{"id":20280,"date":"2021-06-30T09:04:14","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T23:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=20280"},"modified":"2024-11-11T13:41:37","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T03:11:37","slug":"plb-satellite-messenger-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/plb-satellite-messenger-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to PLBs & Satellite Messengers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes, the call of the wild can take us to isolated and high-risk environments \u2013 be that for adventure, or because we\u2019ve got a job to do! We always hope and even assume that things will go smoothly \u2013 but being prepared with the right gear is essential. Let\u2019s consider our worst-case scenario, and how we can best respond in an emergency situation.<\/p>\n

Distress beacons, like PLBs, are a reliable way to alert the authorities \u2013 but how exactly do these devices work?<\/p>\n

What are Satellite Messengers? Are they the same as a beacon? If not, how are they different?<\/p>\n

In this blog, we dive into the what, where, why, and how, collating the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Plus, we unpack these getaway gadgets even more in Episode 49 of the Snowys Camping Show<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

When adventure calls, it’s best to be prepared for an emergency with either a Satellite Messenger or PLB. Image: ZOLEO<\/em><\/p>\n

The 4 Types of Emergency Beacons:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. PLB<\/strong> \u2013 Personal Locator Beacons. These are used by adventurers and workers in remote high-risk environments.<\/li>\n
  2. EPIRB<\/strong> \u2013 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, used in marine operations beyond two nautical miles from shore.<\/li>\n
  3. ELT<\/strong> \u2013 Emergency Locator Transmitters, used in aircraft.<\/li>\n
  4. Satellite Messenger<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to PLBs, used by adventurers but operational via an independent\/private network. They also allow for messaging in non-life-threatening situations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    EPIRBs and ELTs are specific to marine and air operations respectively, designed to be installed and registered to the vessel.<\/p>\n

    PLBs and Satellite Messengers<\/a>\u00a0are commonly used for land-based activities and are designed to be worn on the person – used by an individual, and the primary focus of this article.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    All PLBs use the global COSPAS-SARSAT network. Image: ACR<\/em><\/p>\n

    What is a PLB?<\/h2>\n

    A Personal Locator Beacon is a small, pocket-sized beacon that uses satellite technology to relay a message from your location on the ground or water, to search and rescue crews. They\u2019re designed to be used as a last resort when all other means of communication are exhausted and you are in both immediate and grave danger. When we say \u2018grave\u2019 danger, we mean a life-or-death situation. Running out of fuel or getting lost on the trail does not warrant the use of a PLB.<\/p>\n

    Nowadays, most of these devices are GPS-enabled and send out an emergency distress signal, including your GPS coordinates, to the relevant rescue authority. The distress signal sent out by a PLB is 406 MHz. This special frequency is used just for search and rescue operations, and communicates with a network of international military satellites called COSPAS-SARSAT. This network is made up of American, Russian, Canadian, and French satellites.<\/p>\n

    When you activate your beacon, your GPS location and the unique code relevant to your beacon will be transmitted to a rescue coordination centre via satellite. The nearest rescue services will then be notified.<\/p>\n

    Older model PLBs used the\u00a0121.5 MHz frequency, however this is\u00a0no longer detected by satellite and these models are no longer licensed for use. The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 is an exception.<\/p>\n

    \"Close<\/a>
    \nThe Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 is the smallest PLB currently available. Image: Ocean Signal<\/em><\/p>\n

    Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1<\/h3>\n

    The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1<\/a> uses three methods to communicate your location:<\/p>\n