Originally Posted by
todd22123
I think this side of the Farallon Islands, if one is choosing between wearing a PLB or wearing a Handheld VHF with DSC, the best is the Handheld VHF with DSC. I believe this was discussed at the 1/2 day Safety and Sea course that is required for entry into some of the local ocean races.
The radio can fit into the stretchy pocket of a Spinlock Inflatable Deckvest. It is a bit bulky, though.
Anecdotally, from one of the participants in the SAS Seminar, pushing the Distress button on the VHF with DSC gets immediate response. The ability to, in many cases, communicate with the person who pushed the button is considered an advantage, and this can help the responding Coast Guard determine the best response.
Also, others near the Distress can theoretically hear about this as well.
At some point, estimated by me, such as beyond the Farallon Islands, the VHF would not reliably signal the land based antenna, then the PLB is better.
This is just based on what I have read and what I recall from the Safety at Sea Seminar. I, myself, have never pushed the button on either, and I carry the Handheld DSC/VHF when sailing mostly in the bay.
You probably read about a recent incident in SF Bay where a Singlehander on an Express 27 went over, was tethered, was unable to reboard, and this man found his VHF to be very useful. I believe he just used it to call for assistance, and did not push a DSC Distress, although I am not sure of that.
Todd
Todd