Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
406MHz PLBs have the same alerting and location ability as 406MHz EPIRBs. The signal transmitted is the same power and is effective world-wide, on land, air or sea. The main difference is their small size, which allows them to be carried in a pocket or on a belt. However there are some drawbacks:
- Not designed to operate while floating. You need to support the PLB out of the water and with the antenna vertical.
- Shorter operating time. Typically 24hrs instead of 48hrs.
- Cannot activate automatically - user must be conscious and able to erect the antenna and switch on the PLB.
- Some PLBs do not float, so they must be secured at all times to prevent accidental loss.
