If your adventure takes you out onto the seas, or off the grid when you’re on land - then it’s important to make sure you can get help if you need it. The PLB1 from Ocean Signal will reassure you that the global emergency services will be notified at your distress at the press of a button.
You can use this device with just one hand, and it has a spring loaded flap to cover the activation button so you don’t accidentally press it. The PLB1 comes with no additional charges, as it works with the government-funded Cospas Sarsat rescue satellite network. If you’re in danger and you activate this device, your position and your ID will be transmitted via satellite link to a rescue coordination centre.
The floatation pouch included will keep it from sinking in water, and this device is waterproof to 15m. Whether you’re heading out into the bush, or out on the water, the PLB1 from Ocean Signal will give you the peace of mind on your adventure.
No subscription needed
Waterproof to 15m
Link via satellite to emergency services
Fast accurate positioning
7-year battery life
Flotation pouch
No subscription necessary
High-density candela strobe
Easy deployed antenna
Operates with single hand
Operates on the global Cospas Sarsat rescue system
Cospas−Sarsat T.001 / T.007 | ETSI EN302 152 | RTCM SC11020 | FCC CFR47 part 95K
Tests:
Beacon Once Monthly | GPS Once Annually
Warranty:
Limited 7 Year
Supplier Code:
OSPLB1
Snowys Code:
139237
Staff tip:On pg. 9 of the product manual you'll find instructions on performing a "Beacon Battery Test". It can be a bit confusing, so please note this refers to hours of use so far, and not hours of battery life remaining!
Does this work well attached to a kayak which is interacting with water and getting soaked for potentially hours on end?
Anton - Sydney, NSW(3 months ago)
G'day Anton,
This PLB is ideal for watersports aswell as land use, aslong as you remain within 3km of the coast its a great option. As long as its not remaining submerged, there shouldnt be any effect to functionality. We recommend the PLB is attached to you at all times, and not attached to your kayak. This is as much about your own safety as anything - if you happen to get seperated from your kayak, you'll have no option to call for help.
Lauren - Snowys(3 months ago)
Distress signal1 answer
Where does the distress signal go if I am in Australia? Does it go to the US and then Canberra?
Mark - Moonee Ponds, VIC(12 months ago)
G'day Mark,
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.
The rescueME PLB1 has a built in GPS receiver which is used to encode the position in the transmission. When the GPS has a reliable fix, usually within a few minutes, the accuracy is typically within 100 metres of your actual position can be achieved.
When activated the rescueME PLB1 transmits your position and your ID to a Rescue Coordination Center via satellite link. Rescue services nearest to you are promptly notified of your emergency and regularly advised of your current location to assist in prompt rescue. So this goes to the global satellite system then the rescue services nearest you.
Kaya - Snowys(12 months ago)
Hard Case Options 1 answer
Is there a hard case option for this like the GME or would this fit in the GME case ?
Craig - Tathra (1 year ago)
There is no hard case option for the Ocean Signal, Craig. It would fit inside the GME case but I reckon it will only fill abot 60% of the case so will rattle around a bit. ~ Ben
Ben - Snowys(1 year ago)
Isolated farm work1 answer
Is this the best type of device for land. I work solo out of mobile reception range and need something in case of an accident or snake bite.
Mark - Drake Village, NSW (2 years ago)
G'day Mark,
Yep, this is a standard PLB which is a land-based emergency beacon. EPIRBs are water-based - OceanSignal make both PLBs & EPIRBs. Whilst this is a land-based PLB it also has some design features making it a great option for people engaging in close shore or inland recreational water sports, so covers both areas.
The other option worth looking at is the GME Accusat which has the advantage of being an Aussie owned and made beacon. Either way both devices have the same function and provide the same assurity in an emergency situation.
Hope that helps.
Lauren - Snowys(2 years ago)
Country of origin1 answer
Where is this product made ? Is it made in China ?
Iain - Hobart, TAS(2 years ago)
G'day Ian,
The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB is manufactured in the UK. Hope that helps.
Lauren - Snowys(2 years ago)
Position of antenna1 answer
How effective is using the antenna horizontally like in your video? The instructions say in needs to be vertical
Shane - East Perth, WA (3 years ago)
G'day Shane,
The antenna pulls out straight from the front of the PLB, perpendicular to the device itself, which allows it to remain vertical when actively transmitting without being held upright by someone. If you are injured, you'll likely be laying or sitting down, with your bag removed, in which case your PLB will also be laying flat, with the antenna straight to the sky. This is also important for close shore marine-based rescue, which is what this PLB has been primarily designed for. See the 8th image on our product page for more info.
Lauren - Snowys(3 years ago)
Multiple users/ how does that work 1 answer
If loaning the unit to others, can you alter the details of who it is registered to?
Andrea - Hobart, TAS(3 years ago)
G'day Andrea,
The owner details for the PLB are registered with the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA). As far as I am aware you cannot change the registration, however, you can advise of travel plans or temporary users, etc. You may need to follow this one up with AMSA directly for more information, sorry!
Lauren - Snowys(3 years ago)
Accuracy +/- meters1 answer
Hi, How accurate is the GPS location to meters
James - Wendouree, VIC(3 years ago)
G'day James,
I've found the following on the RescueMe website: The Cospas Sarsat system uses two methods of locating a beacon. The satellite system is designed to locate your beacon using the transmission alone. The accuracy of this fix is approximately a 5 nautical mile radius, but is typically much better. The rescueME PLB1 has a built in GPS receiver which is used to encode the position in the transmission. When the GPS has a reliable fix, usually within a few minutes, the accuracy is typically within 100 metres of your actual position.
Lauren - Snowys(3 years ago)
Overseas use1 answer
Can the Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 be used overseas (for a trip, not residing)?
Ang - North Melbourne, VIC(3 years ago)
G'day Ang,
Yes, it can. You'll need to register your beacon with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and advise of intended overseas trips I believe. Your RescueMe PLB1 will come with all the instructions required for use though, so have a read through that for more information.
Lauren - Snowys(3 years ago)
Attach to backpack?1 answer
Does this come with an attachment for a backpack like the ACR ResQLink does?
Todd - Perth(4 years ago)
G'day Todd,
Yes, you can attach the RescueMe PLB1 to a backpack. Jake outlines how the loop attachment works in the video, he refers to a life jacket, but they'll attach to a backpack shoulder strap in the same way.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Can the RescueMe be used in NZ? do you send to NZ?1 answer
Can the RescueMe be used in NZ? do you send to NZ?
Brad - Wanaka(4 years ago)
G'day Brad,
All of the PLB units we sell can only be shipped within Australia, and are coded for registration in Australia. They can be used in NZ, by an Australian who has the unit registered in Australia, however, you aren't able to register an Australian coded beacon in NZ and vice versa. RescueMe does code beacons for NZ as far as we know, so best bet will be to reach out to a local retailer for an NZ coded beacon.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Replacement battery1 answer
Where can I find a replacement battery?
B - Adelaide(4 years ago)
G'day B,
All Sat Communications offers battery replacements for the RescueMe PLB. You can reach them on 1300 747 587, they're based in Victoria.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Does this device meet Australian standards1 answer
PLB1 ocean signal for bushwalking in south west tasmania
Glenda - Hobart Tasmania (4 years ago)
G'day Glenda,
Yes, the Ocean Signal Rescue Me PLB1 meets Australian standards and is coded for registration in Australia with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Comparison1 answer
Viewing both the RescureMe PLB1 and KTI PLB SA2GN. Besides battery life, what are the major considerations for both? Intended use is inshore kayaking/fishing but also hiking and camping. SA2GN doesn't appear 'water intended' use although having IPX67, where's Ocean Signal appears focused on water based activities (but will work well for land use?). How sturdy is the Ocean Signal antenna, looks flimsy in videos compared to SA2GN? What does 'Rugged Plastic' means - is it UV treated? Can the SA2GN be operated with one hand like the RescueMe? Thanks
Shane - Mont Albert North(4 years ago)
G'day Shane,
You've hit the nail on the head there, the Rescue Me is mainly designed for use in watersports, with the waterproofing allowing for submersion to 15m for 1 hour. The KTI also has a water resistance rating but is really designed for accidental submersion. If you're looking to do a combination of kayaking/fishing, as well as hiking/camping then either unit will be more than capable of the task, however, if you do more watersports I'd suggest steering toward the Ocean Signal. The antenna on the Ocean signal is fairly robust, but a little lighter weight than the KTI. Ocean Signal don't make any claims around UV stabilisation of the plastic, so it's hard to know exactly what they mean by "rugged plastic". The KTI can be operated one-handed as well.