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PLB V EPIRB

Posted: 01 Apr 2018, 18:22
by peatop
Last week i went out on a kayak parts searching mission, while looking for some cam locks i went to a boating outlet that Nath sugested while i was there i had a chance to look at both the EPIRB and PLB the EPIRB was definitely not something i would like attached to my PFD, now that I've sorted that out im thinking about a replacement PFD suited to kayak fishing, any suggestions? Also how to setup a handheld radio (protecting it from water damage)?

Re: PLB V EPIRB

Posted: 01 Apr 2018, 19:16
by spider25160
It does depend which model of EPIRB you buy mine is small enough to wear on my PFD however most are too bulky. The advantages of an EPIRB cannot be argued though when they are deployed. As for your radio there are a number of waterproof VHF models to choose from any of which will suit a kayak GME, Uniden and others very happy with my GME but I think any differences would be personal preferences.

Re: PLB V EPIRB

Posted: 02 Apr 2018, 19:47
by peatop
spider25160 wrote:It does depend which model of EPIRB you buy mine is small enough to wear on my PFD however most are too bulky. The advantages of an EPIRB cannot be argued though when they are deployed. As for your radio there are a number of waterproof VHF models to choose from any of which will suit a kayak GME, Uniden and others very happy with my GME but I think any differences would be personal preferences.
I looked at the rescue me EPIRB to me it was the weight and shape thinking uncomfortable to have attached to the PFD for hours at a time.
I will look at it again after I've arranged other safety equipment.

Re: PLB V EPIRB

Posted: 02 Apr 2018, 22:14
by djillusions24
All our Coast Guard life jackets have Rescue Me PLB fitted - if we didn't tell people they wouldn't even know they are in there. You only really notice if you lean over a rail or something (with the work we do) and its in-between you and the rail.

They are a fantastic little device, much easier than carrying a full EPIRB on a Kayak, I personally think everyone should have one - would make our job in marine rescue much easier thats for sure.

As a secondary measure you can use the Coast Guard SafeTrx app while you are out on your Kayak too, gives us more than enough information to mount a very quick rescue response if required. https://coastguard.com.au/safetrx

Re: PLB V EPIRB

Posted: 03 Apr 2018, 08:41
by laneends
djillusions24 wrote:
As a secondary measure you can use the Coast Guard SafeTrx app while you are out on your Kayak too, gives us more than enough information to mount a very quick rescue response if required. https://coastguard.com.au/safetrx
Interesting app. Wouldn't use the sail plan much as ETA is often way out, and wouldn't want to be triggering alerts all the time. I already use navionics gps on my phone if I were to use this as well is it going to chew through the battery too fast?

I like the idea of being able to call the coast guard and they get co ordinates at the same time

Re: PLB V EPIRB

Posted: 03 Apr 2018, 14:03
by peatop
laneends wrote:
djillusions24 wrote:
As a secondary measure you can use the Coast Guard SafeTrx app while you are out on your Kayak too, gives us more than enough information to mount a very quick rescue response if required. https://coastguard.com.au/safetrx
Interesting app. Wouldn't use the sail plan much as ETA is often way out, and wouldn't want to be triggering alerts all the time. I already use navionics gps on my phone if I were to use this as well is it going to chew through the battery too fast?

I like the idea of being able to call the coast guard and they get co ordinates at the same time
I downloaded the app and found the sail plan a worry to, for the same reason, didnt think about using the other benefits though, what worried me was the call for help button, i wear my phone in a pouch around my neck and often turn it on with a bump from my rod, this could activate the call for help, although if i was to get into trouble i could start the app and hit the call for help :up: as for running multiple apps and draining my battery, I've bought a backup charger that charges my headlamp and my phone.