A personal locator beacon has a single purpose - to alert authorities that you need help immediately. (or business ventures) When exploring the backcountry, I usually carry less than 10 pounds of gear. Beacons can be purchased overseas, but it’s important to get your beacon re-coded for New Zealand in order for it to be registered with the Rescue Coordination Center NZ (RCCNZ). If you don’t do this, rescue services in the country … With every hire, we personally register each beacon with the hirer’s trip details with the Australian Maritime Safety Association (AMSA).

Hiker in Grand Canyon Rescued thanks to Personal Locator Beacon (10/10/2010) On October 1, 2010 a rented Personal Locator Beacon was activated in the Grand Canyon. You can list as much information as you wish about your trip and upon activation this information will be viewed by AMSA and … Something to consider on long trips.Best for long remote trips with a need for battery conservation.Another marine programmed PLB for location and rescue in the waterways of the United States. They’re foolproof, easy to use, and quick to learn. With its powerful 66-channel GPS, the ResQLink™ guides rescuers to within 100 meters or less of your position. They’re powerful, reliable, and tested devices.For those looking for advanced features like GPS navigation, two way communication, and messaging a SEND device like the SPOT, These devices allow for helpful daily navigation and communications in all situations – not just life or limb emergencies.I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best PLB to fit your needs. We only Hire and sell NZ coded PLBs Personal Locator Beacons, and have over 50 rental outlets throughout NZ all with the highly rated ACR PLBs. The built in digital display helps you see the battery life and device status so you know it’s doing its job.It even includes a backup high frequency radio locator signal for maximum safety and location.

Even in the most frightening situations you’ll be able to easily remember what to do with the device.There is an LED strobe light built into the device to help aid night rescues and visibility.

And topping just 3.9 inches, it’s smaller than the cell phone in your pocket. In addition to my outdoor hobbies, I’m a huge fan of punk rock.

PLBs typically have a low to moderate upfront cost but don't have any recurring subscription fees after the initial purchase. PLBs have helped save thousands of people’s lives. December 27, 2007 – … This device really only makes sense for those who are out in remote locations nearly every weekend.You’ll be paying a pretty penny to have your device subscription active and it just doesn’t make sense if you’re only going to use it once a year.Best for very active explorers of remote areas who want bleeding edge tech.DeLorme was a major player in the satellite tech space but have since been bought out by Garmin. Check Remember that using this beacon will initiate a full scale rescue and you may be held liable to pay for some or all of the rescue costs in certain situations and locations.These rescues often cost $20,000 or more! Best as an alternative to the Aqualink by ACR.Often the differences between PLB’s are relatively minute. Personal Locator Beacon (left) versus Satellite Messenger (right) Personal Locator Beacons.


(12/27/2007) MUKILTEO, WA. As with all devices you’ll need to register with NOAA.You can use the device outside the US but it will first contact a US registered NOAA emergency center for transmission to the proper authorities, wherever you may be.Like the Aqualink it comes with a floating case.

Jonesing for some of Grandma’s cookies? Calling S&R because the tracker didn’t respond for a hour or two probably isn’t a good idea.If you are relying on a satphone network device, it’s a good idea to be aware of it’s limitations before counting on it, while i’m no expert i know certain types of terrain pose issues (cliff’s are one i’ve often heard, so probably not a great device for climbers)Delorme (Inreach) was bought by Garmin. Years of experience have taught me to pack light. Key attributes include: Works in remote areas worldwide* Multiyear battery life (replacement requires sending it in) No subscription fees; No ability to send messages home or cancel an SOS call ; Stronger signal than a satellite messenger … They may send you confirmation that rescue is coming. This constellation of satellites contains a few more satellites in total but still receives spotty coverage in some areas.

Each PLB is programmed to work with different types of satellite networks and there are essentially two different kinds.These control EPIRBs (naval and marine locators) and PLBs.

I am an avid outdoorsman with experience in naturalist education, outside adventure education, ski instruction, and writing. Thanks!While the tracking features of the SPOT\similar are neat and useful, reception is not always the greatest. I enjoy sharing my experiences of backcountry education teaching and guiding through writing. We need something with grit. When you use a PLB it’s a life or death emergency that will result in a full scale rescue mobilization.