Best signaling devices from the searcher’s point of view - update

[CWK]

I found a SAR website that may be of interest. You can search by country and view the result in a map.

As an example: Maldives - Search and Rescue Contacts
This resource shows limited SAR in the Maldives and I don't remember seeing SAR assets in 4 previous visits there within the last 12 months. The MRG would be useful in the Maldives because there are loads of LOBs in operation. However, a PLB would still be of use because there are seaplanes operating in the Maldives. Perhaps @Dan_T should remember his dye when he goes to the Maldives.

 

[Dan]

I found a SAR website that may be of interest. You can search by country and view the result in a map.

As an example: Maldives - Search and Rescue Contacts
This resource shows limited SAR in the Maldives and I don't remember seeing SAR assets in 4 previous visits there within the last 12 months. The MRG would be useful in the Maldives because there are loads of LOBs in operation. However, a PLB would still be of use because there are seaplanes operating in the Maldives. Perhaps @Dan_T should remember his dye when he goes to the Maldives.

I’ll be there this coming 9-16 December aboard Maldives Aggressor II. Thanks for the SAR link.

Maldives Aggressor II will loan MRG to her guests for free of charge, just like the Palau Aggressor II that I was on last December, December 24-31, 2017 Palau Trip Report So, I’ll leave my MRG at home for the trip to Maldives.

 

[Dan]

You can also get batteries for your PLB1. See Ocean Signal PLB1 Replacement Battery Kit - Datrex

I think the battery replacement on this one is a bit tricky. I see no screw. I may need to pry the case off & glue back together. Besides I don’t want to mess it up and the battery is pretty expensive. $80 is almost 40% of what I spent on the PLB1. I’d rather send it to OEM after the battery warranty is over by Sep 2024. And I have the MRG as a backup, in case the PLB1 battery is dead prematurely.

PLB1 Battery Replacement Info: PLB1 - Ocean Signal

“Is the battery replaceable on the PLB1?

Yes, the battery will be replaceable after the expiry period or after the unit has been activated. The battery is not user replaceable and must be sent to an authorised service dealer for replacement. Please contact the distributor in your country for further information.

When should I replace my PLB1 battery

Under normal circumstances the battery in the PLB1 should be replaced before the expiry date marked on the unit.

If the unit has been activated in emergency or if the test indicator LED is flashing amber (orange) the battery must be replaced before it is used again to ensure the full 24 hours of operation in emergency.

The typical lifetime of the PLB1 is greater than 24 hours, but this is under defined conditions of storage and test usage. Do not assume that just because the activation was only for a short length of time the battery will not need exchanging.

Details of battery exchange in your region can be found by enquiring with your local distributor. Please see www.oceansignal.com/stockists for information on our distributors.”

 

[Dan]

Here is a quick guide on how to use PLB1

 

[Dan]

Here is a quick guide on how to use MRG

 

[CWK]

I think the battery replacement on this one is a bit tricky. I see no screw.

I have found the perfect PLB for you...one with user replecable battery. No excuse about the screw now. Powerful Personal Safety Device with GPS | Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) | FastFind Max G

Personally, I think the 48 hours continuous operation rating for this PLB is interesting for diving remote locations where SAR may take a little time.

 

[Dan]

There are places where snorkelling with mantas, whales, or whale sharks is permitted but not scuba so I like to have a snorkle with me. In some circumstances you may need to do a long surface swim to shore. This would be easier with a snorkel. Check out: Where the hell did our boat go?

I think you have a good point for carrying snorkel during all dive. I just don’t like to clip it on my mask strap when I don’t need it. It is distracting, especially during fast current diving. I used to store it in my BCD pocket & clip it on my mask strap when I need to use it.

So, I repacked my safety kit & figured out a way on how to put my foldable snorkel back into my BCD pockets. Basically I organized them As follows:

Left pocket:
1. MRG
2. PLB1
3. Flashlight
4. Dye Marker
5. Snorkel

Right pocket:
1. DSMB & 100’ spool
2. Pouch A containing strobe, glow stick, batteries
3. Pouch B containing carabiners & leash

 

[Dan]

I have found the perfect PLB for you...one with user replecable battery. No excuse about the screw now. Powerful Personal Safety Device with GPS | Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) | FastFind Max G

Personally, I think the 48 hours continuous operation rating for this PLB is interesting for diving remote locations where SAR may take a little time.

Thanks for the link. Looks great! However, it is humongous (2”x3”x6”) & only waterproof up to 10m. Need to get a huge canister to store it. You may need to strap the canister on a weight belt. I’ll pass it for now as I already have PLB1.

 

[CWK]

Thanks for the link. Looks great! However, it is humongous (2”x3”x6”) & only waterproof up to 10m. Need to get a huge canister to store it. You may need to strap the canister on a weight belt. I’ll pass it for now as I already have PLB1.

There is a positive correlation between PLB size, battery size, and transmission times.

I looked up the battery specifications for my ResQLink+:
- Battery, Operational Life Exceeds required 24 Hours @ -20°C
- Battery, Typical Performance 30 Hours @ -20°C

Quoting from http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf...7914002A9E24/$file/Information about PLBs.pdf
"According to the COSPAS-SARSAT regulations:
- A heavy duty battery class 1 must be able to transmit a signal for 24 hours at temperatures of -40°C.
- A class 2 battery must be able to transmit a signal for 24 hours at temperatures of -20°C.

Low temperatures shorten the life span of a battery so the above conditions represent the worst case scenarios. For example, at a temperature of 21°C the above batteries will function for about twice the time they would if they were at lower temperature conditions."

I may be able to get more than 60 Hours from my ResQLink+. Your PLB1 appearss to have a class 2 battery so you should be able to count on more than 48 Hours in warm water.

 

[Dan]

There is a positive correlation between PLB size, battery size, and transmission times.

I looked up the battery specifications for my ResQLink+:
- Battery, Operational Life Exceeds required 24 Hours @ -20°C
- Battery, Typical Performance 30 Hours @ -20°C

Quoting from http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/All/3C7C04AC22F798D5C2257914002A9E24/$file/Information about PLBs.pdf
"According to the COSPAS-SARSAT regulations:
- A heavy duty battery class 1 must be able to transmit a signal for 24 hours at temperatures of -40°C.
- A class 2 battery must be able to transmit a signal for 24 hours at temperatures of -20°C.

Low temperatures shorten the life span of a battery so the above conditions represent the worst case scenarios. For example, at a temperature of 21°C the above batteries will function for about twice the time they would if they were at lower temperature conditions."

I may be able to get more than 60 Hours from my ResQLink+. Your PLB1 appearss to have a class 2 battery so you should be able to count on more than 48 Hours in warm water.

Sounds good. Thanks for the info.

I took my PLB1 skiing last month & temperature went to as low as -20C (-4F) up in the top of the run. Glad nothing bad happened then. I kept it warm inside my ski pants.

That’s one thing nice about PLB. It works on land & sea, unlike the MRG.