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    Safety & navigation

    Safety 3 h 20 slides

    Prepared for the unexpected

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module you'll be able to:

    • Choose a satellite communicator for your destination (Iridium vs Globalstar) and register it with COSPAS-SARSAT.
    • Build a reliable triple navigation backup (dedicated GPS + offline app + paper map) that works without a network.
    • Read a topographic map, estimate walking time (Naismith) and navigate with a compass.
    • Recognise the weather warning signs in the mountains and at sea, and follow the right lightning protocol.
    • Recognise and treat acute mountain sickness (AMS) and the most common field injuries.
    • Call for help on the right channel with the right message (MAYDAY, SOS) and send distress signals.

    Slide 1 of 20

    Satellite communication

    Satellite communicators — which network for which destination

    Iridium vs Globalstar — the decision that can determine your survival

    NetworkSatellitesGlobal coveragePoles coveredCOSPAS-SARSAT SOS
    Iridium (inReach, Zoleo, Bivystick)Recommended66 LEO100% — everywhereYesCertified → straight to the rescue centre
    Globalstar (SPOT Gen4)24 LEOPartial — gaps in Asia, Africa, the polesNoNot certified → private centre
    DeviceNetworkDevice priceMin. subscriptionCertified SOSMessaging
    Garmin inReach Mini 2ReferenceIridium€349€15/month✓ COSPAS-SARSATTwo-way
    ZoleoIridium€165€20/monthPrivate centreTwo-way
    BivystickIridium€300€25/month✓ COSPAS-SARSATTwo-way
    SPOT Gen4Globalstar€180€12/month✗ Not certifiedOne-way

    For trips outside Europe: Iridium is a must. Globalstar has coverage gaps in sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and the polar regions. An SOS that is not received = a life in danger.

    Knowledge check

    Which satellite network should you choose for an expedition in Central Asia or a polar region?

    Slide 2 of 20

    COSPAS-SARSAT

    COSPAS-SARSAT registration — 5 minutes that can save your life

    A registered communicator = rescuers have your full file within 10 seconds

    What is COSPAS-SARSAT? — An international satellite distress system run by 45 countries. In France the SOS signal goes straight to the CROSS (the regional maritime rescue coordination centre) through the national infrastructure. Free; registering is mandatory to make the rescue as effective as possible.
    How to register your device in France — ANFR website (anfr.fr) → COSPAS-SARSAT section → enter the MMSI number or the beacon's serial number. Fill in: name, emergency contact, type of vehicle (motorbike, sailboat, hiking). Free, 5 minutes.
    What rescuers see without registration — GPS position only. No name, no contact, no type of trip. Rescuers arrive 'in the dark' — 10-20 min added to the response time.
    What rescuers see with registration — Your name, photo, emergency contact, type of vehicle, declared survival equipment, planned area. A targeted response from the very first seconds.
    Annual update required — Update your registration if you change vehicle or emergency contact, or if you plan a different area. An out-of-date registration = invalid emergency details.

    Slide 3 of 20

    Offline navigation

    Navigating without a network — offline maps and GPS

    Navigation autonomy starts with not depending on the network

    SolutionTypePriceGPS accuracyOffline useBattery life
    Garmin GPSMAP 67Outdoor referenceDedicated GPS€4253-5m (multipoint)100% (built-in maps + micro-SD)36h (AA)
    Garmin inReach Mini 2 + tracksGPS + satellite€3493-5mTracks + waypoints14d (10min tracking)
    Smartphone + Maps.me offlineApp + built-in GPS€0 (app) + phone5-10m (GPS chip)Depends on the phone4-8h
    Smartphone + OsmAnd offlineApp + built-in GPS€0-€10/year5-10m100% (OpenStreetMap)4-8h
    IGN sheet (paper maps)Paper€12-18 per 1:25000 mapMap reading + compass100% (paper)Unlimited

    The triple navigation backup rule: a dedicated GPS (primary) + an offline app (secondary) + a paper map and compass (tertiary). Never head into technical terrain with a single navigation source. A dedicated GPS lasts 6× longer on a battery than a smartphone.

    The rest of the module is waiting for you

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