* Posted: ***Personal
Locator Beacons Now Authorized for Nationwide Use *** When can I purchase and start using a PLB? PLBs have been authorized for use
since Where are Personal Locator Beacons being sold? Personal Locator Beacons are being sold in various outdoor supply stores, boating supply stores, electronics stores, and thru online and catalog distributors. What companies manufacture Personal Locator Beacons for
use in the The following
companies are selling PLBs or are expected to very
shortly:
How much will they cost? The PLBs will cost approximately $600 - $800 depending on the model and the manufacturer. What is to stop a person from having a flat tire and then
using the PLB to seek help? Unfortunately, nothing. If a person feels that they are in distress, there is nothing to prevent them from activating their PLB. However, the users should be aware that the individuals responding to their distress alert will be a dedicated rescue response and not an auto mechanic. As such, the user should rely on an emergency roadside assistance service to provide them the correct response. As well, the user should be aware that he/she is wasting valuable rescue resources that may also be pulling the team away from a legitimate distress. NOAA therefore encourages all PLB users to be acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with owning this device. PLBs are a distress alerting tool and they work exceptionally well. PLB users should familiarize themselves with proper testing and operating procedures to mitigate against false activation. Will there be a penalty for an intentional false alert? Under federal law, 14USC88, knowingly and willfully transmitting a hoax distress call is a felony. It is punishable by up to six years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution to the rescue agency for all costs incurred responding to the distress. Have other countries permitted the use of the 406 MHz PLBs? Several countries have
permitted the use of 406 MHz PLBs since their
development in the 1990's. Notably this includes many of the European
countries, In the Will I have to register my PLB with NOAA? Absolutely! All
emergency distress beacons - including EPIRBs (used
by commerical vessels), ELTs
(used by aircraft) and PLBs are required to be
registered with NOAA. You can now
register your beacon at our new online registration website: http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov For Additional Information Call
NOAA/SARSAT at: 1-888-212-SAVE (7283) |