Personal Locator Beacons (PLB): A Guide

Getting away from our busy, connected lives and out into nature is one of the biggest thrills and benefits of boating. You might be inclined to unplug from your day-to-day life so that you can better enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. However, preparedness for all potential dangers is essential— which means that the ability to call for help is a must. This is where a personal locator beacon, or PLB, comes in handy.

What is a Personal Locator Beacon?

PLBs are considered a safety essential for all boaters, regardless of whether you plan to stay close to familiar areas or venture out into open waters. In a nutshell, a personal locator beacon is a personal device that uses the COSPAS-SARSAT global satellite system to send an SOS at 406 MHz, a frequency explicitly reserved for distress calls. This signal is received by nearby rescue agencies, along with your exact location. Be sure to purchase a personal locator beacon with a GPS function to improve location accuracy.

It is not uncommon to make the mistake of relying on your smartphone for these abilities. After all, we bring them nearly everywhere regardless, and they’re a massive convenience in many ways. Unfortunately, connectivity with 911 can become shakier the further away from land that you venture. In the event of a true emergency, a PLB is more reliable. The COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system on which PLBs rely is an intergovernmental, military-run system. The reliance on this system means that the PLB will work anywhere in the world, land or sea, and is far more reliable than commercial satellite-based systems or regular cell service. When the SOS is triggered, the message will be sent to the rescue team closest to your location. That added peace of mind can make a huge difference in an emergency.

How do PLBs Compare to Other Options?

When shopping for safety gear, you will likely come across other options with functions that are comparable to PLBs. Two of these are Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Satellite Messengers. Here is a rough guide to the functions of each:

As clearly demonstrated by the chart, PLBs combine the best and most necessary features of EPIRBS and Satellite Messengers. Their small, portable size make them convenient for all types of emergencies, including those where you may be unable to reach the EPIRB's location on your boat. Yet, they maintain the benefits of long battery life and global reach.

Something to note about Satellite Messengers is that they often come with a variety of non-essential, yet useful features. Some of the features that may be included are Bluetooth pairing, weather reports, waypoint tracking, and social media posting. In addition, some allow two-way messaging; this enables you to cancel an SOS if the danger has passed. However, having and using these capabilities will impact their limited battery life. Nonetheless, these functions are something to consider for boaters, whose primary concern is general connectedness.

When Should I Send an SOS?

Since the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program’'s development in the 70s and 80s, tens of thousands have been rescued from life-threatening situations. Due to the limitations of rescue teams’ resources, particularly of their time and manpower, the volume of these calls can be a burden. Therefore, those who use PLBs must be aware of their responsibility to use the system only when necessary. Only send an SOS if you find yourself in imminent danger, when no other options are available to you.

How do I Select a Personal Locator Beacon?

Now that we've covered the basics, you may ask, "What is the best personal locator beacon?" Of course, the answer to this question comes down to your budget and what additional features you may want, such as GPS or GNSS capabilities to allow rescuers to more accurately pinpoint your location. While there are a variety of PLBs available, here are a few we recommend— each with additional GPS capabilities to ensure that rescuers can reach you quickly if needed.

The ResQLink 400 by ACR Electronics

The ResQLink 400 by ACR Electronics features a strobe and infrared strobe light, allowing rescuers to quickly identify your location once they're in the vicinity. This buoyant, lightweight device features GPS and Galileo GNSS, allowing rescuers to pinpoint your location within 100 meters or less of your location. Multifunction clips allow it to be wore multiple ways.

The ResQLink 425 by ACR Electronics

The ResQLink 425 has all the benefits of the 400, with a few added features. The 425 features an OLED digital display for a more user-friendly experience. In addition, the operational life of the battery, once activated, is an estimated 28 hours rather than the 24 hours provided by the 400.

The FastFind 220 by McMurdo

The FastFind 220 by McMurdo is the world's first Galileo PLB, meaning that it has advanced location accuracy through the use of both GPS and Galileo GNSS signaling. This palm-sized unit features self-testing of all capabilities and includes a buoyancy pouch, lanyard, and standard pouch.

The FastFind 220 is guaranteed waterproof up to 30 meters. It also features an LED light, giving you added peace of mind.