How to carry your PLB - Wilderness Magazine (2024)

FAQs

How to carry a PLB? ›

Wilderness asked Mike Hill from the Rescue Coordination Centre for his advice on where to carry your personal locator beacon (PLB). He suggests to place your PLB either in a zipped pocket of your trousers or shorts, or in a pouch attached to your belt.

Use of bands, clips and carabiners also allow for rapid access on your person and provide a direct connection between you and your PLB. This is the preferred method of carrying your beacon, but be aware of your position and influence on the unit.

GPS and 406MHz

All modern beacons transmit a 406MHz signal, but some also transmit the older 121.5MHz signal to help searchers home in on your location once they arrive in the vicinity. Your chosen PLB should also be GPS-enabled so it can send your exact location to searchers.

You raise the aerial, push a button and it transmits a signal via satellites to tell rescuers you need assistance. In New Zealand, the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ responds to all beacon activations.

Yes, you can take personal locator beacons and other electronic devices on a plane, but with certain restrictions.

Like any electronic device, personal locator beacons have a lifespan. Most PLBs have a battery life of around five to seven years, and the manufacturers usually recommend replacing the entire unit after the battery expires. However, some models allow for the battery to be replaced, extending the life of the device.

PLB can be used offshore, but are more likely to be the choice for users of smaller boats, RIB and personal watercraft (PWC). Carrying a PLB on your person could also be of advantage if you find yourself unexpectedly in the water either through the boat sinking rapidly or in the event that you have gone overboard.

While both EPIRBs and PLBs will transmit an emergency distress signal anywhere on the planet, there are different standards for both categories of beacon, and specific attributes that make each type of emergency beacon better suited to certain applications.

The battery needs to be disconnected and the beacon disposed of according to local regulations, as many beacons contain hazardous materials. Contact your local beacon retailer, or police station, to arrange appropriate disposal of old, unwanted distress beacons.

Can you use a PLB at sea? ›

For use on water

In most states, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are required for boats that travel at least 2 nautical miles from the coast. If you're not travelling that far, you can use a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) instead.

Firstly, a PLB is a lot smaller in weight and size than an EPIRB as it is designed to be carried by a single person. Because of this 406MHz only PLBs can be used anywhere in the world at sea or on land, depending on what frequency they operate on, whereas an EPIRB will only be used on water.

Firstly, a PLB is a lot smaller in weight and size than an EPIRB as it is designed to be carried by a single person. Because of this 406MHz only PLBs can be used anywhere in the world at sea or on land, depending on what frequency they operate on, whereas an EPIRB will only be used on water.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) activation in remote wilderness areas has resulted in rescue in as little time as one hour, but more often several hours. PLBs transmit data such as GPS location and serial numbers directly to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), who will initiate and coordinate a response.