PLBs are small portable beacons typically carried by trampers, climbers, hunters and people working in remote areas. A lot of people use PLBs on small boats and for other water-based activities, but most do not float and may not be fully waterproof. Their aerials are often not designed for use in the water. Once activated, PLBs usually have a shorter battery life than EPIRBs.

Ocean Signal Rescueme PLB1 Features:

30% smaller (typ) by volume
Easily fits in lifejacket
Retractable antenna
7 Year battery life (from date of manufacture)
5 year warranty?
24+ hour operational life
High brightness strobe light >1candela
66 channel GPS receiver
Unique mounting clip
Operates on the global Cospas Sarsat rescue system
Free to use, no subscription charges
Supplied with free flotation pouch

Beacons

Beacons (also known as distress or emergency beacons) are the most effective way of letting people know that you need urgent help and where to find you.

There are different beacon types designed for use in different environments.

- The Personal Locator (PLB) beacon is designed to be carried on the person and can be used in marine and land-based activities.
- The EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) is the best type for use on boats and other activities on water.

Why carry a beacon?

- Due to New Zealand's rugged landscape and changeable weather, you can get into trouble very quickly.
- Radios, GPS tracking systems, distress flares, whistles, lights and mobile phones may be useful as a back-up, however, none are as effective as a distress beacon when you need help in an emergency.
- Distress beacons are one of the most reliable ways of signalling that you need help.

Choose the right beacon

Although they all work in the same way, different beacons are designed for use in different environments.

There are three types of beacons:

- EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) are best for boats, ships and other activities on water
- PLBs (personal locator beacon) are for those tramping, climbing, hunting and travelling to remote locations
- ELTs (emergency locator transmitter) are best for aircraft

Get a beacon?

Register your beacon

- It's free and easy
- Registration of your distress beacon is FREE and only takes a couple of minutes. Registrations can be can be submitted online, emailed or downloaded and sent through post.

It could save your life

- Ensuring your beacon is registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is vital - a registered beacon means a quicker, more targeted response can be launched.
- RCCNZ may also be able to find out exactly who is with you, how long you have been gone, and whether anyone has any medical conditions. Rescuers will then be in the best position to help you when you are located.

Get familiar with your beacon before you head out!

- moving your beacon - always make sure that it is in "safe" or "off" mode.
- Read the instruction manual and understand how to operate your beacon
- Check the expiry date for the battery, which is shown on the beacon label -Batteries should be replaced by your supplier or agent
- Make sure your beacon is registered and that your details are kept up to date
- Make sure it's easily accessible

Epirbs & PLB's

JOIN THE CLUB, EARN REWARDS