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New Zealand 's rugged landscapes and wild unpredictable weather can be deceptively dangerous. Last year alone, Search and Rescue (SAR) assisted over 2600 people in distress. While radios and mobile phones can be used for signaling other people in your area, they can't always be relied upon. They may be out of range, have limited battery power or become water-damaged.

If you get into trouble, a correctly registered 406MHz distress beacon could result in a faster SAR response and save your life, or the life of someone close to you.

Important changes to the Satellite System

The new 406MHz beacons are faster, more accurate and more reliable. The satellite system that supports the old 121.5 MHz and 243MHz analogue distress beacons is in the process of being replaced.  Already it is significantly degraded and it will cease operation altogether in February 2009.

If you have a 121.5MHz or 243MHz distress beacon, which may also be called an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter), you need to switch to a 406MHz distress beacon now.

When you're in trouble…406MHz makes you easier to find