If you head offshore or participate in competitive sailing then you’ll need to consider a PLB and\/or an AIS beacon. Tech Editor and marine safety gear and comms specialist, Fox Morgan has tested an array of the current beacons on the market to help you decide what’s the best one for you.Locating a crew member who\u2019s fallen overboard in anything other than the most benign of conditions is a huge and frankly scary challenge for those onboard.
\nYour odds, as a person overboard being recovered are less than 50:50 according to the latest MAIB report stats. Add a lifejacket and your odds of being found are still marginally 50:50 but you at least might survive long enough to be rescued. That\u2019s if your lifejacket has a sprayhood, light and reflectors. If you\u2019ve been thrown a danbuoy or johnbuoy MOB marker then you have a slightly higher chance of being seen. But when you\u2019re alone in mountainous seas feeling very small and insignificant, there\u2019s a couple of pieces of tech that will up your odds of being found to over 90%.\u00a0
\nThis is where a personal locator beacon can be a genuine life saver.
\nYou have two choices: an AIS type beacon which when activated shows up as a circle with a cross on any AIS radar screen of nearby vessels (within a 1 or 2 mile range) and allows any vessel that can see this signal to home in on it locally. Some handheld AIS radio devices can also help target a MOB signal too. \u2013 Icom M94DE VHF Marine Radio
\nYou could use a personal AIS beacon from a liferaft to assist in local SAR efforts where small craft are trying to locate you as part of a coordinated effort. This is how Kirsten Neufshafer found Tapio in his liferaft when his boat sank rapidly in the Golden Globe race 2022. Accidentally triggering an AIS beacon can be cancelled by simply switching off the unit and an all stations call by VHF to nearby vessels who may have seen the MOB signal appear.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also the PLB which communicates with overhead satellites in the same was as a ships EPIRB (electronic position indicating radio beacon) and works on a\u00a0 frequency picked up by satellites alerting search and rescue teams ashore. ( via a network of control centres). This type of device does NOT give a localised AIS signal that a small vessel could pick up.\u00a0 The battery life is a little less than a ships EPIRB but essentially it does the same thing, just in a very small device. You might use a PLB of this type to signal a mayday situation, such as from a grab bag or life raft and you might not necessarily be a person overboard to use this, but it should only be used in case of grave and imminent danger to life. Accidental triggering of one of these requires a call to the coastguard to cancel the distress signal officially.
\nAt a glance:
\nThe best top of the range PLB and AIS combined \u2013 Ocean Signal PLB3
\nThe best PLB with return link service \u2013 ACR ResQLink View and McMurdo Fastfind ReturnLink Personal Locator Beacon with RLS
\nThe best PLB to fit in your pocket on a budget \u2013 PLB1
\nThe best AIS beacon for ease of use \u2013 McMurdo S20 Lifejacket AIS Beacon
\nThe best personal locator beacons available right now
\nN.B. Make sure to check each product is registered for your location before buying.<\/p>\n
Ocean Signal PLB3
\nReasons to Buy:\u00a0A single device that covers both AIS and satellite location beacons, only one battery to replace when the time comes for replacement, can be semi-automatically activated by a lifejacket inflation
\nReasons to Avoid: At the top end of the price range for PLBs, quite large and may be a struggle to fit inside some lifejackets
\nSpecifications: 406hz satellite radio beacon | AIS radio beacon | return link service | near field communication to battery check and device status | Size 20 x 3.6 x 3cm | Weight 190g | Operational Life 24hrs at -20\u00baC
\nThis is where I throw everything I just said above on its head and say, actually, this beacon is BOTH an AIS and\u00a0 PLB in one. It has satellite radio frequency alerting for rescue centre and shore based SAR control and it has a localised AIS radio beacon that can be picked up by any small (or large) vessel with AIS receiving capability, which is most boats these days who venture offshore.
\nIt is the first beacon to combine both PLB and AIS units in one. It is something people have been asking for since small wearable beacons were created.
\nNow a little reality check, the beacon is not small. Yes it fits in the hand and by SHIPS epirb standards it\u2019s small, but it\u2019s essentially the MOB1 and the PLB1 combined if you stacked one atop the other. It creates a longish stick style of beacon.
\nIt can be set to auto activate with lifejacket inflation with an arming plate that pops off, and after hands-on testing we can confirm that this does fit into the majority of offshore lifejackets.
\nBut buyer beware, this is quite noticeable within a 170n lifejacket. You will feel it stiffens up one side of a lifejacket considerably. It\u2019s also a bit big\/long to fit into a pocket.
\nThe auto-arming procedure is quite fiddly. If you are at all unsure, then I highly recommend taking this to a reputable lifejacket service centre or ocean signal office and getting the experts to show you how it\u2019s armed when fitted to the bladder of your lifejacket. If you have to frequently inflate your lifejackets for safety protocols and inflation testing then it might be a bit of a faff. I have one fitted to my own Spinlock Deckvest 6D (it\u2019s a squeeze) but I\u2019ve familiarised myself with the unit and plan to manually activate it should I need to.
\nRead our review of the PLB3 here
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
ACR ResQLink View
\nAlso see our head to head comparison review of the current ReturnLink Service enabled Personal locator Beacons available from ACR and McMurdo
\nReasons to Buy:\u00a0A smooth easy to operate PLB, return link service, comes with an array of methods of attachment to a lifejacket
\nReasons to Avoid: the casing feels like it might be less robust compared to other ruggesdised competitors
\nSpecifications: 406hz satellite radio signal | return link service | 28hr battery life when activated | strobe light | weight 148g | 11.48 cm (L) x 5.16 cm (W) x 3.78 cm (D)
\nThis personal locator beacon, unusually, incorporates a small LCD screen which fundamentally improves the user experience. The return link service pings back a confirmation that your
\nThe ACR reQLink View works in the same was as the ACR 400 unit with the aerial mounted in circumpherence around the body of the unit. SLide the end of the antenna out of the little slot on the side and then rotate it manually around using the hinged based. This reveals the activation button.
\nWith the unit being mounted inside a lifejacket for example, it is possible for the aerial to be pushed loose of its holder and given the style of the aerial wrap around, stowing this in a pouch can be fiddly to extract in an emergency. The clear housing does make it easy to inspect though to check for any water ingress.
\nBuy from: West Marine<\/p>\n
ACR ResQLink 400
\nReasons to buy: buoyant, good value, easy to use
\nReasons to avoid: difficult to use this with a pouch as the aerial is wrapped around the outside, will not alert nearby vessels using AIS
\nSpecifications:\u00a0 dimensions 11.48 X 5.16 X 3.78cm, Weight 144g, Battery Replacement: After 5 years or emergency use, whichever is first., battery life in use: 24+ hours. Waterproof: 5 Metres @ 1 hour | 10m @ 10 minutes..
\nThe ACR ResQLink 400 is a simple unit with fewer bells or whistles than the return link model we have featured. It still activates an emergency response by satellite signal when activated. The aerial wraps around the unit externally on this so deployment is simple. Slide out the aerial tab from the slot on the side and then rotate it on the built in hinge. This exposes the activation button which is at all other times protected behind a piece of trim attached tothe aerial.
\nI like this simple way of opening up the aerial, but the downside s that it does make keeping the unit in a neoprene pocket or protective case a bit of a faff if you need to deploy it. The clear casing allows the user to see inside at the electrical gubbins inside. You\u2019ll also be able to see if there\u2019s any accidental water ingress too. So it\u2019s very easy to inspect when periodically testing it.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
McMurdo Fastfind ReturnLink Personal Locator Beacon with RLS
\nReasons to Buy: reassuringly ruggesdised outer casing, Return link service, easily fits into a pocket or lifejacket, has lots of methods for attachment included in the box, plus a spare top cap.
\nReasons to Avoid: some may not like the fusible top cap that is a single use plastic item, it doesn\u2019t have any built in floatation. It isn\u2019t an AIS unit so nearby, non SAR vessels won\u2019t see the signal from this.
\nSpecifications: dimensions 36 x 50 x 112 mm (1.42 x 1.97 x 4.41 in) | Weight 164g (5.9 oz) | return link service | transmit duration > 24 hours @ -20 \u00b0C
\nThe FastFind is a reassuringly sturdy unit. It feels like a quality bit of kit in the hand, the rubberised sections make it easy to grip. It comes with a wide array of alternative fitment options to fasten this to your life jacket or onto a belt or harness, plus it comes with a neoprene belt pouch. Activating it is quite simple, pull up a small lever and pull hard. This breaks a tab inside and allows the top cap to be removed. The aerial unwinds to stand vertically at 90 degrees to the unit. The beacon is activated by pushing the on button.
\nThis is one of the best PLB\u2019s on the market in terms of PLB function. just remember, this does not have built in AIS so if you want nearby vessels to be able to find you, then you will need an AIS beacon too.
\nYou can read our head to head comparison review here
\nBuy from: Global Telesat Communications<\/p>\n
Ocean Signal RescueMe personal locator beacon
\nReasons to buy: tiny beacon fits in a pocket, on a belt or inside the lifejacket casing. easy to operate singlehanded.
\nReasons to avoid: some may find it too small to handle with cold hands. Doesn\u2019t give a location signal to the vessels in the nearest vicinity, (you\u2019ll need an AIS unit for that)
\nSpecifications: battery life when activated 24 hours. Battery service life: 7 years. dimensions 7.7cm x 5.1cm x 3.25cm, Weight 116g
\nThis compact product is designed for easy single-handed operation. It\u2019s supplied with fittings for attachment to a belt or to a lifejacket.
\nThe outer casing is smooth to touch with a neat design to stow the aerial. Unlike others, this aerial needs to be pulled out manually and rewound back in using the little finger winder on top.
\nYou won\u2019t accidentally have your eye out with this one as the aerial springs to attention as you\u2019ll be manually operating it, however this does mean that you could forget this part when you go for the trigger button in a bit of an emergency and your brain\u00a0 malfunctions.
\nThis beacon has un-doubtably saved the lives of quite a few people as documented in some of the mainstream press articles. Including one of our own from a stort in our sister title Yachting Monthly, when a \u201cPLB saved my life\u201d
\nYou can see just how small this device is in the hand of the fellow whose life it saved.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nBuy it now on eBay
\nBut it now from West Marine<\/p>\n
McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB
\nReasons to buy: Good value for money, simple robust design, comes with good range of attachments in the box.
\nReasons to Avoid: does not have inherent buoyancy, does not inform local vessels using AIS of your location \u2013 you will need a different beacon for this function.
\nSpecifications: Size W x D x H 112 x 36 x 50mm, 6 year replaceable battery life, Minimum of 24 hours continuous operation, Waterproof to 10m, signal frequency: 406 MHz international distress signal and 121.5 MHz homing signal, SOS LED flash light
\nThe McMurdo FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a rugged and waterproof GPS-enabled 406 MHz rescue beacon, though it doesn\u2019t float, so make sure it\u2019s tethered on or wearing a float jacket..
\nThe Fast Find 220 features a 121.5 MHz secondary homing transmitter which means that once Search and Rescue teams have been deployed, they are able to home in on your exact location. The unit also features a flashing SOS light which can be used to attract attention. The Fast Find 220 has a minimum 24hr battery life when activated and the battery lasts for 6 years in storage before it needs to be replaced.
\nBuy McMurdo Fastfind from Global Telesat Communications<\/p>\n
Kannad SafeLink SOLO
\nReasons to buy: Good value for money, simple robust design, comes with good range of attachments in the box.
\nReasons to Avoid: does not have inherent buoyancy, does not inform local vessels using AIS of your location \u2013 you will need a different beacon for this function.
\nSpecifications: Size W x D x H 112 x 36 x 50mm, 6 year replaceable battery life, Minimum of 24 hours continuous operation, Waterproof to 10m, signal frequency: 406 MHz international distress signal and 121.5 MHz homing signal, SOS LED flash light
\nThe SafeLink SOLO PLB is good value for money.
\nWaterproof to 10 metres it is easily activated by snapping off the topcap and pressing the activation button concealed under the cap facia.
\nIt comes in the box with a lanyard, a buoyancy pouch and a universal carry pouch; which can be attached to a belt or strap.
\nThe SafeLink SOLO is a 406MHz beacon which operates on the global COSPAS SARSAT satellite communication system, supported by international government search and rescue authorities around the world
\nIt also transmits on the 121.5MHz homing frequency so that when the emergency services are nearby they can \u2018home in\u2019 on the signal. This is not an AIS signal though so only vessels equipped with the receivers to home in on 121.5 can do so. If you want local vessels to be able to find you, then an AIS beacon is also required.
\nIt also has an SOS LED flashing light that is manually activated to be seen\/identified visually in the dark
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
The best personal AIS beacons available right now<\/p>\n
McMurdo S20 Lifejacket AIS Beacon
\nReasons to buy: A flat slim unit fits easily in most lifejackets, easy manual activation, designed to fit inside a lifejacket outer casing
\nReasons to avoid: If you are sailing solo then this will not notify anyone by satellite and may not be much use if sailing far from many other people\/boats.
\nSpecifications: battery life when activated 36 hours. Battery service life: 5 years. dimensions 129x52x40mm (L*W*D),\u00a0Weight 160 g,\u00a0Waterproof IP68, operating frequency : VHF Frequency AIS 1, 161.975MHz,\u00a0 AIS 2, 162.025 MHz, VHF Range 4nm typical with receiver antenna \/ > 5m above sea level
\nI have had this unit fitted to most of my lifejackets in the past. It is simple and easy to operate. A swift pull of the lanyard and the housing slides off and the beacon is working, giving a clear signal to boats nearby of the MOB icon on all AIS screens.
\nAs standard this unit has to be activated manually, although if fitted professionally it can be set for automatic activation by way of a lanyard that pulls of the activation tab when the lifejacket bladder inflates. It\u2019s quite a basically system but it usually works pretty well.
\nThe casing can take quite a sharp pull to remove it from the body of the unit so it is worth practicing this if you have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the force required.
\nThe main thing to note is that under the red removable case is a secon slide out piece of plastic with a magnet. This must be all the way out to activate the unit and the aerial must be pointing as high and skyward as possible for the best signal.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Ocean Signal RescueMe MOB1 AIS
\nReasons to buy: very slim design fits almost every lifejacket,
\nReasons to avoid: If you are sailing solo then this will not notify anyone by satellite and may not be much use if sailing far from many other people\/boats.
\nSpecifications: operating\u00a0 Frequency 161.975\/162.025MHz, Waterproof 10m depth, Weight 92 grams, Dimensions 34 x 38 x 27 mm \/ 5.3 x 1.5 x 1.1 inches
\nThis compact personal AIS beacon was introduced in 2015 but remains very popular.
\nIt\u2019s a slim device that fits next to the oral inflation tube of a lifejacket. It can be set to activate automatically when the lifejacket inflates, although this is fiddly to set up and needs to be re-done every time the lifejacket is serviced.
\nAn integrated strobe light helps with the final precision locating of the casualty at night.
\nThis is the smallest lightest AIS unit currently on the market that I know of at the time of writing.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nBuy it now from West Marine<\/p>\n
ACR AISLink MOB Personal Beacon
\nReasons to buy: ACR is a tried and trusted name in the marine safety gear market, Simple activation, can be autoactivated
\nReasons to avoid: If you are sailing solo then this will not notify anyone by satellite and may not be much use if sailing far from many other people\/boats.
\nSpecifications: Manual or Automatic Activation, Battery Life 7 Years from date of manufacture or after emergency use, 24+ hours operational battery life, Waterproof 10 Meters, Weight 0.2 lbs (92 g), Dimensions 4.52 x 1.81 x 1.06 in. (115 x 46 x 27 mm), LED Strobe Light, operating Frequency AIS channel 1- 161.975 MHz, AIS channel 2 \u2013 162.025 MHz, DSC 156.525 MHz
\nACR are to emergency maritime equipment was Hoover was to Vacuum cleaners. In the USA people don\u2019t refer to personal locator beacons and AIS, they simply refer to them as ACRs.
\nThis model from ACR is an AIS unit only.
\nWhen activating the unit the central grey panel is pulled away which reveals a sprung antenna that unfurls rapidly to stand at 90 degrees to the unit. Beware of your eyes when inspecting how this part works.
\nThe unit comes with a range of lifejacket methods for fixing.
\n\u00a0
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Weatherdock Easy 2-MOB
\nReasons to buy: works with a small group of vessels as a loop using bluetooth, works as a regular ais device for all ships, built in buoyancy
\nReasons to avoid: risk of accidental trigger if sailing in extreme conditions, uses a salt capsule for autoactivation, this is not a satellite positioning beacon
\nSpecifications: Displays: 9 LEDs \u2013 1 x Program LED, 2 x Status LED, 6 x Flashing Light LED, Frequencies: AIS 161,975 and 162,025 MHz, DSC: 156,525 MHz., Dimensions (L x W x H): 195 x 50 x 30mm, Weight: 120g. red LED torch. Fully automatic activation on contact with water. 12+ hour battery life. DSC distress call up to 8 different ships in the \u2018closed loop\u2019 process. DSC distress call in the \u2018open loop\u2019 procedure automatically after 10 minutes. \u00a0Self buoyant
\nThe easy2-MOB automatically activates upon contact with water and immediately begins to send emergency signals to a group of up to 8 vessels, including the mother ship in a closed loop.
\nThese MMSI numbers can be programmed via a Bluetooth connection from a smartphone with the free Weatherdock app.
\nTo fit the AIS MOB, simply open the life jacket outer casing enough to allow a space to slide the unit into.Push the unit upside down between the folded bladder. The safety line is attached inside to a secure point within or on the lifejacket.
\nTo activate the automatic activation, the yellow slider has to be moved from \u2018disarmed\u2019 into the \u2018armed\u2019 position at the left side.
\nBuy it now from Force 4
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
SIMY My-MOB
\nReasons to buy: Small compact unit, manual operation is very simple, fits easily in a lifejacket
\nReasons to avoid: the manufacturer is not very well known in this area of tech, not a satellite positioning beacon
\nSpecifications: Dimension 115 x 40 x 22mm, weight 95g. 7 year battery built in which will operate for at least 24 hours continuously when activated. waterproof.
\nDigital Yacht teamed up with SIMY to create this particular AIS MOB Beacon. Never heard of SIMY? No, me neither until I saw this. SIMY is a division of leading space company Syrlinks (designers of the Rosetta probe) who specialise in miniaturising and low power electronics.
\nThe AIS MOB100 Beacon incorporates 72 channel GPS and AIS SART transmitter.
\nWhen activated the red cover is slid off downwards revealing a coiled antenna that slightly resembles a slinky spring. After acquiring a GPS signal, it sends the current location as an AIS transmission which can be detected by any vessel equipped with an AIS receiver.
\nRange stated by the manufacturer is 5-10nm, but in reality you\u2019ll be lucky to get 4nm range from any AIS unit when it is floated at water level amongst 1m waves.
\nIf activated accidentally, the MOB100 can be physically reassembled and reset.
\nThe new MOB100 measures just 115 x 40 x 22mm and weights just 95g. It\u2019s designed for manual activation or can be attached to an automatic inflation lifejacket onto either a strap or the lifejacket inflator which will allow it to automatically activate when the life-vest inflates. The unique cover design requires just a 1cm downward movement created by the strap and lifejacket inflation to auto activate and deploy the spring antenna. On foam filled life-vests, the unit would be fitted to the outside and set up for manual activation.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
If you are looking for other safety gear then we have several buyers guides you may find useful
\nMarine safety gear, all the essentials you\u2019ll need for safe sailing
\nBest EPIRB: 5 emergency beacons for leisure sailors
\nBest lifejacket (170 to 275N)
\nBest liferaft (6 tested)
\nPip Hare reveals the 15 essential items she packs in her grab bag
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\nThe post Best personal locator beacons and AIS units: 12 top options for boating appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you head offshore or participate in competitive sailing then you’ll need to consider a PLB and\/or an AIS beacon. Tech Editor and marine safety gear and comms specialist, Fox Morgan has tested an array of the current beacons on … <\/p>\n