An emergency beacon can be either attached to the boat (in this case an EPIRB beacon) or to a person. These last tags are called PLB tags (Personal Locator Beacon). Very compact, these beacons can easily be kept on board during navigation.
A global coverage
PLB beacons work with the global satellite search and rescue organization: the Cospas-Sarsat system. This system includes 2 types of satellites to send alert messages and information on the position of the incident to search and rescue authorities.
GEOSAR can provide almost immediate alerts in the coverage area of geostationary satellites. The LEOSAR system, with satellites in low orbit, covers the polar regions, beyond the scope of the GEOSAR system.
Shore-based receiving stations called LUIT (Local Users Terminals) receive and process signals from satellites to generate alerts. These alert messages are then received by the Mission Control Centres (MCCs), which pass them on to either the Emergency Coordination Centres (ECCs), Research and Rescue Contact Points (SPOCs) or other MCCs.
No subscription!
This Cospas-Sarsat service, financed by the States, is free of charge! The user just has to finance his beacon and register it with the rescue authorities of his country (CNES for France). This registration is done online, always free of charge. It allows you to link the beacon number to a person, describe the usual use of the beacon and record a list of people to contact in the event of distress. This form is not fixed and it is possible to make it evolve during the life of the tag. The more precise the information (e. g. navigation area), the faster the rescue can be triggered.
Less than 20 minutes to trigger the alert
Once triggered, the beacon emits a signal on the 406 MHz frequency. This is a frequency on which the Cospas-Sarsat satellites are on standby. All parts of the globe are considered to be scanned by a satellite at least every 20 minutes. This is the maximum delay, before the alert is triggered (but it may be shorter depending on its position on the globe).
The beacon sends its identifier to the satellite, but can also transmit its position, if equipped with a GPS. This GPS greatly speeds up searches. Indeed, without a position, it is necessary to wait for the passage of several satellites to be able to triangulate the position of the beacon. It's much longer and much less accurate. With the miniaturization of GPS, and the low overcurrent of the beacon, it would be a pity not to choose a beacon with GPS..
Waterproof and/or floating
All PLB tags offered in the BigShip catalogue comply with current standards. To choose between the models offered, a few details will make the difference.
Considering that you must always carry your beacon with you (hung on your lifejacket for example), it is interesting to stop at the size and weight of the device. Count between 1115 and 150 g for a beacon that is about the size of a pack of cigarettes.
All models are waterproof. No problem there, some of them are floating. This can be a plus for handling, once it has fallen into the water (especially if it is cold and handling with hands becomes difficult).
4 models in the Bigship catalogue
From the smallest (Ocean Signal) to the floating (ACR), from 300 euros, you will find 4 models of PLB beacons in the Bigship catalogue.
