Personal Locator Beacons

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are compact emergency devices designed to send a distress signal and your exact location to rescue authorities when you need help fast. They are trusted safety tools for boating, offshore fishing, hiking, aviation, and remote outdoor activities where mobile phone coverage cannot be relied upon.

When activated, a personal locator beacon communicates with global satellite networks, allowing search and rescue services to locate you quickly and accurately. Whether you’re at sea or on land, a PLB provides peace of mind knowing help can be alerted with the push of a button.

We stock leading personal locator beacon brands including ACR, Ocean Signal, and McMurdo, all known for reliability, durability, and proven performance in real emergency situations.

Emergency Personal Locator Beacon

An emergency personal locator beacon is designed to be used only in life-threatening situations. Once activated, it transmits a distress alert along with your GPS coordinates to international search and rescue authorities.

Emergency personal locator beacons are commonly used for:

• Offshore boating and fishing.
• Solo or remote outdoor adventures.
• Aviation and remote travel.
• Situations where other communication methods may fail.
• Unlike mobile phones, emergency personal locator beacons do not rely on cellular networks, making them a dependable option when every minute counts.

Best Personal Locator Beacon

The best personal locator beacon depends on how and where you plan to use it. While all approved PLBs meet strict safety standards, different models offer features that may suit specific activities better.

When choosing the best personal locator beacon, it’s worth considering:

• GPS accuracy and signal speed.
• Battery life and replacement intervals.
• Size, weight, and ease of carrying.
• Waterproof rating and build quality.
• Trusted brands such as ACR, Ocean Signal, and McMurdo.
• The best personal locator beacon is one that is reliable, easy to use in an emergency, and suitable for your specific environment.

Personal Locator Beacon vs EPIRB

Understanding personal locator beacon vs EPIRB helps ensure you choose the right safety device.

A personal locator beacon is designed for individual use. It is compact, lightweight, and intended to be carried or worn by a person. PLBs are ideal if you may be separated from a vessel or operating alone.

An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is larger and typically mounted on a vessel. EPIRBs are designed to alert rescue authorities if a boat is in distress and may activate automatically if submerged.

In summary:

• Personal locator beacons are best for individual safety.
• EPIRBs are best for vessel-based emergencies.
• Many boaters choose to carry both for comprehensive protection.

ACR Personal Locator Beacon

An ACR personal locator beacon is a popular choice for those who want proven rescue technology from a globally recognised brand. ACR is known for manufacturing high-quality emergency beacons used by recreational boaters, commercial operators, and rescue professionals worldwide.

ACR personal locator beacons are built for harsh environments and typically offer:

• Global satellite coverage.
• Fast and accurate GPS positioning.
• Long-life batteries with extended service intervals.
• Rugged, waterproof construction.
• Because of their reputation and consistent performance, ACR personal locator beacons are often considered a benchmark in personal safety equipment.

Trusted Personal Locator Beacon Brands

We stock a carefully selected range of personal locator beacons from ACR, Ocean Signal, and McMurdo - brands known for innovation, reliability, and compliance with international rescue standards. Browse our range below to find a personal locator beacon that suits your activity and provides confidence when heading offshore or into remote areas.