April 25, 2023
1 minute reading time
Know your Personal Locator Beacon
The technology behind personal locator beacons (PLBs) and automatic identification systems (AIS) has changed dramatically in the last decade, and with many safety devices on the market, it is important to know which one you have, which one you need, and – more importantly – how to use it correctly.
It is important to know the differences between each one, which ones need to be registered, and how to care for and maintain your device.
Some devices trigger search and rescue services, some transmit a location to the shore, and others indicate a serious incident. Offshore events have specific requirements, so as well as being aware of the capabilities of the device it is vital that skippers and crews know which device they must have in order to compete.
Alistair Hackett, Managing Director of Ocean Safety, explains further.
Accidental activations unnecessarily divert resources from responding to actual emergencies. It costs money and could prevent other incidents not receiving the resources they need.
A 2022 ORCV SIG report found that inadvertent activation key drivers include PLB’s not being worn correctly, lack of maintenance, inappropriate stowage, exposure to electromagnetic fields, damaged beacons and inappropriate disposal.
EPIRB/PBL and AIS transponder requirements for 2022-2023 are set out in Offshore Special Regulations. Before each event, check local and event requirements to ensure you have the correct equipment.