be a PLB.

Registering with NOAA allows for the best information to start a search and contact your emergency contacts as well as knowing who the authorities are looking for. If you are a boater they even ask for a boat description.
I hope you have found the following information helpful. You may visit Triad Marine's Web Store for great PLBs and pricing information.

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!!

Small Craft Safety Equipment

Every boat needs safety equipment... From the smallest aluminum boat to the biggest commercial tankers you need the right safety gear. The size of the vessel and the waterways you use can be a factor in choosing the minimum safety gear.
On a small craft the number one essential piece of equipment is a life vest for every single person on board! This is a no exception to the rule piece of safety gear no matter the size of the vessel but in small craft it is often the only safety gear. Make sure they are working properly and all of the straps are in good shape.
To supplement your life vest you can add a strobe to the vest that will go off should you fall over board and end up in the water. You may also consider a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) not to be confused with a messenger device like SPOT which also has a place and a purpose. My advice with SPOT is be sure you pay your subscription fees and double check your batteries.
If you have a small craft over 20 feet you may want to consider a small life raft such as a Revere Coastal Compact, it is light weight and only a single buoyancy tube but will get you out of the water if you capsize. You may accompany the life raft with a small ditch bag.
Pick a safety package based on where you will be in your small craft. Consider the possibility that your boat could capsize, consider the possibility they there may not be anyone else around if you go off course, and remember to consider the fact that cell phone batteries die and most all cell phones are not water proof.
I feel compelled to talk about small craft safety today based on a couple of recent stories in Texas.
Safety gear is no guarantee that you will come out of the situation alive and well but, you have to arm yourself with the best possible equipment to have the best chance at survival.

Coast Guard Rescues 2 After Boat Capsizes in San Antonio Bay Near Port Lavaca

And this story
Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Fisherman in Galveston Bay

Here is my small craft Safety Equipment Package Idea

This package includes:

*Revere Coastal Compact 4 Life Raft with Canopy

*Revere Survivor Ditch Bag

*4 Revere Comfort Man Inflatable PFDs Auto Activation

*1 USCG/SOLAS Hand Flare

*2 USCG/SOLAS Parachute Flares

* Revere Day Pak Plus First Aid Kit

* Revere Hear Me Whistle

* Revere See Me Strobe

* McMurdo Fastfind 210 PLB

Remember we can customize a package for you!

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.

PLBs are not Gadgets!

I have written a few posts on PLBs and today I am going to write another and I am also going to layout some information to help you choose a PLB over just a gadget ....If you feel the need for the gadgets have both ...PLBs are so affordable now you would be crazy not to have one...
Boaters, Hunters, Fishermen, Kayakers, ATV enthusiasts, Hikers and anyone who participates in outdoor activities are candidates for needing a PLB!
Here are just a Few Posts from the past
A Tale of a PLB Rescue


10 Reasons to Buy an ACR Aqualink


Hunters Need PLBs Too


I Fish the Bay do I need a PLB


All of these post put you in different shoes when it comes to PLBs we give you information and tools to help you choose we show you a real rescue story and we urge you to be safe in any outdoor environment .


Here is a video from the nice guys at ACR about PLBs versus gadgets



Consider always having a back up plan and remember a PLB is a life saving device and not a gadget. Gadgets are nice and have a purpose, but saving your life is not their purpose.

Hunters Need PLBs Too

Copy Right Warner Brothers

Hunting Season is right around the corner....Whether you hunt for deer, geese, dove, turkey, or even (wabbits) rabbits a PLB is as important as ammunition.
Hunting can take one to very remote places and can leave us all alone so this is certainly a time when you would want to have a back up plan in place. One device that weighs less than one pound and will operate all over the world where cell phones do not could save your life. There are many uncertainties with hunting, you could fall and become injured, what if you were attacked by a wild animal and injured, you wreck your ATV leaving you unable to walk or barely move for that matter, you could become lost and so many other unpredictable things that mother nature may throw your way. Why take chances with your life there are PLBs that are as small as a mobile phone and cost less than $400.00, some models are less than $300.00....I know that this may seem like a lot but it is 5 years worth of maintenance free insurance and peace of mind...A PLB goes where you go from hunting to fishing to hiking to kayaking...A PLB is the best investment you can make to increase your chances of beating unthinkable disastrous odds while outdoors.
By arming yourself with a PLB you only have to worry about how to find those trophy animals.
Think of your friends and family, all of the emotion and sadness of searching for you in case of the unthinkable. Save rescuers time and money as well as saving your family grief just by spending less than $400.00!
As you set out on any outdoor adventure safety should be your first thought so the rest of the thoughts can be about enjoying the adventure! Good luck this hunting season and please be safe!

McMurdo Fastfind 210 PLB

Buy It Here

ACR Aqualink PLB

Buy It Here

Both of these great PLBs have internal GPS signal and operate on the 406MHz signal as well as having the 121.5 MHz homing signal for fly over searches 

Thanks to ACR Electronics for the following information on how EPIRBs and PLBs work

I hope the videos are helpful!

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.