J. Kelly Cunningham wrote:

> Now I fear for the EPIRB network the same way I feared for the the
internet a
> few years ago.  While I trust the Aggressor fleet to act responsibly,
> releasing these units to the typical gadget junkie newbie diver may be a
> mistake if the users aren't given a clear definition of "emergency" and an
> explanation of the consequences of non-emergency use.  Panic may render
these
> explanations useless.

There may be some validity to your fear but probably not for the industry as
a whole.  Non registered units like this one already receive a lot less
rescue attention than the larger, more expensive units that identify
themselves and their owners to search and rescue personnel.  Frequent use by
divers, which isn't a given, but is likely, can surely be expected to
contribute to the problem until boaters, those the EPIRBs were designed for
in the first place, find the non registered versions to be essentially
useless.  If/when this happens, additional changes are bound to occur.  One
of the most likely changes is that the satellites and search and rescue
groups will quit monitoring the frequencies.  If the dive industry and/or
others who find a use for the short range location capacity of these units
can support continued production, they'll continue to be available.
Otherwise . . .

Obviously I can't speak to what is likely everywhere, but here in the U.S.,
these developments are not likely to happen quickly.  GPS has been around
for quite a few years and, at current prices, is the location device of
choice for virtually all boaters.  I presume it's caught on equally well in
the aviation industry.  I'll have to ask my wife (in the business).  At any
rate, even though they've talked the talk, I think the U.S. government is
still broadcasting Loran signals for those who have held out.

Lee