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barnakiel · 03-03-2010, 10:27

The homing signal is way less (W) as it is meant just for short range use. Guess will be in the mW range.

So, we have at least Spain, NZ and Oz, where the govt requires an EPIRB.

Oh, good on ya mate ;-)

b.

ConradG · 03-03-2010, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by barnakiel

The homing signal is way less (W) as it is meant just for short range use. Guess will be in the mW range.

So, we have at least Spain, NZ and Oz, where the govt requires an EPIRB.

Oh, good on ya mate ;-)

b.

Wow. I wonder if everyone must ahve them or just commercial boats, charters....even visitors?

The FAA started procedures to require airplanes to have the new 406 transmitting ELTs instead of the ones they have and (still do) require which transmit on 121.5. They were convinced that they would be just about as useless as the current ones but would cost the industry huge amounts. They dropped the requirement. Then countries like Canada, which adopted the requirement, had to change their wording to allow US planes without them so they wouldn't loose the buisiness...

I guess anything that might help would be good and at least they aren't out of this world expensive as everything aviation is (because it has to be run through all kinds of testing to get certified by the FAA).

barnakiel · 04-03-2010, 17:43

Conrad - no, not visitors. But there was such an attempt in NZ some time ago. b.

ConradG · 04-03-2010, 17:54

Good thing. Mine is bell. It's uscg approved.

roger.waite · 04-03-2010, 19:30

While laws under your flag may require EPIRBs, the 2*PLB option may be very attractive to boats registered under other flags if they intend to carry them on watch (for MoB situations). A GPS equipped PLB should not require a particularly strong homing signal, given the rescue vessel will be vectored in quite precisely by the RCC.

? PLB may be a good option for 'boat hoppers' if, in your area, they get registered to an individual vs. a ship. Have been told, however, their signal can be weak if they are not held clear of the water. An EPIRB can float free ...

barnakiel · 05-03-2010, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger.waite

... the 2*PLB option may be very attractive to boats registered under other flags if they intend to carry them on watch (for MoB situations). A GPS equipped PLB should not require a particularly strong homing signal, given the rescue vessel will be vectored in quite precisely by the RCC.

In such (MOB) circumstances, I would rather go for AIS (or radar) SART. Unless your yacht has a 121 homing device, which is not often. But you can see the SART on any AIS equipped plotter or (radar) radar - so you can find the MOB and so can the SAR and CG.

b.

mlibkind · 10-08-2011, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConradG

Excelent thinking Livia. Seems to me that the fact that the plbs don't self activate is a good thing, allowing you the extended time option. Do any of these have external power options or changeble batteries?

Barnakiel, what regulatory body requires epirbs or plbs?

I believe another difference is that an EPIRB will naturally float in the correct position for transmitting. That is not true with a PLB. Therefore, with a PLB you will need to hold it in the correct position.

I think that the EPIRB and PLB are basically for two separate purposes. The EPIRB is for "the boat and all the crew" should it be necessary. A PLB is worn on your PFD and its basic use on a boat is to allow a man over board who can't be found to send an emergency signal.

That said, the PLB will do the same job as the EPIRB provided that the battery does not die on you.