Electronic distress signal equipment
From KayakWiki
There are several categories of electronic distress signal equipment.
[edit] EPIRB
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
There are several types of EPIRB devices. They are used strictly for emergencies where lives are at risk. They alert the Search and Rescue organizations via a coded message to satellites. This signal identifies you through a number that is registered when you buy the EPIRB. The device then acts as a beacon, continuously transmitting a signal that the SAR folks can use to find you.
The ones that you may consider are Category I and Category II EPIRBs. Due to the use of satellites for communications, these devices work almost everywhere in the world. They are the device of choice for true wilderness rescue situations.
Note that this device will automatically initiate an expensive and potentially dangerous rescue. Do not misuse an EPIRB.
More details: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm
[edit] Marine VHF with DSC
Digital Selective Calling.
This replaces the Class C EPIRB. Due to the nature of the system, as explained below, it is not usable in all areas.
This technology replaces the use of channel 16 on Marine VHF radio as an emergency calling mechanism. It uses channel 70 exclusively to send a digital message to anyone with a DSC equipped receiver. The message includes the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number you get when you register the VHF unit. The MMSI number allows the Coast Guard to know who you are by looking up your registration information in their database.
If you connect the VHF unit to your GPS, the message will also include your position. The Coast guard strongly recommends that the DSC device is always connected to a GPS. This makes it difficult for kayakers, since a handheld VHF plus GPS is a bulky unit. It is hoped that handheld units with DSC will, in the future, contain a basic GPS receiver that obviates the need for two connected devices. If a message is sent without a GPS being connected, there is no position information sent. This makes it impossible for the Coast Guard to respond without further communication.
When a DSC distress message is sent, the VHF unit automatically switches operation to channel 16. The user is expected to follow the distress transmission with voice communication. This is to alert the Coast Guard of the nature of the emergency.
Note that in the near future, DSC will be the only way to send an emergency call in US waters covered by the system; the Canadian Coast Guard will continue to monitor channel 16 for distress calls.
Note as well that this system will not be implemented on the Great Lakes; it's only for ocean waters at this time.
Handheld Marine VHF transceivers only work on a line-of-sight basis to the nearest receiving antenna. As such, they only have a range of about 5km (this could be greater if a land-based receiving antenna is elevated well above water). This limits the useful range and area of use of the technology. If you anticipate being well away from areas that have good Marine VHF coverage, consider an EPIRB as an alternative.
You can get your MMSI number from various providers:
- In Canada, from Industry Canada
- In the US from Boat US
- You can find the info for other countries with a web search.
More details:
