PLBs & EPIRBs

Personal Locator Beacons & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons

PLBs and EPIRBs are emergency devices that enable search and rescue crews to quickly and accurately identify the location of a casualty, so they can conduct a successful rescue operation. The small, often pocket sized devices can send initial alerts in seconds to AIS receivers and Chartplotters within the vicinity (model dependent). 

What is the difference between a PLB and an EPIRB?

As the name suggests, a personal locator beacon is designed for use by a person - whereas an EPIRB is assigned to a vessel.

Typically, a PLB is attached to a safety device such as a life jacket - or carried in a pocket. Manually activated, the personal locator beacon sends the same signal to the same destination, using the same route, as an EPIRB. Because PLBs can be carried by an individual rather than a vessel, they can be used anywhere in the world - whether on land or at sea.

It's a mandatory requirement for all commercial vessels to have an EPIRB registered onboard, and they should be mounted where they can be quickly grabbed. EPIRBs can also be carried in grab bags, which is ideal should you have to abandon ship and launch your life raft. When activated, an EPIRB sends signals via satellite indicating that the vessel is in distress.

Why Shop With Pirates Cave Chandlery?

For over 25 years we've supplied a specialist range of safety equipment, from those new to sailing, to seasoned professionals. We pride ourselves on providing honest, unbiased advice - so if you're unsure of what PLB or EPIRB suits your requirements, do not hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01634 295 233, email us or visit our Rochester store - one of the largest chandleries in the UK!

All of our emergency equipment (including Emergency VHF Antennas, First Aid equipment and Bosuns Chairs) is shipped on a fully tracked, next working day service with a one hour timeslot (UK mainland - subject to stock availability), so there's no long, arduous wait for your order to turn up.