Electronic distress signals

[BWR1953]

Anybody know of electronic distress signals that can be used for direct contact to the Coast Guard or other authority? I mean besides EPIRBs and PLBs.

My cell phone has GPS location built in, but sometimes I cannot talk at all, so having another way to communicate with potential help would be great. Dunno if I'd get a response by dialing 911 and not being able to say anything.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Look into VHF radios with DSC capability. Might be what you are looking for.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Sat phones are the way to go for direct two way communication from any wilderness. But, they are pricey.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Sat phones and VHF radios don't do me any good when I can't talk. Any other ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Electronic distress signals

This is your best option>> http://www.findmespot.com/en/

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Electronic distress signals

This is your best option>> http://www.findmespot.com/en/

Oh yeah! I'd totally forgotten about that. It's the thing that Les Stroud (Survivorman) used to keep folks posted as to his whereabouts.

Thanks!

 

[Jonathan3206]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Sat phones and VHF radios don't do me any good when I can't talk. Any other ideas?

Thanks.

Are you mute? Or is there some other reason you cant talk?

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Are you mute? Or is there some other reason you cant talk?

Check this thread, especially post #3... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=338848

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Sat phones and VHF radios don't do me any good when I can't talk. Any other ideas?

Thanks.

Actually, a VHF with DSC capability will help. Allows you to transmit an emergency signal, even select the emergency, without having to talk.

Press the emergency button, select the distress type, hold the button down and your call is sent digitally to the CG and anyone else within range. No communications needed (although most would repeat the distress call on a standard channel after).

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Actually, a VHF with DSC capability will help. Allows you to transmit an emergency signal, even select the emergency, without having to talk.

Press the emergency button, select the distress type, hold the button down and your call is sent digitally to the CG and anyone else within range. No communications needed (although most would repeat the distress call on a standard channel after).

Oh cool! Thanks!

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Electronic distress signals

Anybody know of electronic distress signals that can be used for direct contact to the Coast Guard or other authority? I mean besides EPIRBs and PLBs.

My cell phone has GPS location built in, but sometimes I cannot talk at all, so having another way to communicate with potential help would be great. Dunno if I'd get a response by dialing 911 and not being able to say anything.

You say no PLBs but are thinking of a Spot? If the issue with the PLB is the cost, run the number so for the cost for both units over 5 years. You will be surprised.

And I you say direct contact with Coast Guard or other authority, Spot is monitored by a private company.

While Spot has a place, I would not count on it for Offshore rescues.

Just my .02 ...........