w h i t e w a t e r • r i V e r • s e a • m u l t i s p o r t ... - Canoe & Kayak

Communications by James Fitness
Communications
Mobile Phones;
Advantages Everyone (well nearly) has one
With the increasing numbers of paddlers on the water, loss
of life will become more frequent unless we take a more
responsible attitude to SAFETY AT SEA.
As I have quoted in past articles, “A Skipper is responsible for the safety of
the vessel and all on board”.
Although we are unlikely to be carrying passengers, this still does not negate
us from the responsibility of safety at sea.
When conditions worsen, a situation can deteriorate surprisingly quickly. A
gentle paddle out to Browns Bay Reef can become life threatening, if you are
not prepared. Denise Riley should be applauded for his foresight on that day
in March. Having capsized for the second time, he had a VHF radio at hand,
and WAS WILLING TO USE IT.
The Coast Guard had someone to him within 15 minutes.
On occasion we hear of kayakers being run down, found adrift, or stranded
on a beach (or rocks if you’re unlucky).
How do we protect ourselves from such situations?
To quote Eric Hiscock, an old round-the-world sailor, “Nothing is more
important than good, solid preparation”.
The day you lose respect for the sea is the day you should give up boating,
Generally, if you follow the guidelines on small craft safety published by the
coastguard, you can’t go wrong.
With a few modifications you can make it even safer.
WEAR your buoyancy at ALL times.
Have a Safety Flag permanently fitted, and use it.
Carry at least three methods of communication.
q Mobile Phone
q VHF radio
q Flares
q EPIRB / PLB (Personnel Locating Beacon)
Leave a 2 minute form with some one you trust
Submit a Trip Report (TR) with the coastguard or Maritime Radio.
All electronics (including waterproof VHF’s) MUST be kept in a drybag and
on your person. Very good bags are available, which enable the device to be
used without taking it out of the drybag.
Easy to use
Disadvantages They need battery power – battery backup is not always
available.
They do not broadcast your signal. They only work person
to person.
Rescue services cannot follow its signal to locate you.
Coverage is not necessarily available. Phones cannot work
without a repeater station.
VHF;
Advantages Easy to use
They broadcast your signal. Anyone listening on your
channel will hear you. Channel 16 is a distress channel.
Most have backup battery options.
Rescue services can follow your signal.
There are many repeater stations around the coast to aid
reception.
Disadvantages License to use the radio for general use is required.
(Emergency calls may be made by anyone at any time.)
Sometimes expensive.
Flares
Advantages
Disadvantages
EPIRB
Advantages
Disadvantages
No power required
Easy to use
Can be seen by anyone
Can be bulky (though mini flares are available)
They have a shelf life (consider them a renewable insurance
policy)
A misconception, as ‘dangerous’ (but should not be in the
wrong hands)
Easy to use.
Signal sent directly to Search & Rescue HQ
your details are already held on data base
your position is transmitted (to witin 30 meters if you have
the GPS option
It cannot be used for general communication.
ISSUE FORTYone • 2007 19