Personal EPiRPS??

[fellinger]

Does anyone have any info to share regarding use of personal EPiRPS for near-shore (<25 miles)? I am considering getting one to add to my safety equipment next year. I have been told about products by this company http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/resqlink-406-gps/

Any thoughts or info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Fred

[Maritime Matt]

Fred,
As I don't personally own one yet, the PLB is registered to the user and can be utilized in other outdoor activities besides boating, and the EPIRB is registered to your boat.

[fellinger]

So, in your opinion not a bad budget purchase? Add that with a newer vhf w/auto mayday/position it should suffice for inshore (<20 nm) use?

Fred

[Hunter 2]

Fred, If you only intend to use on your boat, get one suited for marine use. Epirb, Spot, and Acer. Some have strobes and "auto-on" features. All using satelites and some require monthly fees. Many guys I fish with use Epirb. Don't forget to make a ditch bag when traveling offshore. Hope this helps,, Eddie

[fellinger]

Thanks, Eddie. I was planning on the ditch bag as well. I guess a couple of bottles of water and maybe an MRE? Mirror, whistle, etc? Actually I guess I'll just scavange our survival vests here work.

The only reason I mentioned the PLB is because I know plenty of offshore oil rig pilots are issued them and they even have "ELT's" in the aircraft. I have found a PLB that is waterproof, transmits GPS on 406mh as well as the other radio freq.

[NJ Guy]

if you plan on offshore ALOT a liferaft isnt a bad idea either....

[fellinger]

With all the safety equipment that I need I think I am more than justified to buy a bigger boat this year. AC boat show here I come! LOL

[Hunter 2]