EPIRBs and PLBs

Navigating waterways offers a sense of adventure and freedom, but it also carries inherent risks. For boaters, being prepared for emergencies is essential, especially in situations where they may be out of cellular range. While mobile phones are increasingly utilizing satellite technology and satellite messengers are becoming more popular, they do not provide the same reliable, worldwide response as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). These devices can be lifesaving, ensuring that rescue teams can locate you when you need help the most.

How EPIRBs and PLBs Work

Both EPIRBs and PLBs are designed to transmit a distress signal that satellite systems can pick up, allowing rescue authorities to locate and assist individuals in distress. These devices operate via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, transmitting on the 406 MHz frequency, which is monitored globally for distress signals.

When activated, EPIRBs and PLBs send a distress signal containing unique identifying information and GPS coordinates to satellite networks. Satellites then relay this information to ground stations, which alert Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs). Additionally, both devices typically include a 121.5 MHz homing signal to assist search and rescue teams in honing in on your precise location once they are nearby.

When an emergency message is received from a marine source, it is typically relayed to the local Coast Guard center. The Coast Guard will then use the registration information to try to contact the registered owner of the device. This will include VHF Radio broadcasts on Channel 16 and calling the phone numbers listed on the registration.

If there is no response, or if an emergency situation is confirmed, they use the GPS coordinates transmitted by the device to begin a search and rescue operation.

Differences Between EPIRBs and PLBs

EPIRB: The Marine-Centric Beacon

EPIRBs are primarily designed for use on watercraft and are required on certain vessels by international maritime regulations. They are typically mounted in a bracket on a vessel. EPIRBs are either manually deployed by removing them from the bracket, or some brackets have hydrostatic releases that will automatically deploy the EPIRB if it is submerged in water. EPIRBS will start transmitting automatically when they are immersed in water or can be manually activated.

EPIRBs will transmit for a minimum of 48 hours and will float upright in the water for efficient transmission.

PLB: Versatile Personal Devices

PLBs are portable and designed for use by individuals on land or sea. They are more compact than EPIRBs and must be activated manually, making them ideal for hikers, skiers, and personal watercraft users.

Unlike an EPIRB, a PLB must be manually activated by the user. This typically involves extending an antenna and pressing an activation button for several seconds. PLBs are designed to operate for a minimum of 24 hours, about half that of an EPIRB. Also, the user must keep the antenna on most PLBs pointing at the sky.

There are marine-specific PLBs designed to be attached to inflatable life jackets. These PLBs automatically deploy and start transmitting when the life jacket is inflated.

EPIRB or PLB?

A PLB is probably adequate for near-shore or inshore boating. They are less expensive and flexible, in that you can take them with you in a dingy or on an on-shore hike. They act as a backup of last resort to Cellular or VHF distress calls. If you move between vessels then a PLB is your best option as an EPIRB is registered to a specific boat, not a person.

For off-shore boating, an EPIRB is essential. In a major emergency such as a fire or sinking, the user may not be in range of cellular or VHF communication and may not have the time to manually deploy a PLB. Also, PLBs require that the user be conscious to activate the PLB and keep the antenna properly oriented. When offshore in heavy waves, or if injured, an EPIRB will automatically start transmitting while you may not be able to use a PLB.

Many boaters that spend extended time off-shore, such as sailing or fishing, will carry both an EPIRB for the vessel and PLBs for each crew member attached to their life jackets. This way, if a person is separated from the vessel by falling overboard or if the vessel sinks, they have a way of signaling for assistance.

Features and Technologies

The technology surrounding EPIRBs and PLBs is constantly advancing. In recent years there have been advances in these devices to make them more functional and to assist search and rescue in locating people in distress. Some of the features to look for are:

• Self-Deployment Housings – EPIRBs often come equipped with self-deployment features, which means they can automatically release from their housing and activate upon contact with water. This feature ensures that the EPIRB can float free and signal for help even if a vessel sinks suddenly.
• Auto Deployment PLB—Some PLBs are designed to be attached to automatically inflating life jackets. When the jacket inflates, the PLB antenna deploys, and the device begins transmitting a distress signal. This is especially helpful in man-overboard situations.
• Strobe Lights – EPRIBs and PLBs are available with highly visible strobe lights to help Search and Rescue teams locate you. Mainly used at night, these strobes can be seen for several miles and typically flash the international SOS signal.
• Infrared Strobe Lights – Many EPIRBs and a few PLBs now offer additional Infrared strobe lights. Many Search and Rescue teams use infrared goggles to pick up heat signatures in the water. The Infrared Strobe show on these goggles as bright flashes, making it easier for them to spot you, even in bright daylight.
• Multi-GPS Support – There are three major GPS satellite systems circling the earth. The original GPS system deployed by the US Military, and the newer Galileo and Glonass systems. By supporting multiple GPS systems, accuracy and reliability are increased.
• AIS (Automatic Identification System) Integration – Some devices are equipped with AIS signal integration, which can alert nearby vessels to the source of the distress signal. This allows nearby vessels and Search and Rescue teams equipped with AIS receivers to see the distress signal on their devices and quickly navigate to the location without plotting GPS coordinates. Most larger commercial vessels and many private vessels are now equipped with AIS technology, making this a potentially lifesaving feature.
• RLS (Return Link Service) – EPIRBs and PLBs equipped with RLS allow two-way communication with the satellites. Older EPIRBs and PLBs were one-way devices that simply sent a signal out. The user was never sure that the signal had been received until a rescuer arrived on scene. With RLS, when an emergency signal is received, the responders can send an acknowledgment back to the device so that the person in distress knows their message has been received.
• Bluetooth or NFC Linking – Some devices allow you to link to them with your mobile device so that you can check the status and initiate tests.

Registration and Maintenance

Registration

In many jurisdictions, such as the USA and Canada, it’s a legal requirement to register your EPIRB or PLB, which links your device to your personal information. Registration is free, and there are no recurring fees for using your device.

Registration ensures that when a device is activated, rescuers know who is sending the distress signal and can respond with greater context and resources. EPIRBs and PLBs are registered with NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) through their online registration system at beaconregistration.noaa.gov.

You will provide your name, address, and contact information when registering your device. You are also encouraged to list several other contacts who are aware of your boating (or backcountry) plans and can be contacted in an emergency.

Because EPIRBs are linked to a specific vessel, your vessel’s information, including description, home port, and usual cruising area, is also added to the database.

After registering, you will receive a registration letter, which you should keep with your boat registration, and a sticker that must be placed on the device. Registrations are valid for two years, after which you must renew them by confirming or updating the information in the NOAA database.

If you are selling your boat or device, cruising in a new area, or taking an offshore trip, it is critical that you update your information on the database. It only takes a few minutes and will provide Search and Rescue personnel with relevant information on where to start the search.

Battery Life

Typically, EPIRBs and PLBs have a battery life ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the model. It’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery replacement to ensure your device functions correctly in an emergency. Most manufacturers offer battery replacement service for a nominal fee. You can also get replacement batteries from third parties and do it yourself. (Note that replacing batteries on your own can void the manufacturer’s warranty and damage waterproof seals. When in doubt, rely on the manufacturer.)

Testing and Maintenance

Both PLBs and EPIRBs feature two TEST functions. One function performs a self-test of the system electronics and battery but does not link to a satellite to test the transmit function. This test should be performed monthly or before a trip if you don’t use your vessel regularly. It’s a good idea to review and update your NOAA profile each time you test your device to make sure that your contact information is up to date.

The second test is called a “Beacon Test”. When conducting a 406 MHz beacon self-test, the EPIRB or PLB is allowed to radiate a single burst, one specially coded so that it is ignored by the Cospas-Sarsat system. This should be performed every 6-months or after long periods of non-use.

Both PLBs and EPIRBs should be regularly inspected for damage and ensure that they are located where they can be easily accessed. EPIRBs in self-deployment housings should be inspected to ensure that there is nothing blocking the housing or that will trap the device from reaching the surface. It is also essential to check that the device is still in the container and has not been removed.

Cell Phones and Satellite Communicators

Although cellular phone technology has advanced dramatically, there are still vast areas, particularly at sea and in remote wilderness regions, where cellular service is unavailable. Even with the new satellite links to mobile phones, service is unreliable for emergency use. Satellite communicators like InReach and Spot do offer world wide emergency coordination, but these come with subscription fees, and do not offer the additional Search and Rescue features like strobes, AIS, and homing beacons common on EPIRBs and PLBs. Today, EPIRBs and PLBs bridge this communication gap, providing a reliable means of signaling for help in situations where traditional communication methods fail.

If Your EPIRB or PLB activates accidentally

Accidents happen, and it is not uncommon for EPRIBs or PLBs to be accidentally activated. If you do have an accidental activation, the first thing to do is to cancel your request on the device. Typically, this is the same as activation. Then, call the nearest US Coast Guard station. They will communicate with the Regional Coordination Center to cancel the alert. If you have cell phone coverage, be ready to answer your phone and advise the RCC that it was a false alarm.

All vessels equipped with a VHF radio are required to monitor channel 16. This is especially important. When you hear a Pan-Pan or Mayday call, pay close attention. It could be the Coast Guard trying to reach YOU because your EPRIB or PLB is alerting. While cruising, we commonly hear the Coast Guard trying to reach boaters whose devices have gone off, usually because someone on board unfamiliar with the device is playing with it.

Helpful Hints

• Read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the device. Keep the instructions with your boat documents and registration certificate so that you can refresh yourself when you do your periodic testing.
• Register the EPIRB or PLB when you receive it, and keep the registration current.
• Update your contact, vessel, and emergency information on the NOAA website regularly.
• Test your device monthly or before each trip.
• Perform a full Beacon Test every 6 months.
• Make a note in your calendar when the batteries in your device expire.
• Regularly check the condition and location of your device and keep it easy to access. (Typically near your life jackets)
• Make sure children don’t play with the devices.
•  Once activated, keep your EPIRB or PLB switched on until you are rescued. Never turn off the unit in an attempt to extend battery life. Doing so can reduce the ability of satellites to determine your position and prolong rescue efforts.
• Cancel false alerts, and be ready to take a call from Search and Rescue teams.
• If your EPIRB is floating, attach it to your life jacket or life raft if you can do so safely.
• Check your PLB manual to determine if it is self-floating. If it is not, attach it to a life jacket or ditch bag with a lanyard to prevent loss.

Reliable Distress Signaling

Having a reliable distress signaling device like an EPIRB or PLB is crucial for anyone venturing beyond cellular networks’ reach. These devices offer peace of mind, knowing that help is a button-press away. The combination of advanced satellite technology, visible signal aids, and robust design makes them indispensable tools for safety in both maritime and terrestrial environments. Whether you are an intrepid sailor or an adventurous hiker, equipping yourself with an EPIRB or PLB is a smart and potentially life-saving decision.

Do you have an EPIRB or PLB on board?

Let us know in the comments below!

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