Lost at Sea!

[jkaterenchuk]

Thanks for your post John. As I often dive in high current / waves offshore, I carry a deep water kit that consists of:

1. ACR MicroFix EPIRB with GPS
2. ACR Strobe
3. Rescue Laser (all in a sealed case)
4. Emergency water
5. Emergency Ration Bars

Assuming that my suit is intact/dry, this will keep me alive for up to 48 hours. The water in the North Atlantic is cold (presently 33.1 degrees F), so I have a chance to live that long on the outside, but if SAR doesn't get me by then, it wont matter.

Thanks for the list. You also make a good point that the dive enviroment needs to be considered. In Asia exposure protection from the sun needs to be considered and I would think emergency water would be more important since survival beyond 48 hours is a strong possibility.

I can not imagine being able to survive 48 hours in 33F water in a Drysuit. That would truly be a horrible experience.

John

 

[DCBC]

Thanks for the list. You also make a good point that the dive enviroment needs to be considered. In Asia exposure protection from the sun needs to be considered and I would think emergency water would be more important since survival beyond 48 hours is a strong possibility.

I can not imagine being able to survive 48 hours in 33F water in a Drysuit. That would truly be a horrible experience.

Yes, in warmer water I have a hat and carry less food and more water. Surviving 48 hours in cold-water is difficult, but if you have lots of calories and are hydrated, it's doable. The MicroFix gives a GPS location, so if SAR responds, they will be able to easily find you even if you can't physically respond. You have some consolation that you'll be likely going home one-way or the other.

 

[Wookie]

I chose the McMurdo because it also transmits on GUARD 121.5 MHz. I can buy a directional receiver for about 500 bucks that will pick up GUARD. I chose not to get the SPOT because of that feature is missing, the coverage isn't worldwide, and the annual fee.

The drawback to the McMurdo is that it only transmits for 24 hours, and it must go back to McMurdo for battery replacement.

The problem I see with the ACR is price. I need to buy 24 of them, and at about 500 bucks each, that's a little spendy. Worth it not to lose a diver, though.

 

[jkaterenchuk]

I chose the McMurdo because it also transmits on GUARD 121.5 MHz. I can buy a directional receiver for about 500 bucks that will pick up GUARD. I chose not to get the SPOT because of that feature is missing, the coverage isn't worldwide, and the annual fee.

The drawback to the McMurdo is that it only transmits for 24 hours, and it must go back to McMurdo for battery replacement.

The problem I see with the ACR is price. I need to buy 24 of them, and at about 500 bucks each, that's a little spendy. Worth it not to lose a diver, though.

Frank

Do you supply PLB's to all your paying divers on the boat? If so your leading the pack.

John

 

[Wookie]

Frank

Do you supply PLB's to all your paying divers on the boat? If so your leading the pack.

John

I intend to. I am negotiating with Revere on price for the unit, and having a local machinist design and build a waterproof container for them.

For liability reasons they have to be rented and a separate waiver signed for their rental (doncha love tort reform?). I'm thinking a dollar a trip. The container will have a whistle, mirror, lightstick, plb, powerbar, and dye. We will put a tamperproof seal on the container so we don't have to inspect it every trip.

Its damned expensive, but so is losing a diver. I spoke with my insurance company at DEMA. At the price for PLB's where they are, it's one of those things that has become indefensible in court not to have.

"So Captain Frank, you live-boated your divers on a 300 foot deep wreck?"
"Yes sir."
"And what was the current that day?"
"3/4 of a knot, setting to the west sir."
"And what was the deco plan?"
"A drifting deco, sir."
"What safety equipment did you use to ensure you could find the divers after their 160 minute runtime?"
"uhhhh...."

If you plan for the worst, usually you will be pleasantly surprised

 

[Blue Sparkle]

As I understand it, the SPOT is a private service that will (among other services) transmit your call for help (or transfer it somehow) to the search and rescue authorities. An EPIRB-style PLB transmits directly to authorities via their satellites.

The SPOT can be useful but I'm not sure it is a direct substitute for an EPIRB type device.

My background is in boating, so I may not be thinking of all the diving-related angles.

Here is some comparison via a Coast Guard blog:

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest: Personal Locator Beacons

B.

PS: I'm about halfway through the original "Lost at sea" story linked to. It is riveting.

 

[jkaterenchuk]

I intend to.

Regardless of the reason thanks for being proactive. I'm impressed!!!

John

 

[Kevrumbo]

For the past three years on my remote tropical tech trips, in addition to the canistered McMurdo Fastfind plus, I also carry: Diver's Life Raft; and a Hydration Pack.

 

[jridg]

As I understand it, the SPOT is a private service that will (among other services) transmit your call for help (or transfer it somehow) to the search and rescue authorities. An EPIRB-style PLB transmits directly to authorities via their satellites.

The SPOT can be useful but I'm not sure it is a direct substitute for an EPIRB type device.

I dive with a SPOT in an otter box. I like the SPOT for a couple of reasons, however, you are correct, it is not really a direct substitute for an EPIRB device and here's why:

1. It is a subscription service
2. The device must be pointing towards the sky to grab the satellite.
3. It ONLY communicates with the Satellite service.

Here's why I like it:

1. I can send an OK signal home even when outside cell range to let whomever I want know I am doing OK.

2. I can send a non-emergency HELP signal to Whomever I want.

3. The SAR insurance coverage is only $10 a year for $150,000 SAR coverage.

Here's why I don't like it:

1. It is a subscription service (around $100 a year)

2. It does not have world-wide coverage

However, I feel that if I am able to deploy the device, I can send a help signal and the GPS function will allow me to be found quickly. Certainly, if I were to be heading to a location without SPOT coverage, I would be investing in a PLB.

 

[jridg]

For the past three years on my remote tropical tech trips, in addition to the canistered McMurdo Fastfind plus, I also carry: Diver's Life Raft; and a Hydration Pack.

How large is the liferaft package? Can you post a photo?