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 life threatening situations.
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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