ScottiE 174 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11666285 no need to read the whole article just the first few paras about just how difficult it was to spot her in the fading light despite her best endeavours Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheels 543 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Yes very sobering. Lovely story though. Well worth reading it all.This is the reason why if someone goes over, (and if you have a crew of course) you ensure one person remains focused on the person in the water at all times, never ever taking their eyes off that person and pointing their arm directly at that person. I couldn't find a large white Inflatable in ruff sea. Trying to find a person would be plain impossible. I think we all have this idea that if someone falls overboard, it will be calm. If when a Boat crew does Man overboard Drills, it is usually on a Calm day. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,600 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 We always do a drill whenever someone looses a hat, good practice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ScottiE 174 Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share Posted June 30, 2016 On dusk? What's the hit rate like Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AJ Oliver 154 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Very fortunate for her that the Chesapeake is warm at this time of year . . About 77 F; 25 Celsius Quote Link to post Share on other sites
too_tall 15 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 We have a policy of anyone up on deck in fading light, or after dark, must carry both a waterproof VHF and a waterproof torch, attached to their life jacket. No exceptions. I don't know if the VHF would assist immensely, being its microphone would no doubt be full of water and being only cm out of the water, but the torch should be able to assist considerably. But anyone who has had someone go overboard even in bright daylight, in rough seas, will know just how hard it can be to spot someone. By the time you have come into the wind to arrest your speed, you could have traveled a hundred meters or more quite easily, depending on your speed and inertia, as well as the conditions. The Auto MOB alarms which also log the location when they go off sound like a good idea, anyone used them? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarkMT 68 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 We have a policy of anyone up on deck in fading light, or after dark, must carry both a waterproof VHF and a waterproof torch, attached to their life jacket. No exceptions. Excellent policy! I don't know if the VHF would assist immensely, being its microphone would no doubt be full of water and being only cm out of the water. It's been said before but this is why it's a shame NZ C/G doesn't support DSC w/GPS - one button press to send a distress call with location. PLBs are also an option. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,600 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 On dusk? What's the hit rate like About 80% Quote Link to post Share on other sites
too_tall 15 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Excellent policy! It's been said before but this is why it's a shame NZ C/G doesn't support DSC w/GPS - one button press to send a distress call with location. PLBs are also an option. There is actually a small PLB attached to the harness also, I had totally forgotten about that!. Its quite a small one but apparently works as long as its clipped somewhere not under water when your wanting it to work. I think its only got 24 hour transmission but that should be more than enough for someone in the water. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on if someone finds them in time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrWatson 381 Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 Personal PLB is a great idea, but those on the boat don't get the signal. Personal AIS is a great thing for that. http://www.mcmurdomarine.com/ais-mob-devices/97-smartfind-s20-ais-mob-device 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
too_tall 15 Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 I had not seen those personal AIS devices before. Any idea of the cost before I go looking? MarkMT, our reasoning behind the VHF is that it is more likely the person in the water will be able to see the masthead lights etc of the yacht and be able to direct the yacht back to their position as opposed to being able to contact other parties for assistance. Being that the yachts VHF antenna is about 18 meters higher than the vhf inthe water, I hope that a good signal could be had for several hundred meters if not further. That being said, hand held VHF's are more useful for receiving than transmitting in my experience, and sometimes have a range that is remarkably short. Any safety gear which could be utilized for a rapid rescue for someone overboard in any lighting conditions, which does not impede movement to the point it creates safety issues of its own, should be used really. I believe that not a single one of us on this board would sleep well ever again should we loose someone overboard and be unable to rescue them. And the lack of sleep would be the least of our worries. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
erice 732 Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 nz$550 - 600 http://www.safetyatsea.co.nz/Product-Catalogue/EPIRBs--PLBs--ELB--SART--AIS?industry=marine us$300 - 320 http://www.cruisingworld.com/gear/personal-safety-devices Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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