Bushwalk Australia

At times I'd like to be able to bushwalk on my own and not always have to rely on friends/family to keep a lookout. Does anyone know of a PAID service that I can use that I can check out and in with them. I supply them with my details, where I'm going, when I plan to be back, advise them of what supplies I have on me, access to track me on my SPOT etc. If anything was to happen to me, and I don't "check in" they know the drill and can raise the alarm to ensure I get assistance. Hope someone knows of such a service. Thanks.

It used to be done with local police, but I don't think they would be very interested these days unless you have an exceptional relationship with your local copper. Your spot details should be left with a friend who cares for you (parents/partner), it is best to have several people receive the spot details.
Maybe if you tried the local SES they may do it.
I use the family friends partner method.

This link is to the Vic Police intentions form.
It has some good advise on it.
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... 5997,d.dGc

Something to consider is that family and friends are going to be your most reliable back up.
Family and friends will care about your wellbeing and provided they have clear guidelines
from you when to trigger a search it will be done.
I don't know of a paid service, but just because someone is paid doesn't really guarantee anything.

Why not depend on your SPOT's emergency button? Or should you be looking at a PLB? With a PLB, AMSA will have access to your latest trip plan and instruction you upload before each trip, with contact to your preferred next of kin or friend.

THE VNPA have an emergency contact system when a group of 4 or more set out for a major hike. The Emergency contact is a person who stays at home and keeps everyone's contact details just in case they don't come back the same day they planned to.

GPSGuided wrote:Why not depend on your SPOT's emergency button? Or should you be looking at a PLB? With a PLB, AMSA will have access to your latest trip plan and instruction you upload before each trip, with contact to your preferred next of kin or friend.

SPOT satellite connectivity can be unreliable, especially in steep valleys, canyons terrain or thick bush. and the signal strength is only a tenth that of a PLB
I"ve used a third generation spot that regularly failed to get connectivity in a forest and in a deep valley.
PLB's connectivity isnt fullproof either
being electronic devices they are also prone to failure, getting lost or broken.
you still need to leave intentions with someone with your due out time and a time when they should be notifying Police if you end up overdue... alow an extra day or so depending on the likelihood of you being held up by bad weather or rough terrain.