Personal Locator Beacons

Personal Locator Beacons

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are small, handheld personal safety devices which are subscription-free, so have no cost of ownership after the initial purchase. They can be used at sea or on land, best attached to your lifejacket or fitted to the strap of your backpack to easily alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. They can be used on their own or alongside a satellite phone or satellite tracker.

Personal locator beacon (plb)

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) from GTC offer vital life-saving technology designed for individuals venturing into remote, off-grid, or hazardous environments. Whether you're hiking in the mountains, sailing offshore, or working in isolated areas, these compact devices use satellite networks to send distress alerts and GPS coordinates to search and rescue services, ensuring help is always within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do personal locator beacons work?

Yes, personal locator beacons (PLBs) do work and are highly effective in emergency situations. They transmit a distress signal via satellite to rescue services, including your location coordinates. Once activated, they can significantly increase your chances of being found quickly in remote or dangerous areas.

What is a personal locator beacon?

A personal locator beacon (PLB) is a small, portable device designed to send distress signals in emergency situations. When activated, it transmits GPS coordinates to satellite systems, alerting rescue teams to the user’s location. PLBs are commonly used by adventurers, hikers, and people in remote areas where traditional communication methods may not be available.

What are the disadvantages of a PLB?

One disadvantage of a personal locator beacon (PLB) is that it only sends a distress signal and does not allow for two-way communication. Additionally, PLBs require a clear view of the sky to ensure proper satellite connection, which may be challenging in dense forests or mountainous terrain. Finally, while PLBs are reliable, they need to be regularly tested and maintained to ensure they function properly when needed.