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Personal locator beacon (PLB)

PLBs are small portable beacons typically carried by trampers, climbers, hunters and people working in remote areas. A lot of people use PLBs on small boats and for other water-based activities, but most do not float and may not be fully waterproof. Their aerials are often not designed for use in the water. Once activated, PLBs usually have a shorter battery life than EPIRBs.

Introducing the world's smallest PLB

- 30% smaller (typ) by volume
- Easily fits in lifejacket
- Retractable Antenna
- 7 Year Battery Life
- 7 year warranty
- High brightness strobe light >1candela
- 66 channel GPS receiver
- Unique mounting clip and flotation pouch

Wherever you are at sea or on land, the rescueME PLB1 provides the reassurance that emergency services can be alerted by the press of a button. The rescueMe PLB1 can be operated with a single hand in even the most challenging situations. A simple spring loaded flap covers the activation button preventing inadvertent use.

RescueME PLB1 works with the only officially recognised worldwide dedicated search and rescue satellite network (operated by Cospas Sarsat). As this is funded by governments there are NO CHARGES to use this service. When activated the rescueME PLB1 transmits your position and your ID to a Rescue Coordination Center via satellite link. Rescue services are promptly notified of your emergency and regularly advised of your current location.

The PLB1 contains Lithium batteries for long operating life. Your battery must be replaced after the expiry date or after the PLB has been activated, even if only for a short period of time. Battery replacement must be done at an Ocean Signal authorised battery replacement centre. Your PLB will require little maintenance except periodic cleaning, if required. Always use a damp cloth to clean the case and dry thoroughly.

Beacons

Beacons (also known as distress or emergency beacons) are the most effective way of letting people know that you need urgent help and where to find you.

There are different beacon types designed for use in different environments.

- The Personal Locator (PLB) beacon is designed to be carried on the person and can be used in marine and land-based activities.
- The EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) is the best type for use on boats and other activities on water.

Why carry a beacon?

- Due to New Zealand's rugged landscape and changeable weather, you can get into trouble very quickly.
- Radios, GPS tracking systems, distress flares, whistles, lights and mobile phones may be useful as a back-up, however, none are as effective as a distress beacon when you need help in an emergency.
- Distress beacons are one of the most reliable ways of signalling that you need help.

Choose the right beacon

Although they all work in the same way, different beacons are designed for use in different environments.

There are three types of beacons:

- EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) are best for boats, ships and other activities on water
- PLBs (personal locator beacon) are for those tramping, climbing, hunting and travelling to remote locations
- ELTs (emergency locator transmitter) are best for aircraft

Get a beacon?

Register your beacon

- It's free and easy
- Registration of your distress beacon is FREE and only takes a couple of minutes. Registrations can be can be submitted online, emailed or downloaded and sent through post.

It's the law

- Registering your beacon is a legal requirement.

It could save your life

- Ensuring your beacon is registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is vital - a registered beacon means a quicker, more targeted response can be launched.
- RCCNZ may also be able to find out exactly who is with you, how long you have been gone, and whether anyone has any medical conditions. Rescuers will then be in the best position to help you when you are located.

Get familiar with your beacon before you head out

- moving your beacon - always make sure that it is in "safe" or "off" mode.
- Read the instruction manual and understand how to operate your beacon
- Check the expiry date for the battery, which is shown on the beacon label -Batteries should be replaced by your supplier or agent
- Make sure your beacon is registered and that your details are kept up to date
- Make sure it's easily accessible

Keep your beacon away from:

- equipment that may accidentally knock the activation switch
- magnetic sources, such as microphones and radio speakers (some beacons are activated by a magnetic on/off switch)
- high water pressure
- children who may accidentally turn it on

Accidental activation

- If your beacon is set off accidentally, phone RCCNZ immediately (0508 225 522).
- This will ensure a search and rescue operation is not launched needlessly.
- If you are unable to contact RCCNZ immediately, switch off the beacon and make contact as soon as you are able to.
- There is no penalty for accidental activation.

Disposing of old beacons

- Old or obsolete beacons need to be disposed of carefully, to ensure they are not set off by accident.
- Do not just throw them away, as a lot of time and money has been spent on search operations to dig beacons out of rubbish tips.
- The battery needs to be disconnected and the beacon disposed of according to local regulations, as many beacons contain hazardous materials. The names of distributors who dispose of old beacons can be found at www.beacons.org.nz.

Contacts -  Maritme NZ

If you have any questions about beacons, talk to our recreational boating team.

- Phone:New Zealand (toll free): 0508 225 522
- Email:  recreational.boating@maritimenz.govt.nz

Beacon Registration Form PDF

Battery Safety Sheet PDF