What is Galileo and COSPAS – SARSAT?
Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Currently providing Initial Services, Galileo is interoperable with GPS and Glonass, the US and Russian global satellite navigation systems. By offering dual frequencies as standard, Galileo is set to deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the […]
What is AIS, VHF and DSC?
There are many different technologies that can be used to effectively transmit the message that a man has fallen overboard to a nearby vessel. Here, we take a closer look at a few of the available options, functionalities, and benefits. How does AIS work? AIS transponders and AIS antennas are used by vessels equipped with […]
What is a True Water Activating PLB?
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) have a range of applications, from protecting explorers, hikers and adventurers alike on their weekend hobbies, where a telephone signal might not be available in an emergency, to seafarers and offshore workers in the commercial world where the risk of going overboard is very real and potentially life-threatening. Firstly, do you […]
What are Local Area Systems?
Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) operating on Local Area Systems use a combination of; 121.5MHz radio direction finding tone, VHF DSC distress alert (Mayday) on channels 70 & 16 and AIS GPS tracking, to alert the nearest vessel and provide updated location & tracking details to within +/- 1m. 121.5MHz121.5MHz sends a radio direction finding tone […]
How Does a Personal Locator Beacon Work?
All distress beacons (PLBs, MSLDs, ELTs, EPIRBs, SARTs) send signals on specific and dedicated frequencies/technologies that operate worldwide. Some require bespoke receiving equipment to transmit messages to, while others work with already established worldwide radio and electronic monitoring equipment. Some of the different frequencies/technologies these beacons work on are as follows: Its works in the […]
What is a 406 MHz PLB?
A 406 MHz PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a radio beacon designed to aid in the recovery of people who have, primarily, become separated from their ships at sea or have suffered any form of distress, be it at water or on land. A 406 MHz PLB is made up of a small transmitter and […]
What is the difference between a PLB and an EPIRB?
In this guide, we will briefly summarise what the difference is between a PLB and an EPIRB, despite being similar in design and function, they both provide a potential lifeline to seafarers. What is a PLB A personal locator beacon, or PLB for short, is a personal electronic transmitting device that is designed to alert […]
What are the different types of PLBs?
A PLB or personal locator beacon is predominantly known as a beacon that transmits on the 406MHz frequency. PLBs can also be known as Maritime Survivor locating devices (MSLDs) and transmit on a range of different frequencies/technologies i.e. 121.5MHz, AIS and VHF DSC. These frequencies/technologies can be utilised in the same device to have a […]
What is a PLB?
A personal locator beacon, or PLB for short, is a personal electronic transmitting device that is designed to alert potential rescuers to a life-threatening situation in the air, on water or in remote areas. When activated, the PLB sends out a signal on either a 406MHz frequency or Local Area System using 121.5MHz, VHF DSC […]
What is locally managed Rescue Vs. Assisted Rescue?
A locally managed rescue means the man overboard (MOB) alert is sent directly to vessels nearby, enabling an immediate on-scene response. This is also referred to as a local area system and uses: Because the alert reaches the nearest vessel directly, rescuers can respond in minutes, dramatically improving survival chances. In contrast, an assisted rescue […]