jefffski
Paddler
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2014
- Messages
- 143
I'm interested in your opinions.
Just to be clear, an EPIRB is a one-time use device to alert authorities of an immediate need for a rescue.
I am an ocean canoeist. My partner and I have paddled in the BGI, Deer Group, Broughtons, Hakai Luxvbelis (Great Bear), Sechelt Inlet and Desolation Sound for over ten years without incident. We carry a waterproof floating VHF radio, handheld GPS, deck compass, handheld compass and marine charts. We're considering adding an EPIRB to our gear.
We've never capsized and typically travel near shore in good weather and calm seas, though we've encountered swells as big as two metres. We also have made longer crossings (i.e. BGI to Deer), however, these are always under ideal conditions.
Thinking about different scenarios where we might need help or a full on rescue, our VHF radio is sufficient for any emergency calls from land. If we were in the water, could not reach land and couldn't re-enter the boat, making a coherent radio broadcast might not work once water got into the mic. Enter the EPIRB. But still, I wonder if, in those extreme conditions, we were in the water and could not get back into the boat, would one of us be able to activate the EPIRB, which takes both hands, and hold it aloft as required?
Another issue is I'd have to attach it to the outside of the PFD, as all the pockets are full. My partner loves her PFD, but it has no pockets big enough even for a tiny EPIRB. I don't like gear hanging off my PFD because it's more likely to get damaged.
Thoughts?
Just to be clear, an EPIRB is a one-time use device to alert authorities of an immediate need for a rescue.
I am an ocean canoeist. My partner and I have paddled in the BGI, Deer Group, Broughtons, Hakai Luxvbelis (Great Bear), Sechelt Inlet and Desolation Sound for over ten years without incident. We carry a waterproof floating VHF radio, handheld GPS, deck compass, handheld compass and marine charts. We're considering adding an EPIRB to our gear.
We've never capsized and typically travel near shore in good weather and calm seas, though we've encountered swells as big as two metres. We also have made longer crossings (i.e. BGI to Deer), however, these are always under ideal conditions.
Thinking about different scenarios where we might need help or a full on rescue, our VHF radio is sufficient for any emergency calls from land. If we were in the water, could not reach land and couldn't re-enter the boat, making a coherent radio broadcast might not work once water got into the mic. Enter the EPIRB. But still, I wonder if, in those extreme conditions, we were in the water and could not get back into the boat, would one of us be able to activate the EPIRB, which takes both hands, and hold it aloft as required?
Another issue is I'd have to attach it to the outside of the PFD, as all the pockets are full. My partner loves her PFD, but it has no pockets big enough even for a tiny EPIRB. I don't like gear hanging off my PFD because it's more likely to get damaged.
Thoughts?