Personal Locator Beacons - Pocket-sized Lifesavers

• 1 hour - Powerpoint

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are now legal for use in the U.S. This revolutionary and affordable advanced 406 MHz emergency beacon technology "takes the 'Search' out of Search and Rescue," substantially improving the odds that survivors will be found and rescued in a timely manner. Doug is the nation's leading consumer expert on the subject and is uniquely qualified to speak on the subject having exposed the failings of one manufacturer's beacons in exclusive real-world testing. He covers the benefits these PLBs offer and their limitations, the various special features available and their pros and cons, how the COSPAS-SARSAT system works with these beacons, how to use them to best advantage and reviews the features of all the available PLBs. Doug also provides demonstration beacons for participants to gain hands-on experience with this latest lifesaving technology.

 Get Rescued! 21^st Century Survival Signaling

• 1 hour - Powerpoint

New technology is substantially improving the odds that survivors will be found and rescued in a timely manner. Doug covers 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), Satellite Phones, improved capability Handheld Radios and high-tech visual signaling devices including Laser Flares and LED "strobes." Both the advantages and limitations of these new devices are reviewed and demonstration samples of most are provided for participants to gain hands-on experience with this latest lifesaving technology.

 Your Best Last Chance...Life Rafts & Water Survival

• 1 hour - Powerpoint
• 1.5 hours - Powerpoint and equipment demonstrations

Everything you need to know about outfitting and deploying a life raft--and what to do if you ever have to really use it. Doug is one of the world's leading authorities on yachting life rafts. He'll review what type raft is appropriate for what use, how to best store the life raft on your boat and provide critical information on life raft maintenance. Doug's recommendations for deployment of the raft and review of basic water survival issues could save your life.

 Pack All Your Cares in an Abandon Ship Bag

• 1 hour - Powerpoint
• 1.5 hours - Powerpoint and equipment demonstrations

Every boat needs an Abandon Ship Bag, but what ought to be in it? What should be included depends on how you use the boat, where you sail and how many people you normally have on board. Doug covers the fundamental equipment and supplies you should include and the options you may want to consider. He also goes over your alternatives for containers, traditional and some not-so-traditional. And, yes, even if you have a life raft, you need one.

Let's Get Wet...Water Survival Session (limited in-water participation)

• 1 hour - Powerpoint and optional equipment demonstrations

This presentation is generally held in conjunction with the presentations above and moves most of the survival equipment demonstrations outside to a pool, lake, or bay. Volunteer participants will deploy PFDs and life rafts in the water and Doug will demonstrate how to properly use the equipment. (volunteers to participate must be arranged ahead of time)

 11. Mayday!!!!!!! Signaling For Help or Rescue

• 1 hour - Powerpoint and optional equipment demonstrations

Signaling for help can be a lot more complicated that it seems and screwing up can have fatal consequences. Doug reviews the various electronic and non-electronic signaling devices and how they work, how to get the most out of them, and how to avoid problems that can reduce effectiveness or cause injury. Improvised signaling is also covered. Inert pyrotechnics are used for inside demonstrations. With prior arrangement and proper accommodations, actual live demonstrations can be conducted, in which case the PowerPoint portion of this presentation is optional.

Presentation Requirements:

Hour long presentations can be adjusted to fit a 50-minute time period

All presentations except those conducted outside for equipment demonstrations require a PC-compatible LCD projector and projection screen.

For larger groups, generally more than 20 people, a microphone and PA system is required and a wireless lapel microphone is much preferred. If you don't have one available, Doug can provide his own wireless lapel microphone system to hook into your PA system.

A 6 ft. or 8 ft. long banquet table and chairs may be required for some equipment demonstrations.

Availability of life rafts and live pyrotechnics for demonstrations subject to cooperation from manufacturers, distributors, or a local service facility and generally must be arranged well in advance. Demonstrations of pyrotechnic devices requires coordination with appropriate law enforcement and SAR organizations. This can be arraigned by either party, but must at least be coordinated with Doug.

For presentations where equipment is demonstrated, an assistant to help pack up afterwards is required, three assistants for the in-water demos. Clean up from life raft demos involves use of a very loud industrial vacuum cleaner to purge and evacuate the rafts for shipping. Do not schedule the same space for presentation for at least one hour, and preferably two hours, afterwards. In-water demo clean-up requires additional resources and time.

For more information on booking Doug Ritter for your group or organization, please contact Doug Ritter directly.

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URL: http://www.DougRitter.com/present-boating.htm
First Published on: May 5, 2004

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