PLB stands for Personal Locator Beacon.
PLBs are Emergency Life Saving devices to be used when all else fails. Advances
in PLB Technology have made transmission, location and rescue faster than ever before.
A PLB is a small transmitter that sends out a personalized emergency distress signal
to your nearest rescue services.
If you are a boater, hunter, hiker, camper, backpacker, kayaker, etc. and are
simply out of cell phone range, a PLB is a highly effective and internationally
recognized way to summon help. A PLB should be used only in situations of Grave
and Imminent Danger or ôlife threatening situationsö.
Each PLB is equipped with a UIN (Unique Identifying Number). This number is a
15 digit alphanumeric code. This code is what is transmitted in the electronic burst
to the satellites. The UIN is linked to a computer database. The electronic burst
provides Search and Rescue with your location, while the UIN links to the database
and provides your name, address, phone number and any pertinent information such
as medical problems, of which Search and Rescue should be aware. You may also file
updated trip reports before each trip.
When you buy a PLB, it is imperative that you register it with NOAA. In doing
so, they will tie all your personal information into the 15 digit UIN. That way,
when your PLB is activated anywhere on the planet, Search and Rescue will know who
you are, where you are and how to handle any pre-existing medical problems when
they reach you.
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