EPIRB vs PLB: Choosing the Right Emergency Beacon For You

In an emergency at sea, the right beacon can make all the difference. Whether you sail offshore, paddle coastal waters, or work at sea, it’s essential to understand the difference between EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). In this post, we explore how they differ, when to use each, and which models are best suited to your needs.

What Are EPIRBs and PLBs?

EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. These devices are designed primarily for maritime use and are registered to a vessel. They can be mounted in a bracket, float freely if submerged, and are often capable of automatic activation via a hydrostatic release when a vessel sinks.

PLB stands for Personal Locator Beacon. These smaller, portable devices are registered to an individual and must be manually activated. They can be used on land or sea, ideal for sailors, hikers, or anyone working in remote areas.

Both use the same 406 MHz frequency to alert search and rescue authorities via satellite. Once activated, they send your unique identification code and GPS position, allowing rescuers to locate you quickly.

PLB vs EPIRB: Key Differences

Feature	PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)	EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
Primary Use	Personal safety on land or sea	Vessel-based maritime emergencies
Registration	Registered to an individual	Registered to a vessel
Activation	Manual only	Manual or automatic via hydrostatic release
Battery Life	Minimum 24 hours transmission	Minimum 48 hours transmission
Floatation	May float, but not guaranteed upright	Floats upright with integrated strobe light
Size & Portability	Compact, pocket-sized, lightweight	Larger with built-in buoyancy
Cost & Maintenance	Lower cost, simple maintenance	Higher cost, longer operational life

When to Use a PLB vs an EPIRB

Situation	Recommended Device	Reason
Solo sailing, kayaking, or remote expeditions	PLB	Lightweight, portable, and easy to carry on person
Coastal or inland boating	PLB or EPIRB	PLB for personal safety, EPIRB for vessel-level coverage
Offshore cruising or commercial marine operations	EPIRB	Longer battery life, automatic activation, and superior buoyancy
Multi-crew or commercial vessel	Both	EPIRB for vessel distress, PLB for personal backup
Land-based exploration or aviation	PLB	Compact and suitable for non-marine use

Recommended PLBs & EPIRBs

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1

One of the smallest PLBs in the world, ideal for sailors and adventurers who value portability and reliability.

Smallest approved PLB on the market
Floats with optional pouch
Easily deployable antenna
7-year battery life

Jotron Tron SA20 PLB

A dependable, straightforward beacon with robust waterproof construction for professional or leisure use.

Compact, waterproof design
Integrated strobe light
Long-lasting lithium battery
Simple manual activation

McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB

A rugged PLB with GPS and 406 MHz transmission, built to withstand the harshest conditions.

Waterproof to 10 m
6-year battery life
High-performance GPS
Lightweight and buoyant with pouch

ACR ResQLink View PLB

Combines proven ACR reliability with a digital display for live GPS status and transmission confirmation.

On-screen GPS feedback
Built-in strobe and infrared light
Waterproof and buoyant
28-hour operational life

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)

Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB3 (Cat 2)

A modern, compact EPIRB featuring AIS, Return Link Service (RLS), and smartphone-ready NFC connectivity.

GPS, Galileo & GNSS-enabled
AIS transmission for local awareness
Bluetooth & NFC app connectivity
48 + hours operational life

ACR GlobalFix V5 (Cat 1 Auto)

A premium automatic EPIRB with AIS, RLS, and top-tier durability for serious offshore or commercial use.

Automatic Category 1 deployment
AIS & RLS-enabled
Built-in GPS & strobe
10-year battery / 48-hour operation

How to Choose the Right Beacon

Before buying, consider the following:

Type of vessel or activity: do you need vessel-level protection or personal coverage?
Activation mode: manual (PLB) or automatic (EPIRB)?
Floatation: does it float upright and transmit effectively?
Battery life: longer battery means longer transmission window for rescue.
Extra features: AIS, Bluetooth setup, or Return Link Service can improve visibility.
Budget: PLBs are typically more affordable, while EPIRBs offer full marine coverage.

In many cases, the safest option is to carry both, an EPIRB for vessel emergencies and a PLB for personal backup.

FAQs

Can I use a PLB instead of an EPIRB on my vessel?

A PLB offers personal safety but does not replace an EPIRB. Maritime regulations typically require a registered EPIRB for vessels operating offshore.

Do PLBs work as long as EPIRBs?

PLBs typically transmit for around 24 hours once activated, while EPIRBs can transmit for 48 hours or more. The difference ensures vessel beacons remain operational during longer rescues.

What is Return Link Service (RLS)?

RLS provides confirmation that your distress signal has been received by satellites — now featured on new-generation EPIRBs such as the ACR GlobalFix V5 and Ocean Signal EPIRB3.

Do I need to register my beacon?

Yes. All 406 MHz beacons must be registered with national authorities so rescue teams can identify you and respond faster.

Whether you’re a coastal sailor, ocean cruiser, or professional mariner, a reliable beacon is your direct line to rescue services. At GTC, we stock trusted global brands including Ocean Signal, ACR, McMurdo, and Jotron. ensuring you always have access to certified, reliable safety technology.

Browse our full range of PLBs and EPIRBs →

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