48 C a n a d i a n Y a c h t i n g JUNE 2017SAFETY FIRST
Not everybody needs two-way communication. At the other end
of the spectrum from the mega yacht satellite systems is SPOT
from Globalstar. While it has a wide range of potential users, the
SPOT line of products offers a simple and economical commu-
nication solution for small boat sailors. For many small boat
cruisers, the most important consideration is safety when oper-
ating away from cell phone service. This equipment utilizes both
the GPS system of satellites for location and Globalstar’s satel-
lite constellation for communication of messages and GPS loca-
tion. This allows you to make your location known to friends and
family, and in the case of an emergency, rescue can be directed
to your exact location. SOS capability is directed to an interna-
tional rescue co-ordination centre. The company claims over
4,000 rescues. As Finton Robb remarks, “the SPOT Gen3 takes
the search out of Search & Rescue.”
A case in point is the Nova Scotia Sea School (NSSS). For
over 20 years they have been taking teenagers on open boat
coastal cruises to teach survival and interpersonal skills. Each
summer they take up to 11 youth on a coastal voyage aboard
their two 30’ engineless open boats. The young people learn to
navigate and cooperate on trips that usually last one week. This
is a lot of responsibility for the instructors. Heather Kelday, the
NSSS executive director, commented that, “... we [NSSS] have
a robust emergency action and risk management plan. We use a
fair amount of redundancies and communication tools. All our
staff are trained in communications. One staff member always
carries SPOT in their PFD (personal flotation device). Staff also
perform daily check-ins so we know where they have anchored
for the night.”PART OF BASIC LIST OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The Spot Gen3 and others like it, such as the Garmin InReach,
are targeted to the small boat user (or anyone off the beaten
track). Whether it’s for a kayak trip or small open boat cruise,
the ability for others to track your location is a huge step forward
for safety. Now everyone who ventures away from populated
areas should do so with common sense and careful preparation.
The availability of rescue is no excuse for irresponsible behav-
iour. That said, the major expense in any rescue operation is typ-
ically the extended search.
The main takeaway here is that the choices for internet and
voice communications are many and varied, meaning a combi-
nation that fits your needs is within your reach. While the choic-
es grow, the cost of communication is coming down. •http://www.globalstar.ca
http://www.iridium.com
http://www.skymate.com
http://www.cruisingsolutions.comBy: Owen Hurst
The ability to accurately navigate is essential for any
hardened mariner or cruising recreational boater.
Once, that meant mastering instruments like a
mariner’s compass, astrolabe or sextant. Thankfully,
the days of manual navigation are long behind us,
replaced by electronic equipment designed to make
navigation easier and more accurate. We are now
witnessing yet another progression in the technology
for marine navigation.
Our Question:
The time had come for the reader to upgrade his
aging chartplotter and he was curious about the
advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet for marine
navigation. So, what about navigating with a tablet?
Our Answer:
There is still a good deal of hesitancy and lack of under-
standing as to whether a tablet can add to or even replace
existing navigation equipment. Quite simply put, the
answer might be yes!
For safety reasons, we always say the official paper charts
should be onboard. But then, we are still left with questions
of which tablet to use; what apps are best; how accurate are
they; how do they connect to GPS when out on the water;
can they stand up to the elements;
do they have the same features as
standard navigation equipment;
can they work with autopilot
systems; and what are the costs of
the tablet and required apps in
comparison to standard equip-
ment? We will address all these
concerns in our Canadian Yachting
Onboard newsletter over the next
few months.
Find out which is the better
device for navigation purposes -
iPad or Android, and more.
If you are not already an
Onboard newsletter subscriber, it’s
easy to sign up. And, it’s free!
Go to the Canadian Yachting website at
http://www.canadianyachting.ca. Right at the top of the home
page is the “sign up” to become an Onboard newsletter
subscriber. Click and sign up today!Navigating with a Tablet?
continued from page 26