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Vessel Operating
Offshore
Equipment
Requirements - Vessel Operating
Offshore
If
you operate offshore, you should seriously
consider carrying appropriate communications
gear, an Emergency Position Indicating
Radio (EPIRB), and an inflatable life
raft. In cold waters, an immersion
suit should be carried for everyone
on board.
Communications
Carry communications gear, marine VHF-FM
and/or HF transceiver's), appropriate to
your operating area. Cellular phones are
an option in many coastal areas.
Satellite EPIRBs (406 MHz) are designed
to quickly and reliably alert rescue forces,
indicate an accurate distress position,
and guide rescue units to the distress scene,
even when all other communications fail.
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How the System Works
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Satellite EPIRBs, operate as part of a worldwide
distress system. An international satellite
constellation maintains a vigilant, global
"listening" watch for satellite
EPIRB distress signals. The National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates
satellites, ground stations, and an alert
distribution system serving the U.S. and
international community.
When activated, the satellite EPIRB transmits
a distress signal with a beacon-unique identifying
code. The system detects the signal, calculates
an accurate distress position, checks the
unique identifying code against the EPIRB
registration database (vessel and point
of contact information supplied by the owner)
and routes the distress alert with registration
information to the responsible U.S. Coast
Guard (or international) Rescue Coordination
Center (RCC).
The entire process from beacon activation
to RCC alerting, takes about an hour on
average and almost always less than two
hours. Within the next few years, geostationary
satellites will make detection almost immediate.
Satellite EPIRBs also include a homing beacon
and strobe to help rescue forces quickly
locate the distress scene.
Satellite beacons have significant coverage,
alerting timeliness, position accuracy,
and signaling advantages over other types
of EPIRBs (121.5 MHz). Before purchasing
or using an EPIRB other than a 406MHz type,
be sure you understand its capabilities
and limitations.
Mount the EPIRB to float free according
to the manufacturer's instructions, if possible.
Otherwise, make sure it is readily accessible.
Register the EPIRB with NOAA, according
to the instructions provided with the beacon.
Registration improves response and reduces
false alarms.
Inflatable Life Rafts
An inflatable life raft can provide
a survival platform for an extended period
of time. Make sure the life raft is large
enough for everyone on board when the boat
operates offshore. It should have the appropriate
emergency equipment pack, and should be
professionally serviced periodically, according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Coast
Guard approved life rafts must meet a number
of stringent material and performance standards.
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Life Raft
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Immersion Suits
Immersion suits will delay the effects
of hypothermia in cold water (see Cold
Water Survival). They should
be stored and maintained according to the
manufacture's instructions.
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