Spot, EPRiB, PLB and SEND

T

thataway

Active member
Safety is always paramount on our minds. Although we had discussed this topic in the past, a recent thread mentioned SPOT vs EPIRB, and there is some more up to date information which has been a result of the loss of Sailing vessel "Aegean" which was discussed in the link below
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=18336

We have to remember that there are some limitation of electronic safety devices, and not neglect our preparation and skills as we adventure off the beaten track. Despite some disadvantages of these devices (a false dependance, lack of registration, false alarms, and not understanding how the devices should be used as well as the process of SAR) there are many lives currently saved by all of them. There is the potential for saving many more lives by carrying a device the size of a deck of cards, and costing about $200.

The EPRIB is assigned to a specific vessel. The PLB is assigned to an individual, and can be carried from place to place and on various activities, such as hiking, skiing, kayaking etc. For long ocean voyages we have equipped our vessels with two EPIRBS, and now carry 2 PLB (Personal Locator beacons). The SPOT or In Reach are different types of safety devices, and do leave a trail. There are also now safety devices which trigger Local AIS response.

The EPIRB and PLB are monitored by international Sat SAR agencies. The response time is usually very prompt. The SPOT and IN Reach are monitored by commercial agencies, and they must determine which government agency to call. In the loss of Aegean (and 4 lives) GEOS who is the commercial agency called the primary and secondary contacts, both of which went to answering machines, and no government agency was notified. Thus there was a very significant delay of SAR (actually until debris was found floating many hours later by another racing boat). This delay was very disturbing.

US sailing and the CG both have concluded their reports and there is some interesting information in the U S sailing report which was issued Oct. 30 2012:

http://offshore.ussailing.org/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=19623


From the US sailing report on the sinking of Aegean:

"Appendix 7
Analysis of SPOT CONNECT by Evans Starzinger
SPOT Accuracy as a Positioning Device
Accuracy: SPOT, when it receives and then communicates a fix is HIGHLY accurate. It uses a standard GPS chip set, with a 'typical' accuracy of 15-­‐meters/50 ft. and an accuracy as close
as about 5 meters (16 ft.) horizontally with a clear sky view. SPOT actually claims "GPS accuracy: 32.8ft (10m) location accuracy". Empirically the SPOT track is at least reasonably accurate because it's so straight. If the fixes were inaccurate they would wander noticeably.
Reliability: SPOT Connect is however NOT highly reliable in receiving and then sending a fix. At the time of the SOS transmission, it did not receive a position fix prior to the transmission of the SOS message. In reviewing the SPOT track it is apparent that while the positions should be exactly every 10 minutes, there are longer gaps, often after a text message was sent, indicating it did not transmit a fix at the specified interval [see Appendix 13]. This suggests that SPOT Connect either had an internal conflict between transmitting the text message and receiving a position or did not successfully connect to receive a position fix and thus, had to acquire the position and resend.

Appendix 8
Analysis of EPRIB, SPOT and other *SEND devices

* “SEND” = Satellite Emergency Notification Device = official terminology for any of several commercial SOS devices (like SPOT an Iridium) that is not part of SARSAT.
COMPARISON TABLE (Reviewed by USCG & GEOS):
EPIRB (SARSAT) advantages vs. SPOT/GEOS** (and other SEND’s devices)
1. EPIRBS designed to float and function in the water -­‐ SPOT not
2. SAR Assets can RDF (home in on) EPRIBS signals -­‐ but not on SPOT signals
3. EPIRB generally water activated (not 100% of existing EPIRB’s are water activated... some
older CAT II beacons are only manual activated)-­‐ SPOT requires button to be pressed
4. EPIRBS function and the SARSAT system provides location data even without GPS position -­‐
SPOT needs both GPS and messaging satellite lock to function
5. EPIRB dedicated to mayday signal so battery not run down by other functions while SPOT
may run down battery with tracking and messages before SOS (some SEND’s devices are
required to shut down at a certain battery level to ensure the SOS function is available)
6. EPIRB signal goes directly to RCC centers who control the SAR resources -­‐ SPOT adds an
additional step (GEOS) adding the increased possibility of delay and human failure
7. USCG RCC assumes an EPIRB signal is positive until proven false. Upon receipt of a located
alert, the Coast Guard will start the process to deploy SAR assets to that known
position. These assets have 30 minutes (some are much quicker to get underway than others, and many take much less than 30 min to get underway) to get underway to the position, (and for the USCG it is viewed as easier to recall the assets rather than wishing you had sent them out earlier). While the SAR asset is preparing to get underway, the SAR controller attempts to gather more information about the alert (calling emergency contact in the registration data base, perhaps having local police knock on doors if no answer at contact or checking with marina, or looking at websites/blogs or doing other detective work) If the alert is determined to be non-­‐distress, the asset is stood down or recalled. If the received alert is un-­‐located but registered, the Coast Guard works with the emergency contact provided in the registration database to narrow down a search area. Once a reasonable search area has been determined, rescue assets are deployed. If the distress alert is un-­‐located and unregistered, the Coast Guard will continue to evaluate and monitor. Additional satellite passes may be needed to determine a location so that an effective search area can be developed. While SPOT/GEOS has a narrower commercial/profit mandate (to call the emergency contact, and if there is a lat/long in the SOS signal to call the SAR/USCG). GEOS will continue to monitor an SOS signal until they get location data that they can forward to the USCG/SAR.
8. The EPIRB communication protocol is technically more robust and less likely to have dropped messages. You can see in the SPOT track that it regularly drops messages -­‐ they should be every 10 minutes but are not when a message gets dropped.

SPOT/GEOS (and other SEND’s devices) advantages v EPIRB (SARSAT)
1. Some SPOT models (and other such devices) have some amount of 1 or 2-­‐way messaging
capability, which can provide useful information on the type of incident to the SAR assets -­‐
EPIRB has no messaging capability, only sends an alert.
2. SPOT does potentially have track position data available as backup if SOS signal does not
get GPS fix while EPIRB could be quickly sunk attached to vessel so fast as not to create an
accurate fix and there is no prior track to the look at.
3. SPOT has multi-­‐functions, providing more day to day benefits to users.
4. The use of the day-­‐to-­‐day functions confirms the SPOT unit works; whereas it is always a
bit unknown if the EPIRB will function when turned on (the self test function will ensure G-­‐ EPIRB’s work; following website has good background on this: http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/Beacon%20Tes ... olicy.html).
5. Many EPIRB batteries are quite expensive to replace which SPOT uses everyday batteries.
Disadvantages of both
1. Difficulty of contacting emergency contact at night, and lack of knowledge by emergency
contact, or incorrect or no registration information
2. Slow time to get fix by both units in case of fast sinking taking units with the ship (EPIRB
should be mounted to float free)
** SPOT and GEOS are separate companies. SPOT makes the SPOT hardware and provides the non-­‐emergency services. GEOS provides the emergency response service for SPOT and several other SEND devices.

Appendix 8a
ALCOAST 231/08
COMDTNOTE 16130
SUBJ: COMMERCIALLY-BASED DISTRESS ALERTING DEVICES
1. ISSUE. PUBLIC USE OF COMMERCIALLY-BASED DISTRESS ALERTING DEVICES (E.G., SPOT AND TRACME) IS BECOMING A POPULAR WAY TO ALERT AUTHORITIES OF A DISTRESS SITUATION.
A. SAR MANAGERS AND COMMAND CENTER CONTROLLERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THESE DEVICES ARE BEING MARKETED COMMERCIALLY, HOW THEY OPERATE AND HOW THEIR DISTRESS ALERTS WILL BE RECEIVED AND DISTRIBUTED.
B. AT LEAST TWO COMMERCIALLY-BASED DISTRESS ALERTING DEVICES ARE SIMILAR TO EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACONS (EPIRBS), EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTERS (ELTS), AND PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACONS (PLBS) THAT ALERT THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM. C. TWO TYPES, SPOT AND TRACME, ARE INTENDED FOR INDIVIDUAL USE AND CAN EASILY BE CONFUSED WITH PLBS.
2. BACKGROUND. COMMERCIALLY-BASED DISTRESS ALERTING DEVICES ARE NOT COSPAS-SARSAT DISTRESS BEACONS AND DO NOT NORMALLY MEET NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COSPAS-SARSAT MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EPIRBS, ELTS AND PLBS. EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
A. SPOT. THE SPOT SATELLITE MESSENGER IS ADVERTISED AS A MULTI- PURPOSE SATELLITE MESSAGING TOOL THAT CAN BE USED AS A DISTRESS BEACON AS WELL AS FOR SATELLITE MESSAGING.
B. TRACME. THE TRACME DISTRESS ALERTING DEVICE IS A NON-SATELLITE BASED LOCATION BEACON THAT EMITS A SIGNAL TO ASSIST IN LOCATING A LOST OR INCAPACITATED PERSON. THE TRACME LOCATOR BEACON IS LICENSED BY THE FCC AS A FRS (FAMILY RADIO SERVICE FREQUENCY) DEVICE, OPERATING ON FRS CH.1 (462.5625 MHZ) IN THE U.S. AND CANADA.
3. COMMAND CENTERS MAY RECEIVE TELEPHONE NOTIFICATIONS FROM REGIONAL CALL CENTERS NOTIFYING THE COAST GUARD THAT A DEVICE HAS SENT OUT A DISTRESS ALERT. THESE ALERTS MUST BE CAREFULLY EVALUATED AND RESPONDED TO IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL SAR CASE EVALUATION PROCEDURES (UNCERTAINTY, ALERT, DISTRESS).
4. THIS ALCOAST AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED IN CHANGE (2) OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD ADDENDUM TO THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE SUPPLEMENT (NSS) TO THE INTERNATIONAL AERONAUTICAL AND MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE MANUAL (IAMSAR), COMDTINST M16130.2D (SERIES).
5. OFFICE OF SEARCH AND RESCUE COMDT (CG-534) POCS:
A. MR. RICH SCHAEFER, RICHARD.R.SCHAEFER(AT)USCG.MIL, 202-372-2079. B. LCDR KATHY NILES, SARSAT LIAISON OFFICER, KATHERINE.M.NILES(AT) USCG.MIL, 202-372-2089.
6. RDML J.R. CASTILLO, DIRECTOR, RESPONSE POLICY SENDS.
7. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED"
 
I have an EPIRB on the boat and am thinking about getting a PLB. An interesting segment on Coast Guard Florida a few days ago, the helo was responding to a PLB activation, on arrival it was from a tug under tow, the CG asked if (and they gave the name of the person) was onboard. The captain said he was home in bed, the device was in his locker on the boat and had gone off, however the tug was not receiving the signal yet it was quite loud in the helo, which tells me the tug may have had older electronics. At least the owner had registered his PLB which unfortunately many do not. I need to transfer my registration data from the C-Dory to the Ranger Tug as soon as the CG registers my boat, seems like they take forever.
 
I carry a PLB and a SPOT. I see them as complementary devices.

The SPOT is used to keep family and friends posted about where I am. In the event of an emergency, I'd hit the 911 button. I've used it on the C-Dory and while backpacking and hiking around the US and in South America and Africa where cell phones didn't work. I tried to use it on a backpacking trip in Hawaii, but the satellites didn't provide reliable coverage.

I keep the PLB tethered to my lifejacket. If I'm outside of the pilothouse, either on the boat or kayak or anything else, I have the PLB with me. If I go hiking from an anchorage, I take the PLB with me. If the boat sunk, I'd have my lifejacket with PLB attached. The only time the PLB would be activated is in a life-threatening situation.

The new AIS-SART devices look interesting if traveling in areas with other boats, since they're the only devices that directly notify other nearby boats. Both SPOT and EPIRB/PLB notify authorities as Bob said, and then the appropriate rescue authority would have to notify nearby boats.

I also carry a waterproof VHF, GPS, and flare gun in my lifejacket to signal nearby boats.

The advantage of an EPIRB as I see it is the ability to self deploy and the inherent buoyancy and ability to transmit while floating. 48 hours of transmit time is probably useless for me on the PNW since I'd be long gone if I was in the water and it took that long to respond.

Of course, no device can replace good sense and being prepared. Whenever someone activates a distress beacon rescue crews risk their lives to bail someone out of whatever mess they got into. It's only fair to to your best to avoid the dangerous situation in the first place.

Like any safety gear, buy it with the hope that you'll never use it.
 
We also suggest, for a BACKUP, for those cruising inland or coastal waters, a combination of SPOT (for satellite location) virtually anywhere and Latitude.

Latitude is an IPhone link that gives GPS location off phone towers and,when in range, (most inland and coastal waters) is very accurate.

We used both in our last years of cruising as backup. In fact, cruising in Lake Superior, we used our backup Navionics charts (in our iPhone) in conjunction with the iPhone GPS, to navigate. We did this to save the expense of acquiring (for one-time use) the Garmin discs for our chartplotter. The combo of iPhone Navionics charts and GPS worked perfectly as a primary for us. And we had radar for dark or fog identification of hazards.

We still use iPhone in combo with maps for navigating on-land driving or hiking (and the SPOT) for backcountry trips. You can send emergency messages with either SPOT or iPhone.

Our kids (and G'kids) have latitude and they enjoy following us on our travels (as we do with them). We had hot chocolates for them at the door when they arrived for Thanksgiving - we followed them on latitude and knew when they were ten minutes from arrival. Oh, and you can turn off the latitude 'send' if you're at the pub and want privacy :-)
 
We used a Delorme InReach last year with the IPhone App and really liked it. It can do everything a Spot can do plus send and receive text messages. A little more expensive than a Spot but you can activate it for only 4 months a year for $39.95 a month. We plan to use it next spring/summer bringing a boat from Seatlle to Alaska to keep everyone updated and in contact with us.
 
There have been many discussions as to what "OFF SHORE" is. My definition of "off shore" is a distance farther than I can realistically swim in current conditions. I don't go on my or another's boat without MY OWN DITCH BAG. I have a PLB in it, among other safety items. I am not interested in becoming a statistic. The Spot is a nice adjunct to a PLB or EPIRB.
 
As I've said here many times before, EPIRB/PLB is the way to go if you want to be SURE somebody is going to come for you when things go bad. Spot is a nice thing to keep folks informed on where you are on your travels, but like on the TV show mentioned above, I've flown right over a vessel emitting an inadvertantly activated EPIRB signal on several occasions. I've also done the same for ones in marinas that go off by accident. We can DF right to you on 121.5. PLB's are also great because you can take them ashore, like a lot of folks do while exploring. They're affordable, too, about 400 bucks. Look what you get for that...it's money well spent.

The 30 minute launch window is called B-zero, and all USCG air stations with helicopters maintain one aircraft in this status 24/7, 365.

We have a PLB on Foggy Dew mounted with velcro just inside the cabin door and it gives us piece of mind. I know my buddies are going to come looking if it ever goes off.

Rick
 
Don and Brenda":3q467tq8 said:
I have an EPIRB on the boat and am thinking about getting a PLB. An interesting segment on Coast Guard Florida a few days ago, the helo was responding to a PLB activation, on arrival it was from a tug under tow, the CG asked if (and they gave the name of the person) was onboard. The captain said he was home in bed, the device was in his locker on the boat and had gone off, however the tug was not receiving the signal yet it was quite loud in the helo, which tells me the tug may have had older electronics. At least the owner had registered his PLB which unfortunately many do not. I need to transfer my registration data from the C-Dory to the Ranger Tug as soon as the CG registers my boat, seems like they take forever.
Click to expand...

This is part of understanding the use of 406Mhz and 121.5 Mhz distress beacons. The tug would not normally have electronics which would have received either of these frequencies. (The AIS SART devices do use vhf Marine AIS frequencies, but are short range and currently about $600--if available, FCC approval was this spring, but not many available in the US yet)

Applications like Lattitude are more for social networking. The newer I phones have a very accurate chipset in it, but you have to have access to cell towers for the tracking function. For example on Lake Powell, that would be a small part of the lake. This is not a substitute for a PLB or EPRIB. We have found many parts of the US where there is no cell recption--same for coastal and in AK etc. The 406 EPRIBs are world wide.

The PLB advantage is the size, and that it can be carried on your person/life jacket etc everywhere. Ours goes with us all of the time. The McMurdo Fast Find 210 cost us $200 at West Marine on sale. You can find them for about $275 regularly, and as low as $159 new on E-bay. This is a pretty low price to pay for your life!

I tend to agree with those who like the SPOT or INREACH as a back up--tracking /short message communication device. Of course I did a lot of both offshore work and solo backcountry work long before any of these devices were available.
 
I bought a Spot and used it for a year or two. It worked great in the US and Europe for land based trips. I took it to the Silver Bank (70 miles offshore from the DR) and it did not work. The device confirmed several signals sent - all greens - but notta. I canceled the subscription as soon as I got home.

For my next remote trip I will have a Sat phone and possibly a PLB. If anyone is interested in my Spot I will sell it cheap - $25 obo and you pay for shipping. It has seen the light of day for 3 trips (the last on the Silver Bank). It's a fun device but I want something more substantial.

You can rent Sat phones for pretty cheap these days with text messaging, etc.
 
SPOT is a useful adjunct, but as Rick, Bob and others have said, it will not get SAR off and running when you hit the 911 button. We used SPOT effectively and successfully for 2 seasons. (Used to alert family to when we were leaving a dock, and then lay a bread crumb track to the next dock or moorage. At that point a "we are here OK" message was sent.) If that last message was not received, Coast Guard with the last know position and time, -- taken from the track, and that would have given the CG a place to start looking from. At the time I did not have a PLB but that should have been added. Now it would be, and will probably be the only SAR signaling device. EXCEPT Both VHFs on board have fully functional DSC capability now, with the one button HELP and POSITION communication active. A third adjunct will be a handheld VHF with GPS attached to the PFD that is always worn, essentially a third DSC capable devise.

The SPOT and tracking went by the wayside and may not be replaced. That is yet to be determined. Not that it is not a good idea for some, just not here, now.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Forks_and_Friday_Harbor_2009_163.thumb.jpg
 
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