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NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

noaa.gov

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Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#51

Post by throw0101a »

munificent wrote: post #27
AYBABTME wrote: post #11

I bought one of these PLBs after spending 12h down a canyon with a broken ankle and no cell reception. Friends had to hike back out of the canyon and hike then drive for hours to get help. Never again. Since then I got a sailboat and it's pretty standard in that field to have EPIRB, PLBs and the likes. There's life-vests that come with mini-PLBs in them. It's a bit pricey but it's essential in my opinion. I was lucky…

> Since then I got a sailboat and it's pretty standard in that field to have EPIRB Should be more than just common. My understanding is that US maritime mandates that you must have a functioning EPIRB if you are on open waters.

> ... functioning EPIRB if you are on open waters.

A more nuanced question is on what to have on one's life jacket: an AIS-based system allows for the boat you just fell off of to know that (a) you're gone, and (b) where you're bobbing around at.

If you end up being blown away, or are doing a solo crossing, then a PLB may be better.

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#52

Post by throw0101a »

Dowwie wrote: post #49
Zenst wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

https://www.sparesmarine.co.uk/mcmurdo-plb-battery-servicing... that any use?

Yowsa. Do I spent the additional $100 and go with a new one? I wonder how much technology has changed in 10 years since I bought this..

May be better GPS processing: more channels for a quicker fix. Perhaps lower power or better battery chemistry so the '2.0' unit may last longer?

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#53

Post by bluGill »

MayeulC wrote: post #25
bluGill wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've heard of some organizations rejecting this because if it wasn't for all the unprepared people heading out and getting in over their head they would have to pay someone to go out an pretend to need rescued for training purposes. Having someone who really needs help is much better training than a planned mission - even if they shouldn't have needed help. Your mileage may vary, each rescue team has different situat…

Well, that is an interesting take, but if collecting such a tax really helped reduce the number of people going out unprepared, thus needing help, it would really be a no-brainer to do so, as it could avoid people getting hurt or killed in the first place.

Problem is people who know about the tax will refuse rescue if they think they can get out without paying it - thus killing more people because they refused the rescue.

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#54

Post by tialaramex »

linsomniac wrote: post #7

in 2016 I got one of the ACR PLB-375 "ResQLink+" locator beacons. I did a bunch of research at the time, and liked this because it was $250, and required no subscription. Looks like they are $300 now. The alternatives have more features, like sending messages or two way messaging, and incoming messages, but also tend to require monthly subscription fees. Some of them now have subscriptions that you can "pause" when y…

Right, COSPAS-SARSAT beacons are non-subscription products. As you say you can't send "I'm fine, but traffic awful on the way out here so we decided to stay until Tuesday" only trigger emergency rescue. But on the other hand, since COSPAS SARSAT is a global rescue service backed by governments (originally mostly the Russian and American governments, hence the clunky bilingual name) you can be damn sure it's not going bankrupt or whatever.

COSPAS SARSAT does have two way link in its roadmap, but again only for emergencies. The concept is, you activate the beacon and then maybe rescuers can send "Storm too bad for helicopter. We come at first light" rather than you either worrying they came and didn't see you or that they aren't coming at all. And that's at least several years out and a new beacon.

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#57

Post by PopeDotNinja »

munificent wrote: post #26
jxcl wrote: post #2

I have one of these beacons and take it with me most times I'm going out alone into the wilderness. I don't want to be the guy who had to cut his own arm off after it got trapped by a falling boulder. That being said, this is an interesting spin on the number. I've been hearing from friends on Search and Rescue crews that an increasing number of people are going out hiking being completely unprepared for any possible…

Risk compensation [0] has been studied and gets a lot of press because it tickles that combination of psychology + counter-intuitive result + play into narrative that people suck. As far as I know, though, most modern studies show that while there is some amount of risk compensation (people engage in riskier behavior after adopting a safety apparatus), the compensation is less than the benefit of the safety measure.…

I certainly do things now that I wouldn't have done before having ba smartphone. The most common thing is driving into the middle of nowhere without a backup plan. Usually it's fine. Occasionally I get stupid lost. One time I got stuck in mud with no cell phone reception, so I walked to a random person's house, knocked on the door, and asked for help.

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#58

Post by tjohns »

mmaunder wrote: post #32

Posting this because it isnt mentioned in the article, but among mariners these beacons are known as EPIRBs. The system has evolved significantly to support individual beacons now. So search for EPIRB if you want one or want to learn more. https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtEpirb https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_position-indicatin...

- EPIRB = Fixed unit, installed on a boat. Water activated.

- ELT = Fixed unit, installed on an airplane. G-force activated.

- PLB = Handheld unit for individuals. Manually activated only.

They're all the same technology, but the form factor differs depending on which term you refer to them by.

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#59

Post by hanniabu »

glitcher wrote: post #28
wbl wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not on the sea. By old and ancient tradition all who sail come in aid to their brothers in need.

Off topic, but this reminded me of the stark contrast between this and my state's "stupid motorist law" > any motorist who becomes stranded after driving around barricades to enter a flooded stretch of roadway may be charged for the cost of their rescue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stupid_Motorist_Law

That sounds reasonable to me.

Re: NOAA Satellites Helped Save a Record 421 Lives in 2019

#60

Post by jxcl »

japhyr wrote: post #45
jxcl wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your experiences up! I have found SAR fascinating for a long time, and am kind of interested in getting involved, but it seems like an insurmountable commitment.

Where are you located? Getting involved in SAR looks a lot different depending on where you are. In my community most people spend some time outdoors, but there isn't any one focus like rock climbing or kayaking or anything. So we'll take just about anyone who's interested and has reasonable judgement, and find ways they can contribute. You can take someone brand new and have them stand at a trailhead and interview a…

> There are some communities where it's competitive to get onto a SAR team. This typically happens in large urban areas right next to popular outdoor locations.

Yep, I'm in Denver, CO. D:

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