A Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, is a smaller portable transmitter that sends out a personalised emergency distress signal via satellites and ground stations. PLBs and EPIRBs are rigorously tested by governing agencies to confirm they will work … A. EPIRBs and PLBs are similar in that both can alert and summon first-responder assistance when a serious emergency (eminent threat to life or vessel) occurs. But the two-way messaging of many of the other options makes them more useful products overall. Should I choose an EPIRB or a PLB? Whereas an EPIRB is designed for marine use so it’ll be registered to a boat or other vessel. You don’t have to pay any yearly subscription fees to use a PLB. Welcome to Personal Locator Beacon Reviews! 1. These units are ideal for those with smaller watercraft or for walkers and hikers visiting areas away with limited mobile signal. Some are designed to deploy automatically when a vessel sinks. Gear Review: ACR PLB vs. SPOT shaun May 10, 2012 Featured Hard Gear Reviews. For those of you familiar with the Garmin InReach, the ACR uses a different set of satellites and frequencies to trigger a … Do PLBs require subscription services? ACR PLB-375 ResQLink + 406 Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon. In the end, there really is no reason for anyone to carry only one … ACR SARlink 406. Measuring just 4.5 inches and weighing in at just over 5 ounces, the ACR PLB-375 ResQLink + 406 Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon is small, compact, and lightweight, so you’ll have no trouble strapping it on your person or putting it … EPIRBs once placed in the water will operate autonomously by self-activating and floating upright in a transmitting position. We are your number one source on the internet for information to help you with the purchase of a new PLB. Because of their simplicity, it is easy to educate crew members on their … A PLB is designed to be carried on your person and to be used by an individual. Generally, for boaters an EPIRB is preferred over a personal locator beacon (PLB). The McMurdo Fast Find 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) 91-001-220A The FAST FIND 220 is small and light enough for you to carry on your person at all times. PLBs do not come with any … Here you’ll lean what a PLB is, exactly how it works, and how to use it properly. Unlike EPIRBs, PLBs don’t necessarily float, can’t be automatically activated, and are only required to transmit for 24 continuous hours (instead of 48 hours) at temperatures of minus 40 F. Of course, if you’re in distress in warmer waters, both a PLB and an EPIRB will likely transmit for a longer period of time. Read review Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 This site was created by Search and Rescue professionals who work daily […] Using advanced technology, the FAST FIND 220 transmits a unique ID and your current GPS co-ordinates via the COSPAS-SARSAT global search and … They have a … ... (RTCM) and that it exceeds required operating and mechanical conditions that will appear in the marine environment. If you need to call for a rescue in the backcountry, the ACR ResQLink View offers a solid, professional-level method to trigger a distress signal using the government-run SARSAT network (more on that later). Use the tracker as a checking-in device (peace of mind for those on the beach and aboard), and the EPIRB PLB in case things seriously go sideways. Keep the primary functions of EPIR PLBs and satellite trackers separate in your mind. The Ocean Signal PLB1 is an excellent option for pure, personal locator beacon SOS functions and offers a solid value. EPIRBs should be mounted where they can be quickly grabbed.