EPIRB / PLB (personal locator beacon)
Overview
EPIRB and PLB are types of personal locator beacons that transmit distress signals via dedicated satellite systems. They are used to request emergency assistance from remote areas when serious incidents occur.
Key points
- EPIRB stands for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon; PLB stands for Personal Locator Beacon.
- Traditionally associated with maritime and aviation contexts, but PLBs are also used by backcountry travelers.
- Transmit standardized distress signals on regulated emergency frequencies via satellite.
- Generally require registration with appropriate national authorities where available.
- Intended for life-threatening or serious emergencies, not routine check-ins.
Details
EPIRBs and PLBs are specialized emergency devices designed to alert rescue coordination systems when activated in serious situations. Once triggered, they send a coded signal via satellite networks to ground stations, which then route information to appropriate coordination centers. These systems can provide location data and a unique device identifier, assisting responders in understanding where a signal originates.
EPIRBs are commonly associated with maritime use, typically registered to a vessel, while PLBs are portable devices registered to an individual. Backcountry travelers who carry PLBs treat them as a last-resort option for situations in which self-rescue or waiting for conditions to improve is no longer reasonable.
Unlike some satellite messengers, PLBs typically do not support routine messaging or two-way communication. Their purpose is narrowly focused on distress signaling. As such, they are used within broader planning that includes route information left with contacts, appropriate gear, and conservative decision making.
Regulations, registration procedures, and device specifications vary by country and manufacturer. Users are expected to follow all relevant guidelines, maintain their devices in working order, and understand local practices around emergency signaling.
Related topics
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