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PLBs vs. EPIRBs
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Recent Articles
There have been a number of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) that have been introduced
recently. One question that pops up occasionally is: why wouldn't you buy a
PLB instead of an EPRIB? They are smaller (small enough to be worn
by an individual), also waterproof, and usually cost a bit less.
The answer is - you could! But you have to understand the limitations
and design specs of PLBs: The
Equipped to Survive website has a greate writeup on this
subject, but here are the main issues:
EPIRBs and PLBs can be categorized as either Class 1 (operating temperature range
of -40?C to +55?C) or Class 2 (-20?C to +55?C). Both Class 1 and Class 2 EPIRBs
must float with the antenna deployed and out of the water in the normal transmitting
position. Class 1 PLBs are required to float, but do not have to float with the
antenna up. Class 2 PLBs are not required to be buoyant.
In the U.S., EPIRBs are required to have a strobe light that activates automatically
when the beacon is switched on. PLBs are not required to have a strobe.
EPIRBs must have a tether long enough so that they can float freely while secured
to a survival craft. PLBs must have a tether of some sort, but it may be something
as simple as a wrist strap.
EPIRBs must operate for at least 48 hours. PLBs are ony required to operate
for 24
hours
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PLBs are manually activated only. EPIRBs can be manually or automatically activated.
Given the above, it is probably a better bet to have an EPIRB for your boat, and
if you have the coin, PLBs for your crew.
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