The Most Important Reason to Take an Emergency Beacon When You Boat, Hike, or Paddle

Please note that the Sea Tow Foundation's beacon rental program ended as of January 1, 2020

A big part of outdoor recreational safety, whether in the air, on land or water is being prepared for the “unexpected.”  In particular, it is important that you have the means to request help should an emergency arise.  That’s because, despite what many tend to believe, it is often difficult for rescuers to find someone who is lost and in need of rescue.  An essential element of being able to return home to your loved ones, or receiving prompt medical attention, is to have the right signaling equipment.

One piece of equipment to definitely consider adding to your gear list is an emergency satellite beacon.  This article will offer basic information about it with a focus on land and water use.  Plus, it will underscore the importance that you remember, on your next hiking or water adventure, to take a beacon with you.

What is a Beacon

A beacon is an electronic signaling device that alerts search-and-rescue services in the event of an emergency by transmitting a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue coordination center.

Types of Beacons

Common emergency rescue beacons transmit at 406 MHz, can be detected by satellite, and are referred to in conversation by their abbreviations: EPIRBs and PLBs.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

EPIRBs are for use in maritime applications and divided into two categories. Category I EPIRBs are activated either manually or automatically. The automatic activation is triggered when the EPIRB is released from its bracket. Category I EPIRBs are housed in a special bracket equipped with a hydrostatic release. This mechanism releases the EPIRB at a water depth of 3-10 feet. The buoyant EPIRB then floats to the surface and begins transmitting. If you own a Category I EPIRB, it's very important that you mount it outside your vessel's cabin where it will be able to "float free" of the sinking vessel.

Category II EPIRBs are manual activation only units. If you own one of these, it should be stored in the most accessible location on board where it can be quickly accessed in an emergency.

406 MHz beacons are digitally coded and transmit distress signals without delay. This means that even a brief inadvertent signal can generate a false alert. To avoid getting a call from the Coast Guard make sure that when you test your EPIRB you follow the manufacturer's recommendations carefully. Initiating a false request for assistance resulting in the launch of Search and Rescue efforts can result in fines of $1,000 or more for each instance.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

PLBs are portable units that operate much the same way as EPIRBs. These beacons are designed to be carried by an individual person instead of on a boat or aircraft. Unlike some EPIRBs, they can only be activated manually and operate exclusively on 406 MHz. Like EPIRBs, all PLBs also have a built-in, low-power homing beacon that transmits on 121.5 MHz. This allows rescue units to hone in on the distress beacon once the 406 MHz satellite system has provided the necessary position information. Some PLBs also allow GPS units to be integrated into the distress signal. This GPS-encoded position dramatically improves the location accuracy down to the 100-meter level…that’s roughly the size of a football field!

Another benefit of PLBs is that they are very easy to pack and add very little additional weight.  Many hikers even attach them to the shoulder harness on their backpack where they can quickly access them if needed. And boaters attach them to the shoulder of their life jackets for easy and quick access.

In turn, PLBs are not only extremely effective, but they are also very cost efficient. Unlike other types of electronic signaling devices, there are no monthly service fees in addition to the original cost of purchase. Instead, PLBs offer a simple, reliable, and no-nonsense way to request help when you most need it.

All Beacons Need to Be Registered

You must register your beacon after purchase. It is the law and, without registration, Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) won’t be able to react as quickly … and ultimately this may delay a Search and Rescue (SAR) response should you be in an emergency.

The process is quick, easy, and you can do register online.  If you have a 406 MHz beacon and have not registered it, please do so by contacting the National 406 MHz Registration Database at this link https://beaconregistration.noaa.gov/RGDB/index.

When to Use a Beacon

When you need it most, search-and-rescue organizations instruct that beacons are satellite signaling devices of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted, where the situation is grave with imminent danger and bodily harm or valuable property will occur without assistance. In simpler terms, use the beacon only when absolutely necessary and after trying other communication devices.

Survival Stories

You can find beacon survival stories from air, land, and water on the 406 Survival Club page at https://www.acrartex.com/survivor-stories/

Please note that the Sea Tow Foundation's beacon rental program ended as of January 1, 2020