Which EPIRB?

womble · 23rd April 2007, 19:59

Hi all,

Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done.

Any thoughts from someone that uses this or any recommendations?

Cheers,

Pete

Ivon · 23rd April 2007, 20:21

Pete, the Sea Marshal ones are oil filled and come with a pouch to store it in on your harness or in a pocket. There not bad for the money but the frequency is only checked for if they know your carrying one, wouldn't be much help in the Red sea but I'm sure Watcher has a locater and they can be picked up by passing spotter planes and rescue copters.

The monitoring is supposed to be getting turned off in 2010 I think but they will still have the equipment to search for them if they know your carrying one.

I have known them leak both on dives and through faults so would have a look for other options, although they may be bulkier.

RichardGreen · 23rd April 2007, 20:38

This one is probably the best and they do a cannister with 150m depth rating although not shown here, a bit bulky but stowable.

Richard Green.

Fastfind Plus GPS PLB (-20 Battery)

The Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon with built in 12 channel GPS

The Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon features the same advanced technology as found in our range of EPIRBs. Designed using miniaturised components to fit into an ergonomically styled compact casing, both versions employ a simple three-stage manual operation and feature user replaceable battery packs for use in temperatures as low as -20 degrees celsius. Carrying the Fastfind Plus could not be simpler, with a lanyard and optional carry case to enable the user to keep the PLB safely attached at all times. These latest advanced products from McMurdo have been designed to provide recreational boaters, professional and semi-professional crew, delivery yachtsmen and fishermen with the very best chance of being found without delay at sea in an emergency. The Fastfind Plus is also ideal safety Precaution for those taking part in outdoor activities such as mountain sports, trekking, Kayaking, etc and for those involved in general avaition. Intended for use within the maritime, aviation and land environments where permitted by national administrations.

Product Features

Built-in 12 parallel channel GPS receiver (Fastfind PLUS only)
Visual indication of GPS acquisition
Internal GPS allows position updates
Global alert via COSPAS-SARSAT satellites
121.5 MHz homing frequency
Built in self test on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz
Simple three stage manual activation
User replaceable battery packs (-20 degrees celsius)
Compact and lightweight
Waterproof to 5 metres
Accepts serialised or MMSI protocols

Utility Links

Technical Specifications Click here to view the technical specification as a .pdf file.
Service Information Click here to find service information for Fastfind Plus GPS PLB (-20 Battery)
Advice
Outdoor safety information
Fastfind Brochure Download
Approval Certificates
Related Products
Click here for information on related products.
Additional Information
FASTFIND owners manual
getting the best out of your FASTFIND PLB
QinetiQ Statement of Opinion
Product Specific News
News about this product.
News about Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Exhibitions
FAQ
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about this product.

**Monkey** · 23rd April 2007, 21:20

Quote: (Originally Posted by womble)

Hi all,

Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done.

Any thoughts from someone that uses this or any recommendations?

Cheers,

Pete

I use a Breitling Emergency Mission. its not an ideal EPIRB because it lacks the 406 MHz transmitter.... but I love it..... and its good to 300 feet deep.. and I take it with me every where.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 23rd April 2007, 22:46

Quote: (Originally Posted by RichardGreen)

This one is probably the best and they do a cannister with 150m depth rating although not shown here, a bit bulky but stowable.

Richard Green.

Fastfind Plus GPS PLB (-20 Battery)

The Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon with built in 12 channel GPS

I own one of these and the canister made for it. I carry it on every ocean dive. I put it behind my canister light on the waist belt. It takes a little more effort to remove my rich mix sidemount bottle because of the bulk. However, it is not a big deal.

**nigelh** · 24th April 2007, 07:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by womble)

Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done.

No. It's in a little pouch that you stow at the bottom of a pocket. However make sure it isn't thumped as it's oil filled to make the depth so if the case cracks it makes a mess.

In the UK we still have 121MHz watch because the gear exists and MCA shore stations and the S&R people don't put to sea with things switched off.

Diveimage · 26th April 2007, 08:21

Hi Pete,

EPIRB - great idea!! Will make finding 'mislaid' kit at Chepstow a lot easier

Hope alls well and catch up with you soon,

Cheers
Simon

p.s. remember underwater everyone can hear you laugh...

Almvsalutay · 26th April 2007, 13:37

Guys
The Fastfind + 406hz with the GPS is pretty good I had it on my waist harness on my unit. All I need is a remote way of activing it as it was with my Ouroboros and dive kit lost my DHL in Norway last year

Regards, Al

womble · 26th April 2007, 22:19

Quote: (Originally Posted by Diveimage)

Hi Pete,

EPIRB - great idea!! Will make finding 'mislaid' kit at Chepstow a lot easier

Hope alls well and catch up with you soon,

Cheers
Simon

p.s. remember underwater everyone can hear you laugh...

Cheers mate, C U soon.

grahamsp · 26th April 2007, 23:58

Quote: (Originally Posted by womble)

Hi all,

Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done.

Any thoughts from someone that uses this or any recommendations?

Cheers,

Pete

Have a read of Beacon Test. Read the detailed .pdf report attached - it has some interesting things to say about some of the EPIRBs on the market & in particular the McMurdo.

Re frequencies. 121.5 MHz analogue signals will not be processed by satellite from 1 February 2009. After that, only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by satellite. Go to Switch to 406 MHz for a complete summary of what's going to happen.

US Summary covers what the US is doing.

Bottom line, if you're in the market, go for a 406 MHz GPS fitted unit.

Graham

23rd April 2007, 19:59	#1 (permalink)
womble RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 201	Which EPIRB? Hi all, Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done. Any thoughts from someone that uses this or any recommendations? Cheers, Pete __________________ "What could possibly go wrong?? . . "
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23rd April 2007, 20:21	#2 (permalink)
Ivon Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hull, East Yorkshire, England Posts: 318	Re: Which EPIRB? Pete, the Sea Marshal ones are oil filled and come with a pouch to store it in on your harness or in a pocket. There not bad for the money but the frequency is only checked for if they know your carrying one, wouldn't be much help in the Red sea but I'm sure Watcher has a locater and they can be picked up by passing spotter planes and rescue copters. The monitoring is supposed to be getting turned off in 2010 I think but they will still have the equipment to search for them if they know your carrying one. I have known them leak both on dives and through faults so would have a look for other options, although they may be bulkier.
(Offline)

23rd April 2007, 20:38	#3 (permalink)
RichardGreen Internet Dive Guru Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: UK Posts: 140	Re: Which EPIRB? This one is probably the best and they do a cannister with 150m depth rating although not shown here, a bit bulky but stowable. Richard Green. Fastfind Plus GPS PLB (-20 Battery) The Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon with built in 12 channel GPS The Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon features the same advanced technology as found in our range of EPIRBs. Designed using miniaturised components to fit into an ergonomically styled compact casing, both versions employ a simple three-stage manual operation and feature user replaceable battery packs for use in temperatures as low as -20 degrees celsius. Carrying the Fastfind Plus could not be simpler, with a lanyard and optional carry case to enable the user to keep the PLB safely attached at all times. These latest advanced products from McMurdo have been designed to provide recreational boaters, professional and semi-professional crew, delivery yachtsmen and fishermen with the very best chance of being found without delay at sea in an emergency. The Fastfind Plus is also ideal safety Precaution for those taking part in outdoor activities such as mountain sports, trekking, Kayaking, etc and for those involved in general avaition. Intended for use within the maritime, aviation and land environments where permitted by national administrations. Product Features Built-in 12 parallel channel GPS receiver (Fastfind PLUS only) Visual indication of GPS acquisition Internal GPS allows position updates Global alert via COSPAS-SARSAT satellites 121.5 MHz homing frequency Built in self test on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz Simple three stage manual activation User replaceable battery packs (-20 degrees celsius) Compact and lightweight Waterproof to 5 metres Accepts serialised or MMSI protocols Utility Links Technical Specifications Click here to view the technical specification as a .pdf file. Service Information Click here to find service information for Fastfind Plus GPS PLB (-20 Battery) Advice Outdoor safety information Fastfind Brochure Download Approval Certificates Related Products Click here for information on related products. Additional Information FASTFIND owners manual getting the best out of your FASTFIND PLB QinetiQ Statement of Opinion Product Specific News News about this product. News about Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Exhibitions FAQ Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about this product.
(Offline)

23rd April 2007, 21:20	#4 (permalink)
Monkey Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lauderdale By The Sea Florida Posts: 338	Re: Which EPIRB? Quote: (Originally Posted by womble) Hi all, Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done. Any thoughts from someone that uses this or any recommendations? Cheers, Pete I use a Breitling Emergency Mission. its not an ideal EPIRB because it lacks the 406 MHz transmitter.... but I love it..... and its good to 300 feet deep.. and I take it with me every where.
(Offline)

23rd April 2007, 22:46	#5 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,214	Re: Which EPIRB? Quote: (Originally Posted by RichardGreen) This one is probably the best and they do a cannister with 150m depth rating although not shown here, a bit bulky but stowable. Richard Green. Fastfind Plus GPS PLB (-20 Battery) The Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon with built in 12 channel GPS I own one of these and the canister made for it. I carry it on every ocean dive. I put it behind my canister light on the waist belt. It takes a little more effort to remove my rich mix sidemount bottle because of the bulk. However, it is not a big deal. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
(Offline)

24th April 2007, 07:26	#6 (permalink)
nigelh New member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Brighton, Sussex, UK Posts: 883	Re: Which EPIRB? Quote: (Originally Posted by womble) Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done. No. It's in a little pouch that you stow at the bottom of a pocket. However make sure it isn't thumped as it's oil filled to make the depth so if the case cracks it makes a mess. In the UK we still have 121MHz watch because the gear exists and MCA shore stations and the S&R people don't put to sea with things switched off. __________________ nigelh
(Online)

26th April 2007, 08:21	#7 (permalink)
Diveimage New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hook, Hampshire Posts: 19	Re: Which EPIRB? Hi Pete, EPIRB - great idea!! Will make finding 'mislaid' kit at Chepstow a lot easier Hope alls well and catch up with you soon, Cheers Simon p.s. remember underwater everyone can hear you laugh... Last edited by Diveimage : 26th April 2007 at 08:27.
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26th April 2007, 13:37	#8 (permalink)
Almvsalutay New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Poole Dorset Posts: 14	Re: Which EPIRB? Guys The Fastfind + 406hz with the GPS is pretty good I had it on my waist harness on my unit. All I need is a remote way of activing it as it was with my Ouroboros and dive kit lost my DHL in Norway last year Regards, Al __________________ Al Wright Skype: salutay
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26th April 2007, 22:19	#9 (permalink)
womble RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 201	Re: Which EPIRB? Quote: (Originally Posted by Diveimage) Hi Pete, EPIRB - great idea!! Will make finding 'mislaid' kit at Chepstow a lot easier Hope alls well and catch up with you soon, Cheers Simon p.s. remember underwater everyone can hear you laugh... Cheers mate, C U soon. __________________ "What could possibly go wrong?? . . "
(Offline)

26th April 2007, 23:58	#10 (permalink)
grahamsp New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 117	Re: Which EPIRB? Quote: (Originally Posted by womble) Hi all, Looking to buy an EPIRB but the only one I have come across is the sea marshal one. This looks quite bulky, and from what I understand it's supposed to go around your neck? Is that right? With all the other gubbins around one's neck, I don't see how this can be done. Any thoughts from someone that uses this or any recommendations? Cheers, Pete Have a read of Beacon Test. Read the detailed .pdf report attached - it has some interesting things to say about some of the EPIRBs on the market & in particular the McMurdo. Re frequencies. 121.5 MHz analogue signals will not be processed by satellite from 1 February 2009. After that, only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by satellite. Go to Switch to 406 MHz for a complete summary of what's going to happen. US Summary covers what the US is doing. Bottom line, if you're in the market, go for a 406 MHz GPS fitted unit. Graham
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