Do you know how to activate your PLB?

tracker · 05-11-2008, 11:49 AM

This may seem like a funny question but it is not! I did not have a PLB till this last trip to Newport! I had just not bought one and instead bought a new avet or some gear and let the PLB be something for later. But Danno asked me if I had one when we talked about an open seat I had posted. I told him no but it got me to thinking, Why Not! Well so I ordered it and it came just as we were leaving for Newport. Since I was driving, I handed it to a member of the crew riding with me, with the instructions of learn how to use this. Well it is not the easiest thing to learn. There are some things that one needs to know to work it. I will be sitting down today and going through the book and making sure I know it very well. But what if you the captain are down and a member of the crew needs to activate it? Will they know how? Not likely. It would be a shame to have it and it not to be used when it should be. I will be demo'ing the PLB on my boat during my safety talk in the morning before heading out. Just a thought!

olybirds · 05-11-2008, 11:56 AM

It was the first thing i did when I got it. Read the instructions. Then Filled out the registration for emergency contact info, and sent it in.

Whenever going offshore with new crew members, I will show them how to use it, where i stow it on the boat, as well as give them instruction on the Chartplotter and VHF. If there is an emergency, the more competency the crew has, the better off you will be.

Something Good · 05-11-2008, 12:03 PM

I have an EPIRB and it's pretty simple. Turn it on or just get it wet. I do show everyone how it operates and where the instruction sticker is posted before leaving the dock. Most importantly I show them how to use the lanyard so we do not become seperated from the unit. Good reminder!

kenai · 05-11-2008, 12:05 PM

I posted a small laminated note by the PLB, the chartplotter and the radio with simple instructions. I don't always remember to do the pre-flight briefing at 0430.

StickFish · 05-11-2008, 04:49 PM

Yep everyone gets a lesson on what is in the ditch bag and how it all works - I've not fired a rocket in the cabin yet but the PLB is pretty easy, pop out the antenna lift the flap, press the two buttons and make a sandwich cause help is on the way

Rubber Boot · 05-11-2008, 05:45 PM

Take it out of my pocket, unhook and deploy antena, push button, Listen to your favorite music untill the coastgaurd arrives....everyone that goes out with me gets a demo...havent set it off yet!!!