EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Emergency Communications
By Rob Murray on SV AVANT
Cruisers spend big dollars on emergency communications, and in most cases never use them. What are some of the options, their pros and cons, and use cases aboard?
EPIRB
EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon(s)) are the gold standard in reliability and durability. Designed by an international consortium of search and rescue agencies in the 1980s, these use the SARSAT (Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking) system of satellites (a combination of government operated LEOSAR, GEOSAR, and MEOSAR satellites) combined with a network of 29 MCCs (Mission Control Centers) which communicate with national RCCs (Rescue Coordination Centers).
When you activate your EPIRB, a SARSAT satellite will pick up the signal within minutes and relay it to the MCC nearest the satellite via their Local User Terminal. The MCC will relay the transmission to the national authority’s RCC you have registered your EPIRB with (typically your flag country). Then ‘your’ RCC will relay the information to the RCC responsible for the area you are in and reach out to the emergency contacts registered with your beacon, and the RCC local to your location will begin a rescue operation. This is typically done in less than an hour.
COSPAS-SARSAT System Overview
The downside of EPIRBs is they are one-way communicators – they simply relay your call for help, and do not indicate if it’s a fire, sinking, or medical emergency.
Once purchased, EPIRBs are free to operate (no subscription fee), and the only ongoing cost is periodic replacement of the batteries (depends on unit specifications). Most units are water activated, so they should be stored where rain or spray won’t set them off inadvertently. They are specified to operate for a minimum of 48 hours, but typically will operate for much longer.
EPIRBs must have the battery replaced after use, they are good for a single activation per battery.
PLB
PLBs (Personal Locator Beacon(s)) are basically EPIRBs in short pants. Smaller and lighter than EPIRBs, they are typically less expensive as well. The broadcast at the same power as EPIRBs (5.0 watts) but have half the battery life (24 hours minimum vs 48 hours with an EPIRB). As with EPIRBs, they will typically operate much longer than the minimum specified.
Similar to EPIRBs, they must be registered with a national authority and have no operating cost beyond periodic battery replacement.
PLBs, like EPIRBs must have the battery replaced after use, they are good for a single activation per battery.
SEND
SENDs (Satellite Emergency Notification Device(s)) are devices like the InReach, InReach Mini, Garmin InReach Messenger, Zoleo, Spot, Spot X, Yellowbrick, ACR Bivy Stick, Motorola Defy Satellite Link and so on.
These use various commercial satellites or commercial satellite constellations and allow emergency ‘send help’ communications, typically with a dedicated SOS button. They also typically allow two-way communications, like a text or SMS on your phone (some allow this in a self-contained method, some require tethering with a smartphone or tablet). Most operate on the Iridium Satellite Network, which is generally considered to be of the highest quality and offers global coverage. Some use other networks like Globalstar, which does not offer global coverage. They typically operate at about 1.5 watts of transmit power.
Most use the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) as their emergency response partner ( WWW.IERCC.COM ). Spot uses Overwatch Rescue ( WWW.OVERWATCHXRESCUE.COM ).
When you press ‘SOS’ on the device, it sends a message via the satellite or satellite constellation to the emergency response partner and they act in a way like the EPIRB response mechanism above, but they call/text you back (if your device allows) as well as calling your emergency contacts.
If the device allows you to send and receive messages you can also initiate a two-way conversation with a shoreside contact for a serious but not life-threatening situation, such as an engine or medical problem.
Most SENDs also support the sending of ‘breadcrumb’ trails while cruising. This is useful to allow shoreside contacts to follow you and leaves a record of your journey should you ‘go dark’ in an emergency that incapacitates you and your crew such that you are unable to activate any of your devices, giving search and rescue teams a starting place to look for you.
Each of these devices, being commercial, requires a subscription. Costs vary.
SENDs are rechargeable and can be used again and again. Battery life varies between units.
There is a good comparative review of many units at ( https://www.treelinereview.com/gearreviews/best-personal-locator-beacons )
DSC Distress Calls
Marine radios (VHF and MF/SSB) can send a DSC (Digital Selective Calling) alert, usually by pressing a red button on the radio. The button usually must be held down for more than 3 seconds to activate it (this to limit the chance of false alerts). This sends a GPS position if your radio contains or is connected to a GPS, plus your MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity).
VHF is monitored for these alerts worldwide (withing coverage limits), but coverage via MF/SSB is spotty. (There are propagation issues, and some rescue authorities no longer monitor the frequency. The USCG stopped monitoring the 2182Hz rescue frequency in 2013.)
VHF DSC alerts will be picked up by other vessels within radio range.
This is cost-free.
How do you contact Search and Rescue directly wherever you are?
Each country has SEARCH AND RESCUE NUMBERS. These can be found on the Ocean Posse website for each area we operate in:
https://oceanposse.com/aruba/#emergencies
https://oceanposse.com/azores/#emergencies
https://oceanposse.com/bahamas/#emergencies
etc
https://oceanposse.com/italy/#emergencies
https://oceanposse.com/mexico/#emergencies
Ocean Posse members can substitute the country you are in to get to the right numbers
What about Cell Phone Satellite Communications?
Some newer cell phones from Apple or Google/Pixel have limited SOS satellite connectivity, and Samsung has announced forthcoming satellite capability. Somewhat klugey, they require manual alignment of the device and use the GlobalStar network. Not all devices have the feature, and some are limited by the carrier. The geographic coverage is quite limited. These should be considered back-ups until the technology becomes more mature.
What should you do to get ready for an emergency?
Select and install your chosen devices and set them up appropriately.
For EPIRBs and PLBs, that means registering them with the appropriate national authorities and mounting their storage brackets in suitable locations. Each device has a testing schedule and protocol, so add reminders to your calendar to ensure you keep up with the schedule.
For SEND devices, ensure you have the appropriate subscription in place and the emergency contacts are registered, and the appropriate contacts are in the device’s address book or contact list. If the device tethers with a smart phone or other device, ensure the appropriate software is installed and up to date, and the tethering connection(s) have been tested. Having the tethering connection enabled on multiple devices adds redundancy. Most send devices get firmware updates from the manufacturer, so find out how your device updates and schedule a check every 90 days or so to ensure you’re up to date. Ensure you have a charging/battery replacement protocol in place so that the device is always charged up or, if it has replaceable batteries, you have spares on hand.
For DSC Alerts, make sure your radio(s) have your MMSI programmed in and have access to a reliable GPS signal, and that the radio(s) have a first-class antenna connection (testing with an SWR meter is the best way to ensure this).
Once the hardware and software are established, train your crew in the use of these devices and make sure they know how and when to use them. Preparing a ‘Cheat Sheet’ of simple instructions that can be posted in a handy spot ensures they are not falling back on memory in an emergency.
You have an emergency, what should you do?
If you are faced with a life-threatening situation or there is an imminent threat of danger such as loss of life, potential loss of life, loss of the vessel, potential loss of the vessel, sinking, fire, loss of the rig, or other serious emergency you should activate all of your emergency communications all at once. If you have all three, use the EPIRB, SEND and DSC alert all at the same time.
- The EPIRB will get SAR resources mobilized rapidly on a nation-to-nation basis. It is hands down the most reliable distress signaling mechanism.
- The SEND will typically allow two-way communication on the nature of the emergency and what aid is required.
- The VHF DSC Alert will summon any nearby vessels to your aid.
If you are faced with a potential life-threatening situation or there is the potential for an imminent threat of danger to develop, you should initiate a two-way communication with a shoreside contact to seek advice and/or advise them of the situation (ideally with one of the emergency contacts for your EPIRB or SEND). This could be via any means available, Cell Phone, Starlink (email, teleconference, etc.), SEND, or whatever works. Nearby vessels should be alerted via a normal VHF radio call. This allows them to be aware of what’s going on and be ready to scale up response appropriately as the situation demands.
Posse Perk
Ocean Posse members have access to additional help from other Posse members who may be nearby and from Posse HQ. Members can send a message on the Posse line Ap to reach out for nearby vessels. The Posse Team has assisted in rescue coordination and has connections in many regions with search and rescue and other resources to assist if required. Contact Dietmar at dietmar@oceanposse.com or text him at ( +1 (702) 861-9823 ) to set the team in motion!
LATEST RESOLUTION FOR MEXICAN FOREIGN BOAT TIPS FROM PRE-2005
LATEST RESOLUTION FOR
MEXICAN FOREIGN BOAT TIPS FROM PRE-2005
The Ocean Posse is pleased to share information directly from a recent success story. As reported in our October 20, 2024 newsletter there is hope yet for foreign flagged vessels that were issued TIP's (Temporary Import Permits) and are now attempting to enter Mexican waters. Last year all vessels with open TIPs from before 2005 were flat out turned back and refused entry because the office that had issued the TIPs had been dissolved and therefore any TIPS issued by this office that had not been properly closed were not able to be resolved. This year Sally & Michael Aldridge on SV SWEETHEEART took this matter into their own hands with conviction and seem to have found a solution. Sally shares below what worked for them so that others may have similar success.
Oct 17 2024 by Sally and Michael Aldridge on S/V Sweetheart
Canceling pre 2005 Aduana TIPs in Ensenada
We had two pre 2005 TIPs to cancel, one in 2001, and the other in 2004
On Oct 16, we walked across the border at PedEast at San Ysidro in the morning and caught the ABC bus down to Ensenada from Tijuana because we didn’t want to mess with driving a vehicle across the border and dealing with a motor vehicle TIP and insurance (too many TIPs already !) Walking over the border turned out to be super easy, with no lines and the bus is nearby and is comfortable and inexpensive.
When in Ensenada (we got there at around 10:30am) we started with the
Banjercito Ensenada
On Ave Teniente Jose Azueta
(Building marked with a thin red line on attached image)
We spoke to Elia Beatriz Urquidi Cobos, who is a manager there
She speaks great English
We showed her relevant boat documentation as per the attached form from the Mexican consulate in Sacramento.
Elia made 3 copies of each, and also verified and checked the report in her system.
Elia explained we needed to go to the Aduana office down the street to start the process.
At this point Elia stepped outside to direct us and she and the manager of the Aduana, Jorge Badille spoke in person on the street. Not sure if they just “ran into each other” or whether this was planned, but it turned out to be a very fruitful conversation. Jorge reviewed our documents right there, and confirmed that everything was in order, and told Elia what else we needed to do
Which was the following:
Write a letter to the Aduana asking for the TIPs to be cancelled
Including the tip number, previous owner names etc.
State that we are the new owners
Print it
Sign it
Make 3 copies
We went to the tourist information office around the corner to do this and they were very helpful and made print outs and copies for us for free.
Then we went to the Aduana de Ensenada with all the paperwork. The office is marked with thick red line on the image and address is here. Blvd, P.º Olas Altas 110, Recinto Portuario, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
This office is behind a heavy layer of security and they told us that only one person can go through, so Michael, my husband, did this for us as he is the appointed “manager” of our LLC. He spoke to the woman at the desk and she asked for the letter to be in Spanish, so she translated it for Michael and he wrote it out by hand and she stamped it. She told him it would take one week to get the TIP cancellations done.
We then showed the stamped letter to Elia back at the Banjercito, but she said she actually needs a printed and stamped image of a “cancellation screen” from Aduana to get the process going on the Banjercito side. She said once she has that, she can send it to the Mexico City Banjercito and it could be canceled out of the system intraday, depending on time differences.
So we went back to Jorge at the Aduana to ask for that and he committed to doing just that the next day. Jorge promised to email it to Elia it at 10am the next morning, so we stayed overnight just to make sure that happened.
We stayed at the Hotel Coral, as it was a good chance to speak with Fito Espinoza, the dock master, who is very experienced with TIPs and immigration. He suggested we stay on it till it is done. He was very interested to hear about the results of our efforts as it will allow him to help many other boats.
Michael went back to the Aduana office the next day at 10am on 10/17 and he stayed there until he had the right docs in hand.
At this point we have now cancelled the two old TIPs !
We then took those pages to Elia who scanned them and sent them to her superiors. The old tips were cleared out of the Banjercito system within a few hours and we were able to successfully apply for a new TIP that day. Again we sat in the office until this was all done (about 30 mins) and we now have the TIP in hand.
Summary: The Sacramento consulate was correct: It is now possible to cancel pre 2005 TIPs with the Aduana in Ensenada, and the Banjercito in Ensenada can get it cleared from their system with the right documentation from Aduana (see attached process from the Mexican consulate in Sacramento). Fito confirmed this is exactly how the process worked in the past, but he did not know it was working again at this time, and neither did BC Connections.
Jorge (Aduana Ensenada manager) and Elia (Banjercito Ensenada manager) are competent people who seem to have a good working relationship and they are collaborating together to make it happen. It helps that these offices are down the street from each other. Not sure if it’s dumb luck and they have started canceling old TIPs again at just the right time for us, or we are geniuses. Either way, we will take it !
There are no charges for the process of TIP cancellation and it can be done by the boat owner through the official channels without an agent in one or two days. Be prepared for multiple visits to each office.
Hopefully this bodes well for other boats in this situation.
Feel free to send any questions to sally.aldridge@mac.com
THANK YOU SV SWEETHEART FOR SHARING YOUR SUCCESS!
AZORES CREATES LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC
AZORES 
CREATES LARGEST
MARINE PROTECTED AREA
Cruising the Azores Just Got Better
The Azores, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a sailor’s paradise. Comprised of nine volcanic islands, underwater mountain ranges, and rich biodiversity on land and in the surrounding sea this autonomous region of Portuguese territory offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ideal sailing conditions. For yachts and sailboats, cruising the Azores provides an opportunity to explore unspoiled nature, vibrant communities, and a wide array of maritime experiences. The islands are about 900 nautical miles west of mainland Portugal, making them accessible from both Europe and North America. Navigation in the Azores is generally straightforward, thanks to well-marked channels and reliable nautical charts. However, sailors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and the occasional challenge posed by the archipelago’s volcanic topography. The nine islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Each group offers distinct attractions and cruising experiences.
Last year a global pact was adopted by the United Nations to protect 30% of the Earth's land and sea by 2030. This month, the a regional assembly of Portugal's Azures Islands took the leading step towards this goal by designating expansive marine protection which now represents the largest Marine Protected Area in the North Atlantic. The protection creates two areas: a fully protected area of sea marking it as a safe haven for biodiversity and natural resources, and a highly protected area of sea surrounding the islands. The distinction being that in the latter selective and light fishing is permitted.
World leaders are gathered this week in Columbia for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP16 and this recent announcement by the Azures will hopefully be an inspiration to other nations to make strides to protect their 30% of the earth's land and sea that they can to preserve the world's biodiversity. According to Oceanographic Magazine, "Marine Protected Areas are widely recognized as the most effective tool in the global effort to reverse biodiversity loss and build ocean resilience against climate change. The Azores leadership has been earmarked by commentators as ‘particularly inspiring’ given that only 2.8% of the world’s oceans are currently fully or highly protected.
A report issued by Greenpeace International earlier this week warns that at the current rate of development in ocean protection, the United Nations stands to miss its critical 2030 target by a full eight decades. This means the ambitions of the 30×30 target – at the current pace of success – won’t be realized until 2107."
José Manuel Bolieiro, president of the Regional Government of the Azores said, “The Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with this decision, we are driving the way forward to a productive, vibrant ocean. The sea is an integral part of our collective identity, being vital socially, culturally, and economically. We are committed to protect and recover our ocean to support a healthy blue economy. Our decision through a science-based and participatory process leading to the protection of 30% of our seas serves as an example that other regions must follow now to ensure the future health of the planet.”
The process by which the Regional Government of Azores achieved this protection may also be an example to other nations. This decision was not made by an authoritarian ruler at the expense of livelihoods and local sustainability. Rather the decision to create the largest marine protection area in North America was reached through "an extensive participatory process". This process included over 40 meetings with representatives from various sectors, including those within fishing, maritime transport, maritime tourism, and environmental non-governmental organizations.
“The result was the collaborative design of a network of marine protected areas that benefits people, nature, and the economy, based on the best available science in the region,” said representatives of the Azores.
Cruising the Azores with the new Marine Protected Area offers an unparalleled yachting and sailing adventure. The archipelago’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and excellent sailing conditions make it a premier destination for sailors. Whether exploring the historical streets of Angra do Heroísmo, hiking the volcanic trails of Pico, or enjoying the serene beauty of Graciosa, the Azores provide a wealth of experiences for every sailor. Navigating these enchanting islands requires preparation and respect for the natural environment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The Azores’ unique blend of maritime tradition, natural beauty, and welcoming communities ensure that every cruise is a memorable journey.
SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON OUTLOOK
SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON
NOVEMBER 1-APRIL 30
NEW OUTLOOK RELEASED
Tropical cyclones, like hurricanes, are known for their powerful winds, heavy rains, and potential to cause significant destruction. Tropical cyclones frequently affect the southern Pacific and can pose serious threats to both public health and infrastructure. All vessels are advised to have a plan of action for the cyclone season.
According to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Metservice, the South Pacific may see either fewer or a normal number of tropical cyclones this season. The cyclone season in the South Pacific starts November 1 and runs until the April 30, with the typical 'peak' of the season being January - March. The outlook that has recently been released, "Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook - October 2024" describes a slower start to the Cyclone season, potentially less cyclone risk overall in the eastern region while potentially elevated risk in the western region. According to the NIWA Outlook, "As of early October 2024, sea surface temperatures across the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean are below average and close to La Niña thresholds." Forecasters are observing more La Niña-like characteristics that tend to reduce risk in the east and elevate risk in the west where warmer water may 'stack up' later in the season. As with many weather outlooks of late there continues to be caution that while there may be less risk in the frequency of tropical storms this season, there is still a risk that those that come may intensify more rapidly or simply be very intense.
For cruisers in French Polynesia South Pacific Posse member Scott on Tartaruga shares:
What is critical to following storms in FP is the location of the MJO. Madden Julien Oscillation. You can research that but when that is over French Poly that is when the highest probability of big storms occur. Per some local Tahiti sailors they almost never have any cyclonic storms outside of MJO events. This last season Fiji announced the MJO forecast and when it would be over FP and boom the storms came. Also note that Fiji is the official metrological organization for these storms. Another important data point is they name their storms very early, mean the wind scale starts at a much lower number....NOAA tracks (the MJO) closely as well. I would educate yourself on how to read the graph. It is a bit strange.
Fiji Meteorological Service Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi-Tropical Cyclone Centre also just released a forecast on the upcoming tropical Cyclone season. Their predictions are similar.
Stay alert on great weather sites including:
- https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=tcoutlook
- https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/southwest-pacific-tropical-cyclone-outlook/southwest-pacific-tropical-cyclone-outlook-october-2024
MEXICO ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
MEXICO ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
FOR FOREIGN FLAGGED VESSELS
- Paperwork and fees for the people (and animals) onboard the vessel.
- This involves getting tourist visas through Immigration and going through customs. Visitors need to provide their passport, crew list, and vessel documentation.
- Paperwork and fees for the Vessel to obtain a TIP.
- TIP’s are temporary Import Permits that boat owners apply for and pay for upon entry into Mexico. Captains present vessel and ownership documentation for permit. The TIP is on the vessel and the ownership of the vessel is unimportant. The fee is less than $100 and yet the paperwork associated with it is the vessel’s Golden ticket into Mexico. TIP’s for foreign flagged vessels are valid for ten years in Mexican waters. Foreign vessels are meant to cancel their TIP upon exiting Mexican waters.
When a vessel leaves Mexico without cancelling their TIP and this same vessel tries to enter Mexico complications arise. In recent years, one of the biggest challenges cruisers entering Mexico have faced is discovering that their vessel has an uncanceled TIP. If a vessel is found in Mexico without their ‘Golden Ticket’. The vessel can be impounded immediately. Only fees, paperwork and stress build in this scenario.
OCEAN POSSE REPRESENTS AT ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2024
OCEAN POSSE REPRESENTS AT ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2024
EXPANDING POSSE PERKS: YACHT PORT CARTAGENA, SPAIN💰 Save real money at Marinas with discounts
ANNOUNCING: NEW MARINAS SIGNING ON WITH THE OCEAN POSSE
EXPANDING POSSE PERK:💰 Save real money at Marinas with discounts
SV QUESO GRANDE II and Captain Dietmar kicked off the first Ocean Posse event in Yacht Port Cartagena, Spain!
Dietmar says: Thank you Sherri for all the event support and promotion to the international cruisers who came! AND THANK YOU LANCE FOR SOME SUCCULENT RIBS !!!
Sherri from SV QUESO GRANDE II says: Great fun, great cruisers, and great grilled meat by my darling husband Lance.
Currently, the Ocean Posse has ????some number of marinas in ????some number of countries bla bla bla. This represents great savings bla bla bla
OVERSEAS AND ONLINE: PASSPORT RENEWAL & VOTING
OVERSEAS AND ONLINE: USA PASSPORT RENEWAL & VOTING
As a US citizen, passports and voting rights are very important. Both can be kept up to date from afar...here's how:
After a two month beta trial, The United States Department of State has recently announced that Americans can now renew their passports online. This is new and additional staff has been hired to process the online system. The two caveats are for using this service: You must be located in the United States and your passport may not be expired by over 5 years. As of now, it is unclear if this new avenue of renewal will speed up the process overall or not. We will have to wait and see.
Americans have elections coming up locally and nationally. Are you registered to vote? Do you know that US Citizens living abroad can register to vote from overseas?
There are several online resource to help US citizens understand how to register to vote and vote from wherever they are when the time comes. Some useful sites include:
- https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/welcome-overseas-vote-from-abroad
- here you can learn all about overseas voting, what it means and terminology.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/smarter-living/american-vote-from-abroad.html
- here you can learn how to register and vote overseas
- https://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter
- here you can register to vote from overseas and directly link to your state site with your registration and state specific options
- https://www.votefromabroad.org/
- Here you can also register or see a very clear state by state graphic of state voting acceptance procedure.
SUN POWERED YACHTS SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
☀️ SUN POWERED YACHTS ☀️
⛵SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE⛵
|
We are exited and pleased to sponsor the Panama Posse with a special 10% discount off SunPower solar panel bundles. Just use promocode PANAMAPOSSE at checkout www.sunpoweredyachts.com/shop and start enjoying clean & quiet solar aboard your boat.
We also offer free consultations so please email or call and let us help you go solar today. PRODUCTS
|
|
|
|
|
Sun Powered Yachts
T: +1 808 825 2670
Lyall is from the UK and has travelled to 50 countries backpacking and sailing. With a background in Hospitality and Event Management he found sailing in 2004 has logged over 55,000 miles and qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.
Katie is from Maine and has been working in the solar industry in Hawaii for over a decade, most recently for Sunspear Energy. Her knowledge of solar products and system design will be an asset to your yacht’s system. |
|
|
Based on our time and experience sailing, on short trips and living at sea, we have created a Power Usage Chart below. You can see more details on what each system could power on your weekend or live aboard sailing adventure. Create your own power usage table and see what your power needs are aboard your own yacht then choose the number of solar panels accordingly |
|
|
|
|
|
POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS
POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS
INCLUDED WITH OCEAN POSSE SIGN UPS
coming up in Safe Harbor, San Diego
October 23-25, 2024 @ Safe Harbor South Bay, San Diego
https://oceanposse.com/events/san-diego-seminar-series/
