Marine Safety - Personal Locator Beacons

A personal locator beacon, or PLB, is a handheld emergency device that transmits a distress signal to satellites and rescue coordination centers when activated, helping emergency services pinpoint your location at sea. PLBs are registered to a specific user and require no subscription to operate.

Marine personal locator beacons are designed for anyone who spends time on the water, including recreational boaters, kayakers, sailors, and commercial mariners who may find themselves in a man-overboard or vessel-distress situation. Coast guards and maritime safety authorities worldwide recommend carrying a PLB as a last-resort emergency tool.

A personal locator beacon sends a distress signal via satellite to rescue coordination centers, while an AIS SART transmits a signal that appears directly on the AIS displays of nearby vessels and rescue ships. PLBs are better for remote offshore emergencies, whereas AIS SARTs are most effective in busy shipping lanes where other vessels can respond quickly.

Activate a personal locator beacon by removing the protective cover, extending the antenna, and switching the device to the on or SOS position as directed by the manufacturer. Once activated, hold the PLB upright with a clear view of the sky to ensure the best satellite signal acquisition and fastest rescue response.

Most marine personal locator beacons have a manufacturer-rated battery life of between four and seven years from the date of manufacture, after which the battery must be replaced or the unit recertified. Always check the expiry date printed on your PLB before heading out, since an expired battery may prevent the device from transmitting a full distress signal.

Yes, personal locator beacons sold for marine use are built to withstand full saltwater immersion and are tested to meet international waterproofing standards. Many models are also designed to float or can be paired with a flotation pouch so the device stays at the surface and maintains a clear line of sight to satellites after a man-overboard event.

No, personal locator beacons do not require a monthly subscription or airtime plan to transmit a distress signal, because they operate on the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, which is a free-to-use international search and rescue system. The only requirement is that you register your PLB with the appropriate national authority, which is also free in most countries.

Because a personal locator beacon transmits directly to satellites and rescue coordination centers even when no other vessels or coast guard stations are within VHF radio range, making it a reliable backup when communication channels fail. PLBs also continue transmitting your GPS coordinates automatically, so rescuers can track your position without requiring you to maintain radio contact.

Store a personal locator beacon in a dry, accessible location away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, and inspect it regularly to confirm the battery expiry date has not passed and the antenna and housing show no visible damage. Test the device according to the manufacturer's self-test procedure, and replace the battery or have the unit serviced before the stamped expiry date to ensure reliable operation.

Yes, marine personal locator beacons that operate on the 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat frequency are recognized by search and rescue authorities in over 200 countries, making them suitable for international offshore voyages. Always verify that your PLB is registered in your home country and check whether the waters you are sailing in have any additional local carriage requirements.