G'day C,

You're certainly looking at the right thing if you're planning to go camping somewhere there is limited phone service. We sell a range of PLBs, this specific one is a floating model so most people tend to go for this one if they're going canoeing or kayaking on inland lakes or rivers, but there's no reason this wouldn't be a suitable option. I would also suggest also checking out a few of the other models we do here.

G'day Saurav,

The ACR ResQLink is not designed for use in Scuba Diving as the unit must have a clear view of the sky to be activated. If you plan to carry it on a dive in case you need to activate it on the surface we'd suggest touching base with a Scuba Diving supplier as we don't trade in watersports gear. 

G'day Scott,

The ACR ResQLink PLB (Floating Model) or KTI PLB is only going to be waterproof if submerged for one hour as they can't guarantee the integrity of the seal on the unit for longer than that. Both units will need clear antenna view of the sky, so won't activate if the unit is underwater - if you have a look at page 10 of the user manual on the site it shows how the unit must be orientated. Generally, the unit should be attached to the shoulder of your PFD so that it can be up out of the water to activate and remain undamaged by the water. Something to note is the PLBs are recommended for use within 2 nautical miles of the shoreline, so if you're planning to go further afield than that you might need to get in touch with a company who can sell you an Epirb which will always flip itself upright so the antenna point upwards and will likely be waterproof for 24-48 hours. Give me a buzz if you wanted to clarify any of this.

 

G'day Greg, 

There are two locations in Victoria authorised to carry out battery replacements on the ACR ReqQLink PLBs. You could try Red Baron ALSE, or Safety Marine Australia.

G'day Dale,

The ACR ResQLink PLB can be used anywhere in the world. Just make sure that you register your beacon with the local authorities before you travel. 

G'day Chris,

Every PLB unit uses the same global frequency so there is no issue with the unit operating across the globe. The difficulty is that you need to seek the approval of local authorities to use the device in each country that you travel to. Once you have approval, you then need to register your details in each country that you visit to ensure they have your trip and contact details available.

The challenge is that some countries won't approve certain units for varying reasons. Manufacturers try to seek pre-approval on your behalf (you'll note pre-approved authorities in the specifications list on our website for the units we sell). If an authority isn't listed, this doesn't necessarily mean approval has been denied, rather that it likely hasn't been sought. The European Parliament are in charge of the R&TTE Approval, which this PLB has but it might be worth confirming with each country before you go just to be safe. 

G'day John,

As far as reliability is concerned, I can't really separate either, to be honest with you. We've obviously not had a huge number that have been used for people to be rescued but those that have, we've only heard good stories. The Ocean Signal doesn't float without its pouch, it does need to be in the pouch. The Ocean Signal doesn't sit super tight in the pouch so could theoretically fall out if you shook it upside down but it's attached with some string so still won't sink. I'm sorry that I can't really be more help than that. I do think that whichever you go with, you'll be very happy!

G'day Grant,

I've just double checked and the current batch of ACR ResQLink PLB (Floating Model) that we've got were manufactured in March 2018, so the battery will expire in March 2024 or 5 years after you start the service. 

G'day Pawel,

I've just checked our drawer of ACR ResQLink PLB (Floating Models) and they were manufactured in June 2018. They'll need to have their battery replaced either in June 2024 or 5 years after you first use it. 

G'day David,

Grabbing yourself an EPIRB is probably a wise investment and the ACR ResQLink PLB is a great option. It will work inland without too many concerns at all, it's based on the land one, it can just float. Just to throw two other options into the mix though, there are two others that are slightly different that may or may not be a better suit to your needs. The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 is submersible to 15m and can be used more than once (hopefully you won't need it once at all), most PLB devices are only good for one use. Another option is the Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger, these can be used to message loved ones with pre-set messages, so if you find yourself in need of help but not badly enough to activate the SOS function, you can send a location to loved ones to come and collect you themselves. It also has a tracking feature so you can look back on your adventures later. 

G'day Pavel,

I've just had a bit of a play with the ACR ResQLink PLB (Floating Model) that we've got on display and unfortunately the floatation part of the PLB is screwed into the back & can't be removed. This particular model also doesn't come with a pouch but on a positive note, it does come with a velcro tether to attach to either your life vest or bag.

G'day Tim - We don't do overseas delivery I'm afraid. If you have friends or family here, though, you could buy it to be delivered to them and then they could send it on to you? Will the ResQLink work in NZ? Absolutely. As a keen tramper of NZ myself, I can vouch for this - and most hire points use the ACRs over there. Hope that helps. Cheers, Paul

G'day Steve - By all means, if you're broken down and there is a good chance nobody will find you, and the situation is pretty dire, then you'd think about setting off your PLB. But if you're a bit bogged in a fairly busy area you'd probably reconsider. It's the sort of device you'd use in potentially life threatening situations - by activating it, search and rescue is going to be sent most likely by chopper. If you're travelling to remote areas, I would absolutely carry one. Might be your only way out of a dire situation. As for other safety tips - have a look at our blog, there is heaps there about outback touring. Hope that helps. Cheers, Paul