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| Should you choose a PLB, EPIRB, or Satellite Messenger? (photo courtesy of USCG) |
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Everyone’s heard of PLBs, EPIRBS, and satellite messengers, but few people can tell you the difference between these pocket-sized life-savers, which you should have on your boat, and why. PLBs and EPIRBS are the most similar, so let’s start with these.
What exactly is a PLB, as opposed to an EPIRB? Both work by emitting a coded signal to the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite network on 406 MHz, as well as emitting a 121.5 MHz homing frequency. When activated, the position of the unit can be triangulated by rescuers. Some EPIRBS and PLBs are GPS-equipped, which gives them the ability to broadcast your exact position from the start. But EPIRBS are designed to signal a distress for an entire vessel, while PLB’s are made to be carried by individuals. PLBs are smaller, lighter, and less expensive then EPIRBS. Much less expensive, in fact, with the average PLB running between $400 and $500 as compared to twice the cost for most EPIRBS. PLBs can also be clipped to a life jacket or belt loop with a lanyard. EPIRBS, meanwhile, are significantly larger and heavier and are commonly mounted to the boat itself.
Satellite messengers, a new category of safety devices, are used to bounce a pre-programmed e-mail message (which is commonly an SOS) off a satellite and to a SAR organization. They have a GPS receiver built in, so they transmit the exact location of the user along with whatever message the person is trying to get across. These units are very small (no larger than a cell phone), light, and are easily packed in an emergency kit or even a pocket. What we’re really talking about here is the SPOT system, since it’s the only satellite messenger on the market at this time.
Other MOB systems, like the wireless Raymarine Life Tag or Mobi-Lert systems, are also regularly confused with PLBs, EPIRBS, or satellite messengers. But these wireless transmitters (which are worn by individuals) merely sound an alarm and transmit the position of the activated unit back to your own boat. While helpful for recovering MOBs, these systems don’t broadcast a mayday signal beyond your own helm station.
If PLB’s and satellite messengers are so much more portable and less expensive than EPIRBS, why would anyone opt for an EPIRB? Because they can be hydrostatically mounted (which means they’ll release and activate automatically if your boat sinks); they float upright and transmit without any assistance; some have a strobe light built-in to assist rescuers; and with a common battery life of 48 hours, they last about twice as long as a PLB.
The bottom line? All of the above types of units are life-savers, and all are good to have onboard. That said, an EPIRB with a hydrostatic release is probably the number one safety pick when outfitting a boat, simply because it’s ability to receive GPS signals and transmit distress signals is so reliable, without added input from an operator. But if you need portability and you have a constrained budget, a PLB and/or a satellite messenger comes in as a close second.
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