Balise de Détresse Bateau

The beacon: the accessory that counts

Emergency beacons come in two categories: PLBs and EPIRBs. The first are distress beacons intended to emit a signal in case of shipwreck, while the second is a personal emergency beacon useful if a man, passenger or navigator goes overboard, for example.

The cospas sarsat network, on which the waves are transmitted, is totally financed by the States and therefore free for the user. In return, the beacon must be registered with the national rescue authorities. The quality of the information given during the registration of the beacon will improve the quality of the rescue.

EPIRB or PLB beacon?

An EPIRB beacon is a mandatory safety equipment for offshore navigation. It allows to send an emergency signal in case of shipwreck. The sending of the signal is automatic on contact with the water thanks to its hydrostatic release, but it can also be triggered manually. The rescue services will then be alerted.

Each beacon being linked to a boat by its MMSI number, the rescue will be easier. Technically, an EPIRB beacon will emit waves to satellites on a 406 MHz frequency on the Cospas Sarsat network which deploys the units, but also on the 121.5 MHz radio frequency to communicate directly with the emergency services.

You can find EPIRB beacons with GPS position. It will allow you a much better localization of your beacon by the rescue. The price is not greatly impacted but it will have a real impact on the speed of intervention of the rescue. EPIRBs can also be equipped with AIS technology, which makes it easier for emergency services and nearby boats with AIS receivers to locate the beacon. This will greatly increase the chances of a rescue.

The PLB is an optional safety equipment and its activation is manual. It is not attached to a boat, but must be registered with the authorities. The plb distress beacon is not approved (but can be programmed with a mmsi code) for navigation more than 60 MN from a shelter. It is very compact, and ideally should be stored in a floating case so that it will not sink if you fall overboard. The plb beacon usually has a built-in gps signal for easy location.

Which beacon should I choose?

We offer a wide choice of PLB and EPIRB beacons.

The most efficient beacon is the EPIRB SAFEPRO AIS Kannad beacon. It has a 72-channel multi-GNSS (GPS, Galileo and GLONASS) receiver for highly accurate location. It also includes an AIS device to complete this location. You can buy the beacon alone or with its storage container and automatic triggering. The life span of this Kannad epirb ais distress beacon is 10 years. As its price indicates, it is an extremely efficient product with free delivery available. This beacon comes in two other models, one without AIS and the second without multi-channel receiver or AIS.

For a more affordable EPIRB beacon, the EPIRB1 Ocean Signal beacon is the perfect choice for you. It is smaller than the Kannad beacons, but does not have AIS. It does have a built-in GPS position system, however.

If you want a very compact PLB, the Ocean Signal PLB beacon is a must-have. Only 7.5 cm long with a foldable antenna. It offers a battery life of 7 years with an operating time of more than 24h after activation. It integrates a location system via cospas sarsat satellite on frequency 406 MHz, radio signal 121.5 MHz, a multi-channel GPS system (66) and a visual indication with flashing light.

The AIS Saflink Kannad individual beacon is a beacon integrating both GPS and AIS location. It also adopts a manual release system.

Finally, the 406 MHz PLB individual beacon with GNSS is a PLB beacon operating on the 406 MHz frequency on the Cospas Sarsat network and 121.5 MHz.

Beacons on our online store Nautisports

At Nautisports, we offer the best prices for your beacons before you go sailing. Consult our dedicated category and find each product mentioned above, including products of the brands kannad and ocean signal. We offer you the delivery in collection point from 150€ of purchase, that it is in accessories, textile, beacons, etc. The price of the latter should allow you to benefit from it. If not, don't hesitate to complete your basket with other accessories to take advantage of the free delivery.