PLBs and DSMBs

[Jeff_O]

I looked on Google search for the older model plb 375 and sa

Incidentally (not sure when the design changed) but the ACR 375 covers both test and activate buttons.

For the 375 the operating manual shows a picture with both alert and test buttons both are covered when foldable antenna is wrapped around the unit. When deployment to activate alert rescue by default they both are uncovered.

The manual also says to deactivate a rescue pressing for more than 3 seconds again deactivates the alert.

I also have a Rescue_Me unit that I know has a depth rating not needing a container for diving, but if both would fit in the large dryfob, it could have extra security from water intrusion.

If in most cases the time to set an alert for a PLB, after something has gone wrong, erring on a side of caution sounds good.

Who can answer to how many people have had to pay Coast Guard for a rescue? Still I didn't want a rescue when wind came down while windsurfing.

The guy from copter said we can only take you and not the windsurf equipment. He went back up the wire as the call by somebody was for someone else, not me.

There was a volunteer cost guard auxiliary guy that kept an eye one me from shore.

I even got a ride and all my gear back to the launch site by another sailor that was looking at the copter.

I really could have used the wash from the copter blades to help me sail, not swim back in. Though that I would have had to probably pay for

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

I could imagine that the test button that is left uncovered on the plb could easily be pressed by other contents in any container

I heard of a review on REI mention that a plb ran the battery dead by the uncovered test button, that was stuffed in a back pack.

What to do? I have placed my own shim material to hold the plb from moving and a gap leaving the test button guarded.

I have not had a chance to use my dry fob and prior did the shimming for a small pelican case. It was not for scuba diving depths, but windsurfing.

I came across similar problem with many other battery powered devices.

Just think of a cell phone of a friend of mine, that was on a car seat and button or screen sensor calls me up. Car noise is heard, but no one answers. Only later go to finding out how that happened.

I would think the cover that goes over the red alert button would be enough to think you also need one over the test button too.

I mentioned this to plb manufacturer and here on occasion. Just when I saw so much in the container I decided to post this.

The round sides of the container could possibly keep the test button from being pressed as it could create a space that might press up against the sides of the plb. Preferably I think padding with a recessed cut out would be more advisable unless there is another fix.

It has to be understood that I am mentioning what I have done so far. I wish mostly that the problem as I have read about with test button, was something that would be addressed by an engineer from the plb manufacturer.

I am not expecting this as I have already been though that.

Thoughts?

No engineer needed. Just some common sense. I keep the backside of the signal mirror against the face of the PLB so there is no possibility of either button being pressed. Whistle goes on the other side, then the paracord is stuffed around all sides to keep the contents stable and not rattling around at all.

 

[Johnoly]

Who can answer to how many people have had to pay Coast Guard for a rescue?

Zero.
This answer only pertains to non-commercial and the US Coast Guard(CG). It is the policy of the CG to never charge an individual for calling for a rescue no matter what the circumstances are. The reason for this is the CG does not want an individual to wait & contemplate when requesting a rescue since most times it will make the situation worse. So to eliminate the factor of 'cost' there is Zero cost ever charged...Even in the most stupid and UN-neccessary rescues. But this does not apply to commercial operations and particularly salvage or tow. Now if you run out of gas every trip and repeatedly call for rescue, they may revoke the boat's license to operate or if the occupant is breaking the law.

They also have many many other ways and multiple inspections that can make your marine life a living hell. And I've seen them do it to boat owners. So it's best to play nice and just be safe.

 

[tursiops]

Originally PLB's were only allowed for fisherman and others in Florida and Alaska, except for Aviation. So many false alarms had happened with aircraft being inside a hanger unattended and some how need a rescue.

Where did you get this info?

 

[lairdb]

I also have a Rescue_Me unit that I know has a depth rating not needing a container for diving, but if both would fit in the large dryfob, it could have extra security from water intrusion.

If you mean OceanSignal’s rescueME PLB1, it is only rated “waterproof to 15m”, which is a far cry from dive-rated. If you mean some other product, we’re all curious.

 

[tursiops]

If you mean OceanSignal’s rescueME PLB1, it is only rated “waterproof to 15m”, which is a far cry from dive-rated. If you mean some other product, we’re all curious.

I'm beginning to seriously doubt most of what that poster says.

 

[Allen-1]

If you mean OceanSignal’s rescueME PLB1, it is only rated “waterproof to 15m”, which is a far cry from dive-rated. If you mean some other product, we’re all curious.

Correct. 15 meters, I regularly exceed that depth, thus the dryfob.

 

[Dan]

Reviving this post, but I’m curious what you ended up with, as I’ve done the same as you. I’m still torn on PLB v Nautilus v Garmin v whatever the “newest/greatest/comes with the Happy Meal” is.

TIA

Erik

I carry both PLB1 & Nautilus Lifeline nexGen (NLn), as shown below. If I’m lost at sea, but I still see boats in horizon, then I’ll launch NLn. If I don’t see any boat in horizon, then I launch my big gun, the PLB1.

Here’s my “newest/greatest/comes with the Happy Meal” signaling devices. The PLB1 case is shorten to just fit PLB1 & it’s tethering string (red) to the lid. All of the items on the left side of the picture are fit inside my left BCD pocket & tethered to D-ring outside the pocket. My DSMB & finger spool fit inside my right BCD pocket.

 

[Dan]

All of this fits nicely into my Dryfob XL, AF signal Mirror, Whistle, 15ft of paracord and ACR / PLB RescueLink 400. For tropical diving, the DryFob goes into the starboard rear trim pocket of my BC (yes it zips closed) and I keep a full pint of fresh water on the port side.

For cold water (drysuit) diving I use the Large HOG utility pocket to store the Dryfob on the port side of the top cam strap.

It looks like your DRYFOB is big enough to include PLB1 cradle. That cradle will be useful to keep the PLB1 antenna & strobe light to stay straight up to the sky hands free (imagine you’ll be floating at sea for hours) by strapping it on your BCD shoulder strap, as shown below.

 

[Jeff_O]

If you mean OceanSignal’s rescueME PLB1, it is only rated “waterproof to 15m”, which is a far cry from dive-rated. If you mean some other product, we’re all curious.

Mistake meant Nautilus Life Line. It is not a PLB. User can change the two batteries it uses, but Care must be taken and change oring to be sure. Anyway it has a very good depth rating. Not so the PLB 400. Though why not put them both in the big waterproof container if possible.