Never without my PLB!
Or perhaps AIS
I have AIS on my new marine radio, is it available on an PLB?
AIS works well if there’s someone on the boat to sound the alarm. PLB is a direct satellite connection to SAR that you take overboard with you.
Thanks Paul, there’s a whole lot of tech I need to learn more about, quickly.
Good question. I was curious and did some looking around. It turns out that the same company also makes a PLB with AIS as well as the satellite link. The one I have, and in that photo, sends your “SOS” along with your GPS position up to a satellite. It bounces down from there and is routed to your local rescue agency. Then they come and find you. This new one will do the same, but it also has an AIS transponder, meaning that it will be passing your location and MOB status to any nearby vessel with an AIS receiver. This is very good because someone else might be much closer than the official rescuers.
It repeatedly transmits your MOB status with a standard AIS “message” which should be interpreted and displayed on the AIS display of any vessel within range. The example I found showed it as a large red circled-X with a note next to it. Those who have AIS on their boats ought to be familiar with this symbol, just in case someone nearby needs your help.
The spec for AIS SART (search and rescue transponder) that I found states that it must have a 5 mile range when positioned 1 meter above the water on top of a life raft. I suspect that your range will be greatly reduced if you are in the water with the little antenna just barely sticking up out of it. I’m not sure what the realistic range is, but at least it might keep you from being run over by a search craft.
Here’s a PLB with AIS:
https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-ais-personal-locator-beacon/
Excellent research and fabulous results! I will be on the lookout for a good unit at the best possible price. 