epirb

We venture into wild places to get away from it all.

But when it comes to calling for help, letting someone know that we’re delayed or even just giving our loved ones peace of mind, we have to rely on satellite communication methods - because mobile phone coverage often doesn’t reach to where we want to go.

In this episode, I speak with Linda Berryman from AMSA (that’s the Australian Maritime Safety Authority) in Canberra.

We do a deep dive into Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), along with 2-way communication devices (such as Zoleo, InReach or SPOT trackers). And yep, we also talk about the satellite capability with the iPhone 14 and some other very exciting technology that is just around the corner.

Visit the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) website

If you accidentally activate your beacon, call: 1800 641 792

Other AMSA Contacts

If the worst happens, you want the right emergency contact (or contacts) in your corner. Here’s how to choose. 

Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):

EPIRB and Personal Locator Beacon (Amazon)

This episode of The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Budget-friendly weather routing and passage planning for cruisers, by a cruiser. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. Use coupon code BG20 for an exclusive 10% discount. FastSeas - making weather routing simple.

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present.

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

In this podcast episode we chat all things safety in extreme conditions with Rob Mousley.   Rob founded surfski.info based out of Cape Town SA, which is well known as  the de-facto global website for surfski information.   It is probably best known for the forums which provide an excellent global dialogue on all things surfski related.   In addition to the forums there are boat reviews, race reports, and most relevant to our discussion today,  many excellent articles on safety.

For the last decade, Rob has been very involved in the pursuit of safety in extreme conditions.   He has worked extensively with Cape Town's water rescue services known as the NSRI, covered several surfski rescues, and has studied and tested in real world conditions  a vast majority of the safety equipment on the market.

In this discussion we discuss in depth the wealth of knowledge Rob has accumulated over the years.   I'm really excited to be able to offer this podcast not just beginners, but also to the experienced paddlers who I'm certain will benefit.    As the sport continues to grow around the world and in more extreme climates, we all need to continue this dialogue with our paddling mates and hold each other accountable for being smart and realistic about our safety on the water.

Below are some links to articles and resources that we reference in the Podcast:

• • Article summarizing the findings of Rob's rescue exercises with the NSRI
  • Article recapping a Miller's Run incident that thankfully turned out okay, but could have been much worse
  • Here is a link to the entire safety section on Surfski.info with articles an various incidents and gear reports including Personal Locator Beacons which Rob spoke about on the podcast
  • Link to a Cold Water Safety blog on the TC SURFSKI website
  • Below is a video clip of Oscar Chalupsky demonstrating the remount in rough conditions