Originally Posted by
brianb
In the opinion of the USCG the probability of another vessel hearing you is slim to none. In 1998 I lost a rudder on the way to Hawaii. There were running lights in sight. I called on VHF and shot off flares. No response. This from the mast head VHF. In 2012, another Hawaii adventure. I crossed paths at night several times with other boats, easily within visual range. No response on 16. I tend to agree with the USCG, the safest solution is a PLB or EPIRB.
Are you carrying both devices on your person while on deck ? And if so how do you keep them from not interfering with general boat handling ? I have found it tough to find a vest that can accommodate both devices reliably.
Brian