Personal locator beacon vs VHF

bob1 · Joined: 27 Apr 1998 Posts: 91 Location: San Carlos, CA

First, congratulations for getting serious about safety at 3rd (imo the most insidiously dangerous place to sail in the world -- and I've sailed a good portion of it)

For what it's worth, I've gone with Icom-72 (great range and long batt life) in a triangulated waterproof Aqua Pac Small VHF Pro (sits outside wetsuit in small of back above waist harness: "http://usstore.aquapac.net/explore-product-range/handheld-vhf-radio-cases/small-vhf-pro-uss229.html"). Just check battery, pre-tune to USCG Channel 16 , strap it on and go. Really, seldom notice it. I put a small piece of foam inside to increase shock absorbtion and buoyancy as well). Also keep a whistle in the pouch with radio.

I've been rescued and assisted others in rescues under GGB, off TI and in Channel with this combo numerous times -- always worked well. It's a big comfort being able to talk directly to your rescuers, relaying information and knowing they are en route in such dire circumstances.

Today will be good day to have that comfort as Bay Area is gonna go off!! Go get some!

radross · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 49

Ha Bob! I recall you needed to discuss your location numerous times while the CG looked and looked and looked for you "bobbing" off of TI in perfectly calm waters.

I am carrying the ICOM 72 inside a WestMarine waterproof radio pouch/ bag to which I have attached a whistle. The bag has a string for around the neck and I put the radio inside my wetsuit against my chest just above the harness. Don't even notice it. Preferred the ICOM over the WestMarine brand not only for the greater power but also the rectangular (vs square) shape is a better fit in the bag and inside the wetsuit.

Previously carried a strobe and extra line in a small Da Kine pack that attaches to a Nexus harness. The 1x I needed to go to pack to get to a whistle when a mast snapped at TI in typical TI conditions (before I had a radio), it was difficult and some items in the pack were lost. So, what Peter T., says, keep things tied on and close at hand. Manipulating the pack on the back of the harness was not realistic for Victory @ Sea conditions.

Finally, if you want to get serious about safety - wear a life jacket, even if everyone else thinks you are a kook. Laughing

Ross.

gregportmann · Joined: 31 May 2001 Posts: 2

I don't have anything to add, just casting a vote for what I think makes sense for the bay. (It's clearly a personal decision on what works for you).

I'm a big fan of the VHS radio
* Immediate communication - you know if help is coming or it's time to swim harder.
* You can have a conversation with coast guard or possibly a boat that may not see you.
* Coast Guard can find you in the fog by triangulating on your signal.

The downside of the radio, as someone pointed out, is they are really difficult to hear in high wind. I had to take it out of the waterproof bag to hear at all.

The satellite based beacon systems can have way too much delay for my taste. A couple years back I went to a Coast Guard talk on safety and the guy said it could be 30 minutes before they get the call from some dispatch center on the east coast. At crissy that could mean you're pretty far out at sea before they even start looking. And they don't know if they're looking for a boat or a person. I'm sure technology has improved and it's not that bad anymore but it's not for me.

I believe lifejackets improve safety but most will not keep your head out of the water if you get knocked out. I did wear one for a season. I found them to be annoying so my compromise (which I feel could be safer) is to wear a helmet. Particularly if you're getting full buoyancy from a wetsuit.

Just my two-cents.

bob1 · Joined: 27 Apr 1998 Posts: 91 Location: San Carlos, CA

sailwave · Joined: 11 May 2000 Posts: 49 Location: Redwood City, CA

Hey, what is wrong with an old fashion cheap cell phone in a water proof case ? Speaker phone mode at max volume booms out sound. Called the wife from middle bay last year just to try it, worked fine when not in the case.

gpadmos · Joined: 09 Jul 2009 Posts: 45

tomg · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 133

I've been sailing with the Icom 72 or a few years. keep it in a camera bag ziptied to my harness belt. No waterproof bag needed: they're waterproof! just rinse the saltwater off after each session. bit of insurance.

hahn2 · Joined: 17 Jul 1996 Posts: 24 Location: Menlo Park, CA

At the last "safety day" at Coyote Point, I asked and the Coast Guard rep their preference and was told VHF over beacon because it allows a 2-way conversation. Something else useful: he also said to carry a light stick in addition to everything else because stuff often doesn't work just when you need it.

I attended a spring paddle out of Tahoe City last week and heard another Coast Guard safety talk. She mentioned a problem with cell phones and 911. It may not be a problem here, but on Lake Tahoe when you call 911 it's handled out of somewhere like Auburn. She told us it adds delay and confusion to call 911 when you need the Coast Guard and it's best to call them directly. The Coast Guard emergency number here is 415.566.2103

erogind · Joined: 28 May 1998 Posts: 34

With a VHF you have more than one use and if someone else needs help you can make the call and assist the scene. Like John said, at the last Coyote Point Safty Day the CG said they preferred the VHF to the EPIRB due to two way communication.

I use the West Marine VHF85 which I bought on sale last year for $99. With the antenna unscrewed it measures 5.25" x 2.5 x 1.5. I put the radio and the antenna inside two zip locks and that fits inside my Da Kine pouch (along with 4 rescue lines of various lengths and a whistle).

I just tested the radio in a sink full of water. It sank like a rock. I have attached the wrist strap. The VHF has replaced the strobe I used to carry. No room in the pouch for both. Maybe I should get a second Da Kine pouch for the other side and carry the strobe too.
erik