150 M 2 . It makes absolute sense to have an EPIRB with a built in GPS . The GME 406 or ACR ResQlink are EPIRB ’ s with built in GPS capability .
It is also necessary to register an EPIRB device with the AMSA ( Australian Maritime Safety Authority ). Likewise it is necessary to de register the device prior to its disposal . There have been many cases where expired emergency beacons have been activated only to find no related emergency .
PLB ( Personal Locator Beacon )
A PLB is a device with an EPIRB with additional tracking and messaging capability for keeping others informed and non‐life threatening situations . A PLB can do the following ;
Help / Spot Assist Custom Messages Track Check‐In SOS
Send a message to request for help e . g . stranded Send a customised message with the location Send the location at defined intervals via emails Send a message to confirm OK status Activate the distress signal for search and rescue operations .
Summary
A Sat phone is the better option as it is two way and possible enables to advise the emergency services to assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate resources for the best outcome in response . EPIRBS and PLB ’ s will activate the highest level of distress with no option of providing additional information .
Having a PLB or EPRIB in additional to a Satellite phone is the best combination . A two way phone call to the emergency services can be established and the beacon can be subsequently used to send a location signal to the rescue team . This would minimise the search time .