FastFind 220™ PLB - Personal Locator Beacon A lifesaving distress beacon with buoyancy pouch included, designed for marine enthusiasts and adventurers. The FastFind 220 is the world’s first Galileo PLB, offering accelerated location detection with GPS and Galileo GNSS receivers. The FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) uses advanced technology packed into a simple, lightweight, palm sized unit. Using the dedicated 406 MHz frequency, FastFind 220 transmits your unique ID and precise location to the global network of search and rescue satellites. The FastFind 220’s electronics design was upgraded in 2018, offering accelerated location detection with the duel GNSS capabilities — GPS & Galileo recivers. Within minutes rescuers are alerted to your situation, and receive regular position updates. Finally, emergency services can home in on your beacon’s 121.5 MHz transmission to find you. Explore the world with peace of mind. If you find yourself in a remote area without any other form of communication, activating your FastFind 220 will summon emergency assistance. FastFind 220 could save your life! FastFind gives you: Mini size, MIGHTY emergency signal Simple design, easy to use Self test both the battery and GNSS Worldwide network of suppliers and service dealers Peace of mind to take your next step into adventure! FastFind 220 has worldwide coverage and ensures you are rescued by professionals Features: World’s first PLB with Galileo & GPS GNSS receiver for accelerated location detection Compact, lightweight and waterproof 6 year battery life Minimum 24 hours continuous 406MHz operation Floatation pouch, lanyard and standard pouch included Waterproof to 10M Self test facilities No subscription or call charges Accelerated Rescue with Galileo and GPS This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

RescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon with 7-Year Battery Storage Life Wherever you are, at sea, on land, the rescueME PLB1 provides the reassurance that global emergency services can be alerted by the press of a button. The rescueMe PLB1 can be operated with a single hand in even the most challenging situations. A simple spring loaded flap covers the activation button preventing inadvertent use. RescueME-PLB PLB1 works with the only officiall recognised worldwide dedicated search and rescue satellite network (operated by Cospas Sarsat). As this is funded by governments there are NO CHARGES to use this service. When activated the rescueME PLB1 transmits your position and your ID to a Rescue Coordination Center via satellite link. Rescue services nearest to your are promptly notified of your emergency and regularly advised of your current location to assist prompt rescue. Features: 30% smaller by volume Easily fits in lifejacket Retractable antenna 7 year battery life 7 year warranty Typical Performance of 24+ hours Non-Hazmat Battery WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

FastFind 220™ Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) - Limited Battery Life (4 Years) Expires 2028 A lifesaving distress beacon with a buoyancy pouch included, designed for marine enthusiasts and adventurers. The FastFind 220 is the world’s first Galileo PLB, offering accelerated location detection with GPS and Galileo GNSS receivers. The FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) uses advanced technology packed into a simple, lightweight, palm-sized unit. Using the dedicated 406 MHz frequency, FastFind 220 transmits your unique ID and precise location to the global network of search and rescue satellites. The FastFind 220’s electronics design was upgraded in 2018, offering accelerated location detection with dual GNSS capabilities — GPS & Galileo receivers. Within minutes rescuers are alerted to your situation and receive regular position updates. Finally, emergency services can home in on your beacon’s 121.5 MHz transmission to find you. Explore the world with peace of mind. If you find yourself in a remote area without any other form of communication, activating your FastFind 220 will summon emergency assistance. McMurdo FastFind 220™ PLB has a limited battery life of 4 years. FastFind 220 could save a life! FastFind gives users: Mini size, MIGHTY emergency signal Simple design, easy to use Self-test both the battery and GNSS Worldwide network of suppliers and service dealers Peace of mind to take your next step into adventure! FastFind 220 has worldwide coverage and ensures you are rescued by professionals Features: World’s first PLB with Galileo & GPS GNSS receiver for accelerated location detection Compact, lightweight, and waterproof 4-year battery life Minimum 24 hours continuous 406MHz operation The floatation pouch, lanyard, and standard pouch included Waterproof to 10M Self-test facilities No subscription or call charges Accelerated Rescue with Galileo and GPS This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

FastFind 220™ Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) - Limited Battery Life (5 Years) Expires 2029 A lifesaving distress beacon with a buoyancy pouch included, designed for marine enthusiasts and adventurers. The FastFind 220 is the world’s first Galileo PLB, offering accelerated location detection with GPS and Galileo GNSS receivers. The FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) uses advanced technology packed into a simple, lightweight, palm-sized unit. Using the dedicated 406 MHz frequency, FastFind 220 transmits your unique ID and precise location to the global network of search and rescue satellites. The FastFind 220’s electronics design was upgraded in 2018, offering accelerated location detection with dual GNSS capabilities — GPS & Galileo receivers. Within minutes rescuers are alerted to your situation and receive regular position updates. Finally, emergency services can home in on your beacon’s 121.5 MHz transmission to find you. Explore the world with peace of mind. If you find yourself in a remote area without any other form of communication, activating your FastFind 220 will summon emergency assistance. McMurdo FastFind 220™ PLB has a limited battery life of 5 years.  FastFind 220 could save a life! FastFind gives users: Mini size, MIGHTY emergency signal Simple design, easy to use Self-test both the battery and GNSS Worldwide network of suppliers and service dealers Peace of mind to take your next step into adventure! FastFind 220 has worldwide coverage and ensures you are rescued by professionals Features: World’s first PLB with Galileo & GPS GNSS receiver for accelerated location detection Compact, lightweight, and waterproof 5-year battery life Minimum 24 hours continuous 406MHz operation The floatation pouch, lanyard, and standard pouch included Waterproof to 10M Self-test facilities No subscription or call charges Accelerated Rescue with Galileo and GPS This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

ResQLink AIS GPS Personal Location Beacon PLB-450 with AIS & RLS A world leader in rescue devices and other life-saving products relied on by both professional and recreational mariners, ACR is proud to offer the ResQLink AIS. This compact high-tech Personal Locator Beacon is the world’s first PLB to include both AIS (Automatic Identification System) and NFC (Near Field Communication) in addition to standard satellite notification through the Cospas Sarsat rescue system. AIS means instant local notification for faster rescue times. Ensures the beacon is working properly when needed and provides easy access via smartphone to all functions and records. Accurate positioning through GNSS (GPS, Galileo, Glonass) and 406 MHz satellite connectivity mean reliable service worldwide.121.5MHz homing transmissions combined with AIS and both visible and infrared strobe aid in beacon location and speed recovery times. The innovative ACR ResQLink AIS is the FIRST to combine all these features in a compact easy-to-use PLB Beacon making it the FIRST choice for serious mariners looking for a Personal Locator Beacon. The Worldwide Cospas Sarsat satellite system includes 3 different constellations to ensure your 406 MHz distress signal immediately reaches the global network of Search and Rescue forces with your location accurate to within 100 meters. With multiple levels of integrated signaling technology including 406 MHz and GNSS (GPS, Galileo, Glonass) positioning, the PLB also transmits a 121.5 MHz homing signal which guides Search and Rescue services to the beacon’s current location when they arrive at the scene, as the beacon may have drifted from the originally transmitted position. The addition of AIS (Automatic Identification System) transmissions means the ResQLink AIS simultaneously alerts all vessels equipped with AIS transponders within the VHF radio range of the PLB’s distress position. This greatly increases both the likelihood and speed of rescue since nearby vessels receive the alerts.  Immediately upon deployment of the beacon an AIS Safety Message or MOB Alarm with the beacon’s MMSI and location is presented on any AIS screen within range. This makes it easy for nearby vessels to home in on the beacon since it is an active AIS target on their screens. The ResQLink AIS will light the way as rescuers arrive on the scene with both a white visible strobe and infrared strobe providing rescuers with the visual reference they need during nighttime or other low visibility rescue operations. Smartphone Connectivity utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) The integration of NFC technology provides users with the ability to conveniently access beacon data from their mobile phone. The simple act of placing a phone near the beacon automatically opens the ACR Product App and provides access to a wealth of usage data including current battery life, number of self-tests completed, number of GNSS tests completed, and if applicable, the amount of time the beacon has been activated. Detailed information on each self-test and GNSS test performed by the beacon is also available if desired. For each successful GNSS test, users can view a map showing exactly where the test was performed, the date and time of the test, the time it took the beacon to get a fix on your GNSS coordinates, the number of satellites the beacon used to obtain that fix, and the accuracy of the location.  Return Link Service (RLS) RLS functionality works by sending a signal back through the Galileo satellite network to confirm to the beacon user that their distress message has been received and their location has been detected by the Coast Guard. A confirmation message is distinctly indicated by a flashing blue light on the PLB. Like other ACR beacons that include the important RLS feature, the ResQLink AIS provides the comfort of knowing that a distress message has been successfully delivered. Understanding that rescuers are aware of the beacon transmission and location reduces the stress often associated with Man Overboard incidents. PFD Compatibility and Integration The ResQLink AIS is designed to install within a life jacket and activate upon inflation of the jacket (semi-automatic). Installation is made simple using the included oral inflation tube clip to attach the PLB to the life jacket with a ribbon connected around the bladder of the life jacket. Once correctly installed, the action of the life jacket inflating triggers the deployment of the antenna and activation of the beacon. Users not wishing to install the PLB within a life jacket have the option to utilize the included webbing clip to attach the beacon to an appropriately sized belt or the webbing of an inherently buoyant life jacket.      Features: No Subscription Required 406 MHz Cospas Sarsat Distress Signal (MEOSAR Compatible) 121.5 MHz Local Homing Signal AIS (Automatic Identification System) Locating Signal Smartphone connectivity via NFC (Near Field Communication) Free ACR Beacon Mobile App (IOS and Android) Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality GNSS via GPS, Galileo, and Glonass Strobe and Infrared Strobe Light Global Coverage Simple PFD attachment Designed to Integrate with common Inflatable PFDs Multifunction Clip System Included Small and lightweight 5-year battery life Over 24 hours of Operational Life This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Personal Locator Beacons  

Personal Locator Beacons  

Personal Locator Beacons  

    Who Doesn't Like New Gear?   Who doesn't like new gear? Check out ACR's complete new product showcase now at CWR. New products include: ResQLink 400 & View, CB2 AIS, RCL-85, RCL-95, OLAS Tag wearable crew tracker, OLAS Float-On and more. Check it out today!       ResQLink View 425 Personal Locator Beacon with Digital Display   Small but resilient, the ResQLink View has been professionally engineered and tested to ensure it can withstand even the harshest elements. This buoyant Personal Locator Beacon requires no subscription for use and includes a digital display providing live status and GPS coordinates. Whether on land, at sea, or in the air, trust that the ResQLink's satellite precision and military durability, puts rescue in the palm of your hands.       OLAS (Overboard Location Alert System) Float-On Light   Wearable Crew Tracker with LED Flashlight + Water Activated Strobe   The ACR Float-On is a buoyant water activated strobe and LED flashlight. The strobe automatically activates in water when its integrated water sensors detect six seconds of water connection. The separated and sunken water connection terminals ensure the device only automatically activates when fully submerged in water. The high-power LED strobe, visible up to 3 nautical miles away, flashes once every second for up to 20 hours and acts as an exceptional safety aid for both novice and experienced boaters.     Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates  

ResQLink View 425 PLB - Limited Battery Life 2022 *Refurbished Small but resilient, the ResQLink View 425 has been professionally engineered and tested to ensure it can withstand even the harshest elements.  This buoyant Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) requires no subscription for use and includes a digital display providing live status and GPS coordinates.  Whether on land, at sea, or in the air, trust that the ResQLink’s satellite precision and military durability, puts rescue in the palm of your hands. With three levels of integrated signal technology – GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability – the ResQLink View 425 quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites.  Additionally, a built-in strobe and infrared strobe facilitate nighttime, or other low-visibility, rescues.  Wherever your adventure takes you, whether it’s a trip to the highest mountain peaks, the most undiscovered terrain, or the vastest of oceans, rest assured that the ResQLink View 425 always activates easily.  Simply deploy the antenna, press the on button, and the beacon will do the rest for you by effortlessly guiding rescuers to within 100 meters or less of your position.   Enjoy added peace of mind using the integrated digital display to view live beacon status and GPS coordinates throughout the rescue process.   Due to innovative design elements, multifunction clips can be used in conjunction with the beacon, providing numerous wearability options that address a variety of usage applications.  The increased ease of incorporating the ResQLink View on your person, or with your gear, just made all your adventures not just safer, but more convenient too.   *No Subscription Required  Features: Digital OLED Display GPS | Galileo GNSS Built-In Buoyancy Strobe and Infrared Strobe Global Coverage MEOSAR Compatible Small and lightweight 5-year battery life Technical Specifications: Dimensions (L x W x D) - 4.52" x 2.03" x 1.49" (11.48 x 5.16 x 3.78cm) Weight - .33lbs (148g) Battery - Non-hazmat Lithium (included) Battery Replacement - Limited Battery Life 2022 *Refurbished GPS - Multi-constellation receiver (GPS & Galileo GNSS)  Buoyant - Yes Operation Life - Limited Battery Life 2022 *Refurbished Activation - Manual In the Box: ResQLink View 425  Multifunction Clip System Instruction Manual  *Sold as an Individual  This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

FastFind Universal Floating Pouch - Black Black buoyancy pouch for the McMurdo 200/210 PLB (no lanyard included). 

2886 AISLink Man Overboard Beacon Overboard situations can be a little less hair-raising with the Automatic Identification System (AIS) Man Overboard Beacon (MOB).  The AISLink features integrated Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and GPS technology, so you can quickly reach out for help when you need it most.  Unlike a personal locator beacon, which signals orbiting search and rescue satellites, AISLink sends an alert message within seconds to all local vessels with an AIS receiver and/or AIS-enabled plotter.  Plus, the DSC alarm on your vessel’s VHF radio can also be signaled to make first responders aware of what’s going on. Seconds count in a man overboard situation.  The AISLink MOB automatically activates upon inflation of the lifejacket, sending an initial alert within 15 seconds to all AIS receivers and plotters in the vicinity.  Both positioning and MOB emergency messages are transmitted alerting vessels up to 5 miles away of your emergency situation. Powerful lithium metal batteries provide 24+ hours of operational life, and the high-impact housing can withstand a drop to water of 20m. Compatibility: Note that most modern AIS plotters and DSC VHF units comply with the standards for receiving MOB transmissions.  However, it is recommended that you check with your equipment manufacturer to ensure compatibility.  DSC functionality may vary - or be disabled entirely - according to the regulations of individual countries. Programming: Easy to complete initial programing via downloadable programming software or web based platform.  Links available on instruction manual. Features: Dual alert via AIS and DSC Personal Locator Onboard GPS for exceptional location accuracy Simple life jacket integration Manual or Automatic Activation 24+ hours of operational life and 7 Year battery life Ultra-bright LED strobe light End user replaceable battery  Technical Specifications: Activation Method - Manual or Water Activated Battery Life -7 year from date of manufacture or after emergency use (24+ hours operational battery life) Range - 5 Miles (dependent on conditions) Waterproof - 10 M  Dimensions - 4.52" x 1.81" x 1.06" (11.5 x 4.6 x 2.7 cm) Weight - .2 lb (92g) GPS enabled - Yes  Strobe - LED Strobe light Frequency - AIS Channel 1 - 161.975 MHz and AIS Channel 2 - 162.025 MHz and DSC 156.525 MHz Transmit Power - AIS - 1 Watt and DSC - 0.5 Watt AIS Messages - Message 1 (Position), Message 14 (MOB Status)  AIS Repetition Interval - 8 messages/minute (message 14 sent twice every 4 minutes)  DSC Messages - Individual Distress Relay (single call made on the press of the activation button, in regions where it is allowed) DSC Repetition Interval - Once every 5 minutes (Relay only) In the  Box: AISLink Man Overboard Beacon Mounting bracket Activation tape Antenna rewind tool Programming adapter Tether Life-jacket fixing buckle Fixing buckle patch Reflective strip x 2 Instruction Manual  *Sold as an Individual  WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including LITHIUM which is known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

rescueME MOB1 Personal AIS Beacon The world's smallest AIS MOB (Man Overboard) device with integrated DSC (Digital Selective Calling) - the rescueME MOB1 from Ocean Signal.   The MOB1 is compatible with even the most compact inflatable life-jackets.  The MOB1 is intended to be installed within the life-jacket and will activate automatically on inflation, sending the first alert within 15 seconds. The integrated strobe light ensures maximum visibility in low light conditions. The rescueME MOB1 communicates with the vessel you have been separated from and other vessels in the vicinity (up to 5 miles range dependent on conditions). In an emergency rescueME MOB1 provides 2 methods of rapidly communicating your position, accurate to a few metres, back to the vessel, plus providing visual indication via its built in strobe light. 1. Once activated your rescueME MOB1 will transmit an alert to all AIS receivers and AIS enabled plotters in the vicinity. The integrated GPS ensures precise location is sent to your vessel and any others that may be assisting. 2. An additional feature of the MOB1, is its ability to activate the DSC alarm on your vessels VHF, alerting your crew to the situation. Compatible With: Most modern AIS plotters and DSC VHF comply with the standards required to receive MOB transmissions.  It is however, especially if you are using older equipment, recommended that you check compatibility with the equipment manufacturer. Features: 30% smaller than competitors Automatic activation Simple lifejacket integration 24+ hours operational life Fast accurate positioning Technical Specifications: Activation Method - Water or manual Battery Life -7 year from date of manufacture or after emergency use (24+ hours operational battery life) Waterproof - 10 M  Dimensions - 5.28" x 1.47" x 1.06" (13.4 x 3.8 x 2.7 cm) Weight - .2 lb (92g) GPS enabled - Yes  Strobe - LED Strobe light Frequency - DSC 156.525 MHz Transmit Power - AIS - 1 Watt and DSC - 0.5 Watt In the Box: rescueME MOB1 Mounting bracket Activation tape Antenna rewind tool Programming adaptor Instruction and programming manual  *Sold as an Individual  WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including BISPHENOL A (BPA) which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

In the last few years we have seen a major change in rescue devices using satellite beacons. The SPOT, is a device with some rescue beacon features and is affordable but should not replace an EPIRB or PLB, with their automatic global links to government-run satellite rescue system.  Then we have Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) which are getting smaller, smarter and less expensive with the introduction of the McMurdo FastFIND 210.  EPIRBs, the original beacons, are likewise getting smaller and adding features.   What the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon does? An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a critical piece of last-resort lifesaving gear on your boat when you are out of range of a VHF radio, cell phone or other means of communication. EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons are small radio transmitters, connected to a global government-run satellite network, which is used worldwide to alert Search and Rescue agencies in the event of a dire emergency. Used only when all other means of rescue or communication have failed, these emergency beacons can be activated if your boat is in danger of sinking, or if you have a life-threatening accident or medical emergency. Activating an EPIRB starts a chain of responses, beginning when your signal is received by the COSPAS-SARSAT international satellite system, relayed rapidly to ground stations, forwarded to a regional Rescue Coordination Center and ending when a helicopter, boat, rescue swimmer or other type of emergency response team makes contact with you. An EPIRB does not allow you to send or receive voice or text messages. If you can reach rescue agencies with an Iridium satellite phone, Single Sideband radio or cell phone, you can better communicate the important details of your emergency. EPIRBs work when all of these means have failed, such as if your boat is sinking on the high seas and you have no electrical power.   How EPIRBs Work EPIRBs transmit using internationally recognized distress frequencies, monitored by LEOSAR (low earth orbit) satellites moving from pole to pole above the earth's surface, and GEOSAR (geostationary) satellites in high stationary orbit.  LEOSAR satellites, because they are in motion, use Doppler shift processing (the perceived frequency change caused by the relative movement of the receiver and the source) to calculate the location of the distress beacon. They cover the entire globe, orbiting once about every 100 minutes.  GEOSAR provides instantaneous alerting, but no position locating. Signals from both types are relayed to automated Local User Terminal (LUT) ground stations worldwide, which forward them to Mission Control Centers (MCC). The MCC tracks the signal, attempts to identify the transmitting vessel using the database of registered EPIRBs, and notifies a regional Rescue Control Center (RCC), operated in the U.S. by the Coast Guard or the Air Force.   A Search and Rescue operation is launched, sometimes involving international communication, substantial costs, lots of planes, helicopters or ships, and rescuers who risk their lives.    Curious onboard guests may remove an EPIRB from its cradle, causing accidental activation.  Some false alarms are hoaxes, and deliberate misuse of emergency beacons may result in substantial fines, restitution and or prison.   If you accidentally trigger your EPIRB, call the U.S. Coast Guard HQ Command Center at 1–800–323–7233 immediately.   You will keep valuable resources from being mobilized, unable to deal with an actual emergency, and possibly prevent a SAR team from converging on your boat.       Around the world...around the clock...NOAA proudly stands watch.  As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, NOAA operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.   The SARSAT system uses NOAA satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits to detect and locate aviators, mariners, and land-based users in distress. The satellites relay distress signals from emergency beacons to a network of ground stations and ultimately to the U.S. Mission Control Center (USMCC) in Suitland, Maryland. The USMCC processes the distress signal and alerts the appropriate search and rescue authorities to who is in distress and, more importantly, where they are located.   SARSAT takes the "search" out of search and rescue!   NOAA-SARSAT is a part of the international Cospas-Sarsat Program to which 38 nations and two independent SAR organizations belong to     What should you look for 406 MHz EPIRBs: Modern EPIRBs transmit digitally on 406.025 and 406.028 MHz (so they are called “406 EPIRBs”). Their signal has an embedded code containing a unique identification number, allowing rescue agencies to look up your emergency information (including name, phone number, vessel type, emergency contact, etc.), in a database, but only if you have registered your EPIRB. When your EPIRB transmits, rescuers know who you are and can phone your emergency contacts to verify your itinerary. Satellites also can store and rebroadcast your 406 emergency message, so the LEOSAR satellite does not need to be in direct contact between you and a ground station. A 406 MHz signal also allows the satellite to calculate the position of the sender to less than a 2-nm radius, resulting in the fastest and least costly rescue response. 406 EPIRBs transmit with 5W of power, adequate even in poor weather conditions. The average time to notification of RCCs via 406 MHz EPIRBs is approximately one hour worldwide.   The difference between a Category I and II: By rule, all EPIRBs must be able to activate and transmit when they are removed from their brackets and immersed. Category I brackets will automatically deploy the beacon when submerged between 3' and 14', while Category II brackets need to have the beacon released manually. Both types can be manually activated either in or out of their brackets.   GPS/EPIRB Combinations: Three types of EPIRBs now include the ability to transmit GPS coordinates along with the rest of the digital distress message. Some units can interface with an external GPS and if the receiver is turned on will transmit coordinates within seconds of activation. Other EPIRBs contain their own receiver and take longer to acquire their location, but keep transmitting while the EPIRB is operating, without remaining connected to an external GPS with an interface cable. Using the stationary GEOSAR satellites, these transmitters do not need to wait for a LEOSAR to pass overhead and fix a Doppler bearing, and reduce the time–to–notification to as little as four minutes. Like other GPS receivers, their position accuracy is 100yd. (instead of 2nm without GPS). A third type includes the GlobalFix iPRO, which combines features of both receiver types with Dual GPS Technology. It interfaces with your onboard GPS to ensure that your LAT/LON is stored inside, allowing your precise coordinatesto transmit in the first data burst. Then its internal GPS takes over and continues transmitting.   Personal Locator Beacons:   EPIRBS are intended strictly for marine use, but Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), their smaller cousins, can be carried with you just about anywhere. They provide the same worldwide coverage as EPIRBs, and can rescue hikers, kayakers, backpackers, climbers, pilots, river rafters and hunters (among others) as well as boaters. PLBs are different from EPIRBs in some important ways. Their battery life (24hr. minimum transmit time) is often half that of an EPIRB. PLBs are not required to float or have a strobe light (but most do), and are manually deployed and activated. Like 406 EPIRBS, PLBs have an additional 121.5MHz homing signal to help planes, helicopters and other searchers find you. They also have a Morse code encryption for PLB attached to their digital signal. We believe, as do the safety experts, that EPIRBs are for your boat, and a PLB is a “personal” beacon. A PLB is great insurance while exploring away from the mothership in your dinghy, and is a less-bulky EPIRB alternative for any small boat. The ability to be carried with you and used anywhere—with a group of hikers, on a snowmobile or in a canoe—makes a PLB a valuable and versatile lifesaving tool.   SPOT:   An updated version of SPOT, 30% smaller and 30% lighter than the original, SPOT II is equipped with better controls and an improved GPS. SPOT II has rescue beacon features, and SPOT has created a popular niche with its added communication features and lower initial cost.  SPOT should not replace an EPIRB or PLB, with their automatic global links to government-run satellite rescue system.  The COSPAS/SARSAT system is a result of international cooperation with an established network of satellites, ground stations, rescue agencies, etc.  The system works, and has been proven during countless rescues.   Testing a EPIRBs 406 MHz EPIRBs can be tested through its self-test function, which is an integral part of the device.  406 MHz EPIRBs can also be tested inside a container designed to prevent its reception by the satellite.  Testing a 406 MHz EPIRB by allowing it to radiate outside such a container is illegal. Battery Replacement 406 MHz EPIRBs use a special type of lithium battery designed for long-term low-power consumption operation. Batteries must be replaced by the date indicated on the EPIRB label using the model specified by the manufacturer. It should be replaced by a dealer approved by the manufacturer. If the replacement battery is not the proper type, the EPIRB will not operate for the duration specified in a distress.   Register your 406 EPIRB or PLB! It is mandatory that you register your 406 EPIRB/PLB with NOAA SARSAT, yet only 80% of our customers register their new beacons. In the U.S. you can register online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov . U.S. registration can also be completed by mail or by downloading the registration form and faxing it to NOAA SARSAT at 301–568–8649.  It is free, no license is required and it is critical in making your EPIRB perform as intended. When filling out the registration form, carefully select the emergency contacts NOAA or the Coast Guard should call in case your beacon goes off. These should be individuals who are familiar with your plans, and who are most likely to be available. Failure to properly register your beacon will most likely delay the launch of a rescue mission. Also, the Coast Guard says that 94% of EPIRBs alerts are false and that registration data has enabled them to resolve 65% of the alerts prior to launching SAR operations.     International Beacon Registration Database: https://www.406registration.com/     What happens to your registration form?   The registration sheet you fill out and send in is entered into the U.S. 406 Beacon Registration Database maintained by NOAA/NESDIS. If your EPIRB is activated, your registration information will be sent automatically to the appropriate USCG SAR Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) for response. One of the first things the RCC watchstanders do is attempt to contact the owner/operator at the phone number listed in the database to determine if the vessel is underway (thus ruling out the possibility of a false alarm due to accidental activation or EPIRB malfunction), the intended route of the vessel if underway, the number of people on board, etc., from a family member. If there is no answer at this number, or no information, the other numbers listed in the database will be called to attempt to get the information described above needed to assist the RCC in responding appropriately to the EPIRB alert.   When RCC personnel contact the emergency phone numbers you provide, they will have all the information you have provided on the registration form. You should let these contacts know as much about your intended voyage as possible (i.e., intended route, stops, area you normally sail/fish/recreate, duration of trip, number of people going, etc.).  The more information these contacts have, the better prepared our SAR personnel will be to react. The contacts can ask the RCC personnel contacting them to be kept informed of any developments, if they so desire.   Registration regulations   You may be fined for false activation of an unregistered EPIRB. The U.S. Coast Guard routinely refers cases involving the non-distress activation of an EPIRB (e.g., as a hoax, through gross negligence, carelessness or improper storage and handling) to the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC will prosecute cases based upon evidence provided by the Coast Guard, and will issue warning letters or notices of apparent liability for fines up to $10,000.   However, the Coast Guard has suspended forwarding non-distress activations of properly registered 406 MHz EPIRBs to the FCC, unless activation was due to hoax or gross negligence, since these search and rescue cases are less costly to prosecute.   If you purchase a new or a used 406 MHz EPIRB, you MUST register it with NOAA. If you change your boat, your address, or your primary phone number, you MUST re-register your EPIRB with NOAA. If you sell your EPIRB, make sure the purchaser re-registers the EPIRB, or you may be called by the Coast Guard if it later becomes activated.   An FCC ship station license is no longer required to purchase or carry an EPIRB.   If you lend your EPRIB to someone, they MUST register it with NOAA   The online registration site contains a section for “Additional Information.” Use this section like a float plan, and let rescuers know how many passengers are aboard and your plans for the trip.  This information can be updated on a daily basis.   You can also fax another registration form documenting the new information, and the approximate time that this will be in effect, to the MCC at 1-301-568-8649. How to register You may register by visiting the SARSAT Beacon Registration page.   There is no charge for this service. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE.   For more information see the NOAA SARSAT Homepage.   A 406 EPIRB will dramatically improve your chances and your boat's chances of survival in an emergency.  A Personal Locator Beacon provides almost the same level of protection, in a pocket-sized package, to an individual on land or water.   If you still own an older Class A or B EPIRB, which, as of February 1, 2009, is no longer monitored by COSPAS/SARSAT, you should upgrade to a Category I or II 406MHz EPIRB.  Linked to an internal or interfaced GPS receiver, 406 EPIRBs and PLBs allow instant notification of your identity and an accurate fix on your position, speeding the launch of a full-scale search and rescue effort. One thing is for sure, however: You must do your part in registering your EPIRB/PLB and keeping the emergency contact information up to date, so rescuers can validate the authenticity of the distress signal.     Alert***   FEBRUARY 1, 2009 Cospas-Sarsat ceased coverage of 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz Emergency Beacons - Click here for more information   -Pilots are reminded and encouraged to monitor 121.5 MHz from their cockpit  to listen for other aircraft that may be in distress.     

The joys of on-the-water paddle sports are many. Paddling your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or  surfboard takes individual skill, where you set your own pace and experience a sense of calm and quiet serenity as you glide across the pristine waters. You will encounter fewer & wild parties with large, raft-up boat flotillas crowding the waterways. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, and while it is a recent addition to the list of paddle sports, some believe that it has been around for longer. Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s, evolving into the recognized sport today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island. The modern applications of stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the extreme popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005, where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country, with more than 22 million Americans participating in stand-up paddleboarding.   Simply put, stand-up paddleboarding involves getting on a surf-like board with a long SUP paddle which you will use to propel the board while standing up straight. This paddle sport is excellent for photographers as they can get a much better view while standing up. There is more than one way on how to paddle a stand-up paddleboard. You can race, tour, and surf. Many marinas have partnered with yoga instructors to offer on-the-water stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. It is refreshing to watch a class of yogis as they attempt perfect balance in a headstand on an unanchored, less than steady paddleboard! You can even turn your SUP into a kayak. More recent is white water paddle boarding for the thrill-seekers. Kayaking may have been the fastest-growing paddle sport, but stand-up paddleboarding has taken over this title. New variations of stand-up paddleboards have hit the market. Some boards are inflatable, some can be folded up into thirds with hinged sections, and newer paddleboards include tall seats and pedals. For SUP equipment information, click this link at CLR Marine. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html.   SAFETY FIRST and WEATHER ALERTS WHEN PADDLE BOARDING While enjoying any paddle sport, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, be aware that weather can change in an instant. A calm stream can suddenly become a raging river if weather conditions suddenly change higher up at the stream's headwaters.    PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) Wearing or carrying a PFD on-board is essential to paddleboard safety. Stand-up Paddleboards are considered "vessels" under the United States Coast Guard regulations when used out of designated swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Individuals 13 years of age and older must have a PFD on board, and those 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Not only can a PFD save your life, but it can also make it easier for you to climb back aboard after falling or jumping in the water. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/marine-safety/personal-flotation-devices.html   WHISTLE A whistle can be a simple, inexpensive item to carry that can make a huge difference in an emergency. You can use a whistle to alert motorized boats to your presence if needed or to get help from the shore if you have trouble on the water. A whistle can also be heard in the fog when visibility is at a minimum. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/10020--acr-survival-res-q-whistle-w-18-lanyard.html   PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON Personal locator beacons are handheld devices that signal 406 MHz, the same frequency used for newer emergency locator transmitters. Activate a PLB—in most cases, simply by extending the antenna and pressing the On button—and it transmits a powerful distress signal with a unique digital code. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports/personal-locator-beacons.html   LEASH If you fall off your SUP while in the water, the leash will keep your board easily accessible. Wind, currents, and waves can quickly sweep your SUP away from you. Fasten the cord securely & around your ankle.   WETSUIT If you plan on going out on cold water, you should consider a suit to keep you warm. Hypothermia escalates rapidly. An accidental fall into a cold mountain lake or cold ocean water would ruin your trip. Remember that you won't have a stack of warm blankets or warm, dry clothing with you.   HELMET If you're going to take your SUP down a river, you should consider a helmet for the trip. Kayakers wear them, and their heads are much closer to the water than someone standing on a paddleboard. Falling onto hidden or exposed rocks from a standing position could cause a devastating impact. Protect your brain. Wear a helmet.   WEATHER Always be aware of the current weather conditions for your SUP outing and pay attention to the forecast for the day. Weather conditions can change rapidly in some locations, and getting caught in bad weather can be very dangerous. The wind is always a threat. The wind can quickly unbalance a paddle boarder, make it difficult to paddle, or even carry the board quickly away from a dismounted paddler. Have a weather app on your phone, and hopefully a signal will transmit while you are on the water. PADDLE with a PARTNER The best way to enjoy your SUP is with a friend. It is also one of the best ways to stay safe on the water. Paddling buddies can double-check gear before heading out and watch out for each other while out on the water. Let friends know where you will be. Leave your itinerary with someone on land. If you don't return at your designated time, your land buddy will start the search. Should your itinerary change, get in touch with your person on shore. Cell service may be limited on the water. Don't count on your cell phone to be your lifeline.   SUNSCREEN The sun is known to cause cancer in all states, not just California. Protect any exposed skin.    KNOW YOUR LIMITS Remember that you have that same distance on your return trip for every mile that you have traveled out. While the wind may be at your back on the way out, a headwind at the return will be a challenge as your energy is diminishing. Paddleboarding is an excellent way for you to blend in with your surroundings and slide from one area to another. Be safe. Know the distance to your destination or how much exertion you want to make at each outing. In addition, to stand-up paddleboarding, other paddle sports to enjoy are kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. We will explore these paddle sports in a future blog. Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.