Among the many interesting new products launched at the recent Collins Stewart London Boat Show were two new new PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) from McMurdo - described by the company as “boundary-breaking.”
The FastFind MAX and the Fastfind MAX G (with integral 12 channel GPS) are said to add new dimensions to safety with a maximum 48 hour operational battery life from activation. They also operate at temperatures as low as -20°C (although most people don't!)
With a more attractive price tag than their predecessors, the MAX and MAX G are the latest additions to the McMurdo's established Fastfind range of PLBs.
Unlike Epirbs, which are registered to a boat, PLBs, as the name suggests, are registered to individuals. They are designed to be carried as a safeguard against life threatening incidents that could occur anywhere in the world. If you ever find yourself in a remote area, land, sea or air, without any other form of communication, the Fastfind MAX comes into its own, says the company.
Once activated the PLB transmits a unique identification signal along with your current position via the international search and rescue satellite system operated by COSPAS SARSAT on 406 MHz. The signal is then quickly passed to regional search and rescue authorities who can rapidly get to the scene.
Fastfind MAX battery packs have a five-year storage life and - this is a welcome development - are user-replaceable. All Fastfind models have a simple three-stage, manual antenna deployment system to prevent any risk of accidental or false activation.
In its stored state, the antenna is completely hidden from view and protected against rough handling. Once deployed, the antenna automatically springs into position ready for use.
Fastfind MAX G's integral 12 channel GPS navigation receiver gives a typical positional accuracy of +/- 62 metres and position updates every 20 minutes, significantly reducing the normal search area. It has a visual indication of GPS position acquisition.
The Fastfind is supplied with a strong but flexible lanyard and carry pouch to make it easy to keep it with you at all times.
The Fastfind MAX range of PLB products from McMurdo provide professional and recreational mariners, fishermen, light aircraft pilots and those involved in outdoor adventure activities with the very best chance of being found without delay in the event of an emergency, says the company.
The new range is due for release in early February.
PLB saves yachtsman
As previously reported by TMS, a yachtsman was rescued in January after activating his McMurdo FastFind Plus GPS Personal Location Beacon off the coast of Africa when his yacht, the 1929 gaff rig cutter Mina, got into difficulties in severe storms.
Boat-builder James Baker, 22,was sailing from Portimao, in Portugal, to the Caribbean. His PLB alerted Falmouth Coastguard, who coordinated the rescue operation, contacting the authorities in Morocco. An Orion aircraft from the Portuguese Navy found the yacht 74 miles west-north-west of Casablanca. Naval staff then directed the German commercial vessel, the Wappen Von Bayern, which recovered James.
The information that the MCA had on file (all PLBs and EPIRBs must be registered at the time of purchase) enabled the Coastguard to contact James's parents immediately and establish vital information about his passage plan.
Mark Thomas, Falmouth Coastguard watch manager, said: "This is another incident where the use of an Epirb to call for help proves to be immensely valuable. We would advise all sailors to have one."
James, an experienced transatlantic sailor, had been restoring the boat for the past two years while living on board, and has now lost not only his beloved yacht but also his home and all his possessions. But thanks to the PLB, he did not lose his life.
