rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon

$394.95

The worlds most compact PLB. Proudly engineered and manufactured in the UK.

    • Free to use, no subscription charges – Government-funded global rescue coverage, no monthly fees or activation delays
    • Suitable for marine, aviation and outdoor uses
    • 121.5MHz homing beacon + Dedicated 406 MHz distress signal with 66-channel GPS – Transmits directly to global Cospas-Sarsat satellites, bypassing third-party networks for faster, more reliable alerting
    • 24+ hours operational life – Optimised for extended emergencies, unlike smartphone-based SOS systems
    • Rugged, waterproof to 15 m – Built for harsh environments, where smartphones and handhelds often fail
    • Compact and light-weight – weighs just 116 grams, clips onto lifejackets and backpacks
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SKU: 730S-01261

Categories: Personal Locator Beacons, rescueME

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Waterproof to 15m

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Link via satellite to Emergency Services

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Fast accurate positioning

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7 year battery life

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Flotation pouch (as an accessory)

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No subscription

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High intensity (1 candela) strobe

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Easily deployed antenna

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30 percent smaller

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Homing Beacon to aid final location by search and Rescue craft

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. The integrated ultra-bright strobe light ensures maximum visibility and antenna deployment could not be easier, with a gentle pull the aerial is released.

The rescueME PLB1 works with the only officially 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 Personal Locator Beacon transmits your position and your ID to a Rescue Coordination Center via satellite link. Rescue services nearest to you are promptly notified of your emergency and regularly advised of your current location to assist prompt rescue.

Features:

  • Free to use, no subscription charges
  • 30% smaller (typ) by volume
  • Waterproof to 15 meters
  • Weighs 116 grams
  • Easily fits to lifejacket*
  • Retractable Antenna
  • 7 Year Battery Life
  • 24+ hour operational life
  • High brightness strobe light >1candela
  • 66 channel GPS receiver
  • Unique mounting clip
  • Operates on the global Cospas Sarsat rescue system

The rescueME PLB1 has an optional flotation pouch**  to enable it to float.  Please note that the PLB will not float in an operating position in the pouch.  Please ensure the PLB is firmly attached to the pouch with the provided lanyard, using suitable self locking knots.

* Always refer to the manufacturer for specific instructions before installing this product directly to your life jacket.
** To comply with national regulation PLB1 beacons supplied to Australia and New Zealand have a floatation pouch permanently attached

406MHz Satellite Transmitter

Frequency

406.040MHz

Tolerance

±1kHz

Output Power

5watts (nominal)

Stability

2ppb/100ms

Modulation

Phase ±1.1radians (peak)

Emission Designator

16K0G1D

Encoding

Bi-phase L

Data Rate

400bps

Duration

520ms

121.5MHz Homing Beacon

Frequency

121.5MHz

Stability

±50ppm

Output Power

25-100mW PERP

Modulation

Swept Tone AM

Emission Designator

3K20A3X

Modulation Depth

85-100%

Sweep Range

400Hz – 1300Hz

Low Duty Cycle Strobe Light

Light Type

High intensity LED

Output Power

~1candela

GPS Receiver

Sensitivity Cold Start

-148dBm

Sensitivity Re-acquisition

-163dBm

Satellites channels tracked

60

GPS Antenna

Microstrip patch

Battery

Type

Lithium Primary

Chemistry

Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)

Operational Life

>24hours @ -20°C

Environmental

Operating Temperature Range

-20°C to +55°C

Storage Temperature Range

-30°C to +70°C

Waterproof

15metres at +20°C

Drop

1metre @ -30°C

Dimensions

Height

77mm (3.0")

Width

51mm (2.1")

Depth

32.5mm (1.3")

Weight

116g

Standards

Cospas-Sarsat

T.001 / T.007

ETSI

EN302 152

RTCM

SC11010

FCC

CFR47 part 95K

For the updated Global Limited Warranty policy, please see: https://oceansignal.com/ecomm-policies/

 

Extended Warranty

ENTER YOUR PRODUCT DETAILS TO GAIN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD.

Sign in or create an Ocean Signal account: https://oceansignal.com/login/

Once in your Account area, navigate to your Personal Products page: https://oceansignal.com/my-account/personal-products/

Select ‘Activate New Product Warranty’ and entering your beacon’s details – once saved, the warranty policy of the product will then be extended by an additional 3-Years.

The purchase receipt must be provided when submitting a warranty claim.

 

When I register my EPIRB or PLB is the 0 in the 15 digit HEX ID (UIN) the number 0, or the letter O?

The HEX ID consists of the numbers from 0 to 9 and the letters from A to F only. The character 0 is the number zero.

If I register my PLB in one country, can I use it in another country?

Yes, you can use your PLB anywhere in the World. When you register your PLB, make sure you give emergency contacts who will know where you are if you need to activate the PLB in an emergency. This aids the rescue authorities to make sure it is a real alert and will speed up your rescue.

What is the location accuracy of the rescueME PLB1?

The Cospas Sarsat system uses two methods of locating a beacon:

  • The satellite system is designed to locate your beacon using the transmission alone. The accuracy of this fix is approximately a 5 nautical mile radius, but is typically much better.
  • The rescueME PLB1 has a built in GPS receiver which is used to encode the position in the transmission. When the GPS has a reliable fix, usually within a few minutes, the accuracy is typically within 100 metres of your actual position can be achieved.

The combination of these two methods gives the rescue services the quickest and most accurate position.

Why is the pouch permanently attached to the PLB1 (Aus/NZ only)?

For Australia and New Zealand the regulations require that the PLB must float. Because of the small size of the rescueME PLB1, the pouch is used to provide buoyancy and must be permanently attached when supplied in those countries.

If you require to remove the pouch for land based usage, cut the black cord leaving enough length to make a loop to re-attach the pouch or to tie a separate lanyard to.

When testing the PLB, I get two green flashes. What does this mean?

The test indication is repeated. So for a battery which has been used for less than one hour, you will see single green flash, which is repeated after a short pause.

If the battery has been used for over one hour, the indicator will change to an amber (orange) colour. Over two hours and the indicator will flash amber two or more times in a close group, which will be repeated after a short pause.

Carrying a PLB on aircraft as luggage.

The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 can be safely carried on board a passenger aircraft as either checked in or carry on luggage under section 2.3.5.9 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The lithium metal battery in the rescueME PLB1 contains less than 2g of lithium and have been tested in accordance with 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests. Precautions should be taken to prevent accidental activation if placed in checked in baggage.

Is the battery replaceable on the PLB1?

Yes, the battery will be replaceable after the expiry period or after the unit has been activated. The battery is not user replaceable and must be sent to an authorised service dealer for replacement. Please view our Dealer Locator to find a nearby authorised Battery Replacement Centre.

When should I replace my PLB1 battery

Under normal circumstances the battery in the PLB1 should be replaced before the expiry date marked on the unit.

If the unit has been activated in emergency or if the test indicator LED is flashing amber (orange) the battery must be replaced before it is used again to ensure the full 24 hours of operation in emergency.

The typical lifetime of the PLB1 is greater than 24 hours, but this is under defined conditions of storage and test usage. Do not assume that just because the activation was only for a short length of time the battery will not need exchanging.

Details of battery exchange in your region can be found by enquiring with your local distributor. Please see http://oceansignal.com/support/dealer-locator/ for information on our distributors.

Disposal of EPIRBs and PLBs

Care should be taken when disposing of your PLB or EPIRB when it is no longer required. False alerts from discarded beacons can cause rescue authorities to expend much time and effort in locating discarded EPIRBs or PLBs that have accidentally activated. Please ensure that care is taken to completely deactivate the beacon and advise the registration authority that the beacon is no longer in service.

It is recommended to remove the battery from the beacon by removing the case lid. Dispose of the battery in accordance with local waste regulations. Please note that Ocean Signal beacons are not user serviceable and removing the lid will invalidate the warranty.

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