Beyond Basic Safety Gear

Go beyond the basic safety gear. This is survival gear.

Safety on board is undoubtedly the most important aspect of boating. When something goes wrong, having the proper gear can keep you alive. Increase your chances of survival by going beyond basic safety gear.

Most boaters carry just the basics: navigational lights, air horn, PFDs, fire extinguisher, flare, and a bottle of water. But before you head offshore this summer, consider carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), a personal locator beacon (PLB), emergency life raft, a night-vision camera, and high-powered spotlight.

I once was lost but now am found

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is essential when planning your safety gear.

The most recent European Union launch of Galileo navigation satellites added second-generation search-and-rescue (SAR) transponders to the International COSPASSARSAT Medium-Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) constellation. The primary mission of the MEOSAR system is navigation. Its large footprint on the globe allows the use of Doppler measurements to calculate a distress beacon’s location, while the Low-Earth Orbit (LEOSAR) and Geostationary Orbit (GEOSAR) are primarily for gathering meteorological data. Both the LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellites, however, provide assistance when a distress beacon is activated. The MEOSAR array provides faster signal detection, greater reliability, and accuracy and will soon be the dominant system for COSPAS-SARSAT service.

This is the system that communicates with an EPIRB and PLB distress signal that transmits on the 406 MHz frequency. A GPS-enabled EPIRB can identify your location to as close as 164 feet. A PLB works the same way but only transmits about 24 hours (the EPIRB has a minimum 48-hour transmission) and is registered to a person whereas an EPIRB is registered to the watercraft.

There are a number of EPIRBs and PLBs on the market, such as ACR’s GlobalFIX V4 EPIRB which has an internal 66-channel GPS. It has a 406 MHz transmission to connect with the COSPAS-SARSAT system and also uses the 121.5 MHz signal for more accurate detection when rescuers are close by. McMurdo’s Smartfind G8 AIS (shown) is the first to combine 406 MHz transmissions with an AIS (Automatic Information System) locator. Ocean Signal’s rescueME EPIRB and Simrad’s EP70 are also highly rated.

Was blind but now I see

Fishing in the Gulf at night won’t be fun if an oil rig gets in the way. Coming into the harbor isn’t any easier. With obstacles like tidal currents and other boats that can get in your path, docking can be a challenge. What if there was a man overboard scenario? Hope he’s wearing a PLB along with a strobe light.

Having a low-light and/or thermal camera that links with your electronic display is a godsend in those situations. Infrared or thermal imaging captures temperature differences between the background and the foreground. It detects thermal radiation that is emitted by anything with a temperature above zero. Thermal imaging cameras don’t need light to see.

A night vision camera requires some ambient light (from the shore or even the moon and stars). The latest technology has cameras capable of returning an image with just 0.1 lux (a full moon with a clear sky is 0.05 to 0.3 lux) and some with a sensitivity of 0.0008 lux. Resolution size is a critical number with thermal imaging and night vision cameras, but the camera’s sensitivity mode is important as well. The higher the number, the more you can see. High sensitivity modes make the camera more sensitive to pick up changes in temperature, which is important when trying to locate a crewmember in a man-overboard situation.

As with most safety gear, there are a number of companies producing thermal and night vision cameras, such as FLIR, Raymarine, and The Yacht Group.

That Saved a Wretch Like Me

One of the handiest safety accessories is the spotlight. Not much needs to be said as most people understand the advantages of having a flashlight when it’s dark. ACR, FLIR, and West Marine are just a few of the manufacturers who offer spotlight solutions. Fully automated systems with cameras, such as The Yacht Group’s Yacht Cam Bright that combines the night vision camera with a searchlight are extremely helpful.

The Yacht Group’s Yacht Cam Bright is a combination night vision camera and searchlight.

Its extreme lowlight sensitivity of 0.0013 lux (color) and 0.0008 lux (monochromatic) distinguishes images with 2.13-megapixel resolution and 30x optical zoom. The wide spot beam, effective to 1,000 feet by 70 feet, can further illuminate an object seen in the camera’s all-in-one unit with joystick control.

In addition to these important safety products, keep in mind the location in which you’ll be cruising. Conditions on the water can change rapidly, so logically consider all possible scenarios prior to heading to the marina. Think about how far you’ll be from shore, the water temperature will be, and weather conditions. Make sure to have ample supplies of food and water in the event you’re out longer than anticipated. Even a ditch kit if you have to abandon ship. When it comes to boating, safety is always the first priority.

Useful Resources

ACR

FLIR

MCMURDO

SIMRAD

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating June 2018

Inspect Your EPIRB or PLB

The only thing worse than not having crucial safety gear on board is to have it fail when needed. So inspect your EPIRB and PLB.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are expected to work flawlessly in an emergency every time despite minimal maintenance and constant exposure to the harsh marine environment. But! You need to inspect your EPIRB and/or PLB will keep it ready, willing and able.

The primary purpose of any emergency signaling device is pinpointing your location to ensure rescue within the “golden day,” that first 24 hours following an emergency during which the majority of survivors can (statistically anyway) be saved—in essence, taking the “search” out of a search and rescue mission. An EPIRB or PLB goes a long way to accomplish that goal.

When activated, emergency beacons transmit a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency, which is then relayed via the Cospas-Sarsat global satellite system and earth stations to the nearest rescue coordination center. Units featuring built-in GPS can provide a location accuracy of 150 feet or less.

EPIRB vs PLB

The popularity of PLBs has soared in recent years due to their portability and lower costs, so why not just skip an EPIRB altogether and go with something you can wear? Although PLBs and EPIRBs work in exactly the same manner, there are a number of differences between them beyond size.

While PLBs transmit a distress signal for a minimum of 24 hours, transmit time for an EPIRB is double that (a minimum of 48 hours). Unlike a PLB, EPIRBs can also configure to automatically deploy and activate in the event of an emergency. Category I EPIRBs are designed to float free from a sinking vessel and turn on automatically when it comes into contact with water, while a Category II rating denotes those that are manually activated and deployed.

Unlike a PLB, which is registered to a person, an EPIRB is registered to a specific vessel, which means you can’t legally take it with you to use onboard another vessel.

Testing and maintenance

A good rule of thumb: inspect your EPIRB or PLB once a month. Experts agree that EPIRBs and PLBs should be inspected monthly or prior to an extended cruise. When inspecting and conducting any test, exercise extreme caution to avoid inadvertent activation and generation of a false distress alert.

Start by inspecting the exterior of the beacon thoroughly for any physical damage, such as corrosion, cracking, and water ingress. For EPIRBs, you’ll also want to inspect the mounting bracket or housing. EPIRBs float free when released, so they should be stowed in an unobstructed location. Such installations will also have a Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) designed to sense water pressure if a vessel sinks, releasing the mount and allowing the EPIRB to float to the surface. HRUs expire every two years, so note the expiration date during your inspection.

Next up is checking the expiration date of the battery. This will be shown on the beacon manufacturer’s label or a separate sticker. Battery life for most units is five years, although some newer models exceed that. Replace the battery if the beacon has been activated. It must also be replaced on or before the label’s expiration date.

Make use of the self-test instructions when you inspect your EPIRB.

Check the registration with NOAA. This one is expired!

Verify the presence of a current NOAA registration sticker. Federal law requires all U.S.-coded EPIRBs and PLBs to be registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This registration provides search and rescue organizations emergency contact information so that if your beacon is activated, they’ll know who they’re looking for. It also gives them someone to call and verify that it’s an actual emergency, rather than a false alarm. This means you’ll need to update your registration if any of the information changes. Beacon registration or updates are easily done online at sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html.

Self Test

Once the physical inspection is complete, conduct a self-test by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Following these instructions is crucial to ensure your beacon is working properly and to prevent accidental activation.

When conducting a 406 MHz beacon self-test, the EPIRB or PLB is allowed to radiate a single burst that’s specially coded so that it is ignored by the COSPAS-SARSAT system. Most EPIRBs will have a visible test switch, one that’s spring loaded so that it can’t be left on inadvertently and drain the battery. Depending on the unit, a combination of beeps and light or strobe flashes will indicate test circuits are operating properly. Many newer EPIRBs and PLBs will display tests and results via an integral display.

If you accidentally activate your EPIRP or PLB, turn the unit off and cancel the false alert by calling the nearest U.S. Coast Guard Station. They, in turn, will contact the nearest Rescue Coordination Center to cancel the alert. As part of your boating season startup, inspect your EPIRB and PLB can be a lifesaver.

By Frank Lanier, Southern Boating May 2018

More Safety Gear

Life Cell Ditch Kit

When it comes to safety at sea, Life Cell is a ditch kit and flotation device in one. Life Cell Ditch Kit stores needed safety equipment in one place: EPIRB, flares, flare gun, safety flag, whistle, air horn, flashlight, and signaling device.

The molded frame with grab handles helps keep you afloat. Mounted on an exterior bulkhead or rail, the optional 316 stainless steel bracket releases when pulled or submerged. Four models assist two to eight people.

MSRP from $300 to $470

lifecellmarine.com

More Safety Gear

Semper Paratus

How “Always Ready” are you?

Borrowing from the U.S. Coast Guard’s iconic “Always Ready” motto, when it comes to safety aboard, you can never be too prepared. To make the point, a tragic event occurred in South Florida during the summer of 2015 when two young boys set out for what they thought would be an exciting and fun day on a boat. Sadly, it was anything but.

Could this and other similar boating tragedies be avoided? Well, let’s just say that with some extra precautions and planning, the odds for dealing with a dicey situation can be swung dramatically in a positive direction. No matter what size boat you have, be it kayak or superyacht, having the right safety equipment aboard and knowing how to use it are some of the most important aspects of spending time out on the water.

Let’s start with your boat. Always check the condition of any seacocks or thru-hull fittings as well as critical hose connections. If anything looks amiss such as corrosion, any sign of cracks or weeping, swap it out for a new one. Give all your belts, impellers, gaskets, and seals a once over before setting out—failure of any of these items can stop you dead in the water. And as with oil and filters, always carry spares.

To meet the requirements of all U.S. Coast Guard regulations, vessels are mandated to carry at least the minimum safety items such as proper nav lights, fire extinguishers or automatic fire suppression system, a PFD—Personal Flotation Device, or life jacket—for each person on board, a throwable device such as a seat cushion or life ring, a bell, whistle, or horn for signaling, and visual distress signal flares. As these requirements differ depending on the size of your boat, check with a copy of CG 169—usually available at your marina store or other outlets—to make sure you are in compliance. (Checking in with your local Coast Guard station or auxiliary unit or setting up a complimentary safety inspection with them are also good options.)

Veteran captains and those who travel extensively all have the same thought: If you do the kind of boating that takes you away from your home port for extended periods of time and over open water, you should have a proper life raft for the number of people on board—make sure it is inspected and ready to go as per manufacturers recommendations. Be familiar with its deployment and use, and get the one that suits your needs—coastal, offshore, or ocean going. Among the companies manufacturing this type of equipment are Winslow, Switlik and Givens.

Whether you require a raft or not, a floatable ditch bag is a good idea. While ready-to-go kits are sold by such reputable companies as ACR and Defender, make sure you have an EPIRB, a personal locator beacon (PLB), waterproof and floatable emergency handheld VHF, and a water-activated strobe light. Also critical are individual life jacket vest strobes; a handheld, waterproof and floating GPS; a daylight signal mirror and flares; chemical glow sticks; noisemaking devices such as plastic whistles and canned air horns; drinking water; wrapped and sealed snacks; and sunglasses. And for all those electronic safety items, make sure to replace batteries and carry spares in sealed and waterproof bags.

If you are setting out for an extended time away, it’s also a good idea to file a float plan with your homeport marina or local Coast Guard station as well as with your destination facility. In this way, everyone will know your trip schedule and be on the lookout should anything happen along the way. Keep a sharp ear to the VHF and a keen eye on weather conditions at least 36 hours ahead of departure.

If you are traveling with family, friends, and kids who are not familiar with boating, go through all the safety features and procedures aboard before you cast off. And if you have a pet, keep it in sight and have an appropriate life jacket on it at all times. Keep your fuel tanks full and know where your next fill up will be and how long it is going to take you to get there.

Here’s hoping your next outing is a safe and enjoyable one. With a little extra planning, and the Semper Paratus outlook, you can leave the dock with some extra confidence and peace of mind.

— By Ken Kreisler, Southern Boating Magazine February 2016

INFORMATION:

ACR Marine
acratex.com/products/marine

Defender Industries
defender.com

Givens
givensliferafts.com

Mustang Lifejackets
mustangsurvival.com

Switlik
switlik.com

USCG Boating Safety
uscgboating.org

USCG 169 Nav Rules
landfallnavigation.com

West Marine
westmarine.com

Winslow
winslowliferafts.com

Survival Straps’ Survival Bracelets

Survival Straps’ American-made Survival Bracelets are hand-woven into a small, stylish accessory that unravels into 16 feet of military-spec paracord; the wider bracelet provides 24 feet. Use Survival Straps bracelets as a tourniquet or lifeline to squash a potential catastrophe. Available in a variety of color combinations and dog tag inscriptions with either plastic or steel buckles. MSRP $19.95-$35.95; survivalstraps.com