I take a McMurmdo Fastfind plus (i.e. with GPS). and a good quality
lifejacket; Paramis GA1
With two up, plus full fuel and luggage for a weeks touring for two
there is not enough weight allowance remaining for a life-raft in my
case. The logic being that the McMurdo types offers a high quality ELT,
hopefully the rescue helicopter will come straight to you.
Some of the ELT's will no longer be "legal" shortly, there is a move to
make most registered. Mine is registered to me as pilot of my aircraft.
The very latest spec lifejacket e.g. Paramis GA1 offers a splash hood
and safety ring. (remember to buy a manual inflation model!).
Trust this helps
Regards
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Carl Pattinson
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2007 1:53 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Sea Survival Equipment
Surviving a sea ditching.
Looking in the latest issue of the Transair catalogue the Survival
Equipment offered is limited to Lifejackets, ELT's and Liferafts.
IHMO, lifejackets are OK but bearinging mind the survivability in the
North Sea is limited to approximately 20 mins its a bit of a risk to
assume you would be rescued within that time.
Ideally a liferaft would be the best option but weight and bulk are a
consideration in the Europa - not to mention cost.
ELT's - does anyone have any experirnce/ reccomendations of these and
are they legal for use and carriage in the UK?
Additionally I think it would be a good idea to carry a DYE pack and
smoke flares but these dont seem to be readily available in the UK (and
would they be legal to carry - ie: flares or smoke canisters). I suspect
that smoke is probably the most effective way of visually identifying
ones position in the water.
I think many of us assume that in a daylight channel crossing it would
be possible to attract the attention of a passing ship or vessel but
short of ditching in the path of a suitable vessel (which could be
dangerous) the chances of being spotted immediately are probably not
that high.
Any suggestions.
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