Do you need a GPS enabled PLB?
Many PLBs are manufactured with GPS receivers integrated with the unit. By utilizing GPS data the PLB is able to broadcast a precise location to the SARSAT systems and thus provide near instantaneous location information to the search and rescue authorities. Without GPS the SARSAT system will calculate your position but this can take up to one hour depending on the location of the satellites.
EPIRB Reviews strongly recommends PLBs with built-in GPS capability!
Choose one with GPS if…
- You want to be able to provide a position fix to SAR in a few minutes.
- You want SAR teams to know your position within ~100 meters.
- You want the SAR teams to be able to easily navigate to your exact location.
Choose one without GPS if…
- You are OK if SAR cannot get your position fix for up to an hour after activation.
- You are OK if SAR receives position accuracy of only ~2 nm.
- You are OK for SAR to home into your position using 121.5 MHz homing beacon.