What do you know, do you need one?
In the marine industry, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) legislation generally treats PLBs as personal man-overboard (MOB) safety devices rather than as a substitute for mandatory, vessel-registered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). Specific regulations are dictated by regional and national authorities.
Tracey was speaking to a client recently, where an incident occurred in the water and a person was missing for nearly 24 hours. Had that person been wearing a PLB, they would have been found much quicker. Thankfully no lives were lost, however, as we can all appreciate being a part of the marine industry, lives are lost with persons overboard, divers going astray and clients not listening to instructions or worse.
Therefore, this week, we want to take a close look at PLB’s and increase your knowledge.
Personal Location Beacons work in exactly the same way as EPIRBs, provided they are GPS compatible, by sending a coded message on the distress frequency which is relayed via the global satellite system.
PLBs are designed to be carried on the person so they are much smaller, some not much larger than the size of a cigarette lighter. PLBs are designed to be used anywhere in the world, on the sea and also on land. Some don’t float but may come with an additional flotational sleeve which they should be carried in.
PLBs, once activated, will transmit for a minimum of 24 hours, it is worth checking the model you are considering that it meets the minimum requirement for safety.
Whilst an EPIRBs are registered to the vessel, PLBs are registered to an individual person, allowing them to travel with a user between different boats. However, if you wish to purchase several PLB’s for your company to use with crew, many distributors offer multiple purchase discounts.
Unexpected events happen! Things like storms, navigation errors, currents, dive emergencies, boat engine problems, persons overboard are just a few scenarios that could cause someone to get lost or separated at sea.
In an emergency like this, quickly getting attention and calling for help is crucial and can save your life. Regardless, if you are a vessel Master, fisherman, scuba diver, swimmer, recreational boat owner, guide etc, having a PLB on your person may be the difference between life and death.
If you are the unlucky one to be in the water, having a PLB removes the anxiety you may feel if you’re concerned about not being seen, or waves impacting your rescue etc.
Here is some interesting feedback from Nautilus Lifeline clients:
‘…I can relax every dive that I’m covered with lifeline. I also bought one for my brother in Australia and then we bought them for the entire crew at work!’
‘Got mine unfortunately only AFTER getting lost in the ocean for 4.5 hours. won’t let that happen to me twice…!’
‘…I had one of these for years. It absolutely saved me. The boat I was diving from lost its engines. By the time I surfaced it had drifted a very long way. I was able to guide in a boat to get me prior to ever having to use the distress function. This is a must for and shore, boat, solo, traveller. Easily one of the most important pieces of safety equipment.’
We strongly recommend your PLB has the following:
1. It is GPS compatible
2. It floats – whether the unit itself or it sits in a sleeve;
2. The battery life is a minimum of 24 hours;
3. Check the range of the device and how accurate does it send signal;
4. Any additional user fees;
5. Warranty and its restrictions.
The PLB should be a part of your safety equipment onboard any vessel. Equally ensuring that they are used when persons are vulnerable to ocean.
Consider your needs. Whether for yourself, your crew or your customers – if they are in water, or potentially may fall overboard we certainly recommend a PLB for each person.
Some of our clients are currently looking into providing a PLB (as a rent service) as added value to their services. Great idea!
If you are unsure, or not sure where to start, then please contact our office on (07) 4242 1412.
