Another PLB thread-split from Oklahoma couple goes missing

[Okie_Diver]

I will be adding a PLB to my kit. I carry a small makeup mirror in my bcd for signaling in the sun and an smb but those wouldn’t do much good in the dark. I can’t even imagine what that 36 hours must of felt like.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

I think it might be better to rely on a PLB, rather than God.

 

[DandyDon]

Saved by carrying a dive light. Recently I think it was off the North Carolina coast someone was saved by carrying an SMB.

Both good tools to carry but if you seriously want to be found, carry a PLB. I don't leave home without mine.

 

[Okie_Diver]

Both good tools to carry but if you seriously want to be found, carry a PLB. I don't leave home without mine.

What PLB do you recommend?

 

[Okie_Diver]

What PLB do you recommend?

If you want to direct message me, that is fine. Never thought posting about a lifesaving tool would annoy others.

 

[Dan]

Please do not turn this thread into a PLB thread.

I won’t turn this thread into PLB thread and this post will be my only time to mention a better and more immediate solution than PLB, it is PAB (Personal AIS Beacon), such as Nautilus Lifeline. People can read up more about it, here: Nautilus LifeLine nexGen available

PAB uses marine radio channel 16 AIS & DSC that most boats use to communicate with each other. Had they launched their PAB MOB (Man Over Board distress signal), their boat would have located their GPS location pretty quickly without the need to call Coast Guard.

I carry both PLB & PAB when I go bluewater diving.

 

[DandyDon]

So according to their FB, they both had a Nautilus PLB.

That's totally new. It might be true, but if it were and they failed, I think it'd be in all of the news stories.

Wow, the one time you need something extremely crucial to work, and it won’t work.

Get us proof if you can.

I might throw mine away and get a Garmin GPS with the diving case on it.

ACR has the best.

 

[Joneill]

So according to their FB, they both had a Nautilus PLB.

Wow, the one time you need something extremely crucial to work, and it won’t work.

I might throw mine away and get a Garmin GPS with the diving case on it.

Nautilus is not a PLB! Get an ACR ResQLink:

ResQLink™ View RLS - ACR Electronics, Inc

 

[Dan]

So according to their FB, they both had a Nautilus PLB.

Nautilus Lifeline is NOT a PLB. It is a PAB. It sends MOB (Man Over Board) VHF (30-300 MHz) marine radio signal to any boat equipped with AIS / DSC (Google what they are if you’re interested) within few miles. So it’s surface to surface signal, unlike PLB that sends 406 MHz signal vertically towards the sky to SAR satellites, which is monitored by NOAA and relaying the lost-at-sea signal to Coast Guard. So, PAB will send signal to nearby boats, no Coast Guard required.

 

[Dan]

Wow, the one time you need something extremely crucial to work, and it won’t work.

You need to test the unit before the trip. That’s the yellow button is for.

On the older model, if you open the cap underwater, you could flood the unit. It’s good to read the manual & understand how to use it.