Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
A compact, portable device used to transmit a distress signal via satellite to alert search and rescue services in emergencies at sea.
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is an essential piece of safety equipment for mariners, designed to provide a lifeline in situations where traditional communication methods, such as VHF radios or mobile phones, are unavailable or ineffective. When activated, the PLB sends a distress signal, typically on the 406 MHz frequency, which is monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This signal is relayed to the nearest search and rescue authorities, who can then initiate a response. Most modern PLBs are also equipped with a GPS receiver, enabling them to transmit the user’s precise location, which significantly speeds up the rescue process.
PLBs are designed to be highly portable and are often small enough to be carried on a person or attached to a life jacket. Unlike Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), which are typically registered to a vessel, PLBs are registered to an individual, making them ideal for personal use, whether on a boat or during other marine activities. PLBs have a limited battery life, usually around 24-48 hours once activated, so they are intended for use in situations where immediate rescue is expected. They are also waterproof and built to withstand harsh marine environments, ensuring they function reliably in emergencies.
