Ensuring Your Safety Onboard, Plb Or Epirb?

Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) are widely used by sailors around the world, and in practice have shown their usefulness. But what kind of device is best for you?

Both PLB and EPIRB operate on the same principle: a transmitter located inside the sealed enclosure is activated (manually or as a result of contact with water) and begins to transmit a digital signal on 406 MHz containing the identification number of the beacon. The signal is then picked up by satellites.

The signal from the geostationary satellites is transmitted through the Mission Control Centers for processing information, and after forwarded to the appropriate MRCC. Low-orbit satellites may take up to 45 minutes to determine the coordinates of the activated rescue device. Some beacons are provided with built-in GPS, which determines the coordinates much faster. Once the coordinates are determined, they are also sent to the rescue services.

When buying a beacon it must be registered, the information then goes into an international database available to rescue services.

Typical beacon features:

Operating Frequency: 406 MHz
Position Accuracy: 2 miles
Transmit Power: 5 W

On most yachts for hire, it is mandatory to have an EPIRB on board, because it significantly increases the chances of rescue for the crew in case of disaster. Coupled with an independent power source, this significantly increases the chances of the crew to survive.

Since the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system has global coverage, it is absolutely necessary to install the beacon on yachts coming out in to the ocean or in to the sea outside of the ground stations coverage. Buying a PLB may be an alternative to purchasing an EPIRB, because it is cheaper. PLBs size suggests wearing it strapped to your clothes, and it can be activated if you fall overboard.

Main difference between a PLB and an EPIRB is that an EPIRB must transmit a signal for not less than 48 hours after activation, whereas a PLB only for 24 hours. In addition PLBs are usually less buoyant, so must be securely fastened to your clothing. Generally if your budget allows it is better to have an EPIRB 406, but it is better to have at least a PLB than nothing at all.

By: Vitali F

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Go to 406epirb.org to read more about EPIRB 406 or EPIRB Registration.