EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon Search

[Deano]

There seems to be a significant gap in the market here. I wondered whether anybody knew of any recent developments in this field.

I'm after a dive friendly PLB (I've heard that the sea marshall version is obsolete now). Already have SMB's, etc but would've thought something a little better was available by now.

There's plenty on sale for boaters, etc it would appear so I'd thought someone would've constructed a suitable one for divers by now that isn't the size of an extra tank.

Any ideas?

[BogSnorkeller]

The Sea Marshall is the only PLB on the market which doesn't need to be placed inside a pressure-resistant container. There are other small PLBs out there, but you need to buy something like this to put them in: http://www.mcmurdo.co.uk/products/product.html?product_type=6&product_sector=5&product=37 (You'd thread your tank-band through it.)

As for obsolescence - the Sea Marshall will always work providing someone is listening out for it on the right frequency. I understand that the UK coastguard will continue to support this frequency despite it being superseded by a new international distress frequency. But basically, this technology is still dependent on someone on earth picking up your PLB's radio signal, and then having the equipment to track that signal. And if you're any distance from shore and either nobody knows you're missing, or knows that you have an old PLB, why would they be out 'listening' for you?

A modern PLB with in-built GPS is a far better proposition. It uses satellite communication to say "help - come and find me at this exact location." The boats/helicopters which try to rescue you won't even need any tracking equipment - they just head for your exact coordinates, which are updated every few minutes by your PLB (and would be relayed to them by the coastguard.)

So a modern GPS PLB is the perfect panic button. So long as you can see the sky, it should work. Three examples of this type are the McMurdo Fastfind Plus, the McMurdo Max GPS, and the ACR resqfix. Have a look on ebay - some cheap ones to be had from the US.

[Deano]

Thanks for your reply. Good info.

There's a significant gap in the market for something small and depth sealed for emergency use. James Bond had a small pill that did this 40 years ago.

Dragon's Den anyone?

[BogSnorkeller]

Thanks for your reply. Good info.

There's a significant gap in the market for something small and depth sealed for emergency use. James Bond had a small pill that did this 40 years ago.

Dragon's Den anyone?

You're right. We need an up-to-date version of the Sea Marshall. I suspect the reason that there isn't one on the market is that we divers form a relatively small group (compared to sailors) of potential consumers. So the retail price would have to be really high to recoup their costs.

That said, I don't mind having a canister strapped to my tank band - you don't notice its there.

If you're looking for James Bond stuff, do a Google search on "Breitling Emergency." (Alas - it suffers the same limitations as the Sea Marshall.)

[Turtle Dude]

I just dive with a group 3 revolving flare gun.

http://www.rirwin.com/flare_guns.htm

note: and no knife; knives are dangerous

(sorry, it has been one of those days!)

[Gordon]

Have a look at Divetrack - I've not heard anything since DOC, but that was aimed at what you are talking about in memory of Penny Glover.

G

[HDVDIVER]

You folks might be interested to know that an Australian company (http://www.hdvseatek.com) that specializes in high-tech gear for divers will be releasing the "E-POD" in September, 2008.

It is a small, lightweight pressure pod (made of injection molded glass-reinforced Nylon) with and operating depth of 150 metres. Inside is a safety kit containing a 406MHz, GPS equipped PLB (45 metre accuracy, worldwide); signal mirror and safety sheet. The E-POD will easily fit into most BCD pockets 170mm x 110mm.

Details will be on their web site shortly. It will be about the same price as a good dive computer.