Land

From February 2009, the signal from 121.5MHz and 243MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s) will no longer be monitored by satellite. This means if you need help in an emergency and try to use an old beacon to alert rescuers, the satellites will have no way of hearing you. The signal is already unreliable as there are fewer satellites monitoring the old frequencies.

Don’t leave it too late to upgrade – switch to a digital 406MHz PLB now.

What is a PLB?

Personal Locator Beacons are designed for personal use, mainly by bushwalkers, cross-country vehicle clubs, mountaineers and other adventurers on land. They can also be used in light aircraft, gliders, hot air balloons and in some maritime situations.

They’re small enough to fit in your pocket and are activated manually.

What kind of 406MHz PLB do I need?

There is a wide range of beacons available for land use. Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s) are for trampers, climbers, four-wheel drivers and other outdoors people. PLB’s are also suitable for very small aircraft, gliders and in some maritime situations. They’re small enough to fit in your pocket and are activated manually.

We strongly recommend you purchase a PLB with in-built GPS as this dramatically improves their accuracy. This means your location can be identified by RCCNZ on the first contact with a satellite. Without GPS it would require two satellites to pick up your beacon signal, to resolve the ambiguity of the satellite positions. The time between satellite passes varies greatly, ranging between 20 minutes and 4.5 hours.

For marine-only situations we recommend the marine version called an EPIRB as most PLB’s do not float. Also, the batteries in EPIRB’s last approximately twice as long as those in a PLB.

Your local supplier will guide you to the option that is most suitable for your needs, taking into account the kind of activity you engage in.

Where should I keep it?

Tramping, climbing, & adventure sports:
On your person. Do not keep it in clothing or pieces of equipment that might get left behind or dropped in an accident.

4x4 wheel driving:
In the glove box or another safe and accessible compartment - preferably somewhere it is free from vibration, which could cause accidental activation in rough terrain.

In the air:
If you are using a PLB in any kind of aircraft, you must keep it on your person.

At sea:
If you are using a PLB in a maritime situation, you must keep it on your person.

Don't buy a foreign 406!

Each country has an individual 406 code. When you purchase a 406MHz distress beacon, make sure it is coded for New Zealand. The New Zealand Country Code is 512. If you buy one from overseas or over the Internet, it could be an expensive mistake. When it is activated the satellite may notify the wrong rescue coordination centre which could mean a long, potentially life-threatening delay in your rescue.

Remember – It is vital that you register your new beacon.

This means Search and Rescue can contact you or a person you nominate to verify activation. This can improve search response time and help cut down on false alarms. Once your beacon is registered, you will need to keep your details up to date and notify the register if the beacon changes ownership.

How to register

There are two easy ways to register your 406MHz beacon:
1 Fill out the online 406 registration form.
2 Or download the .PDF registration form, complete it and post, email or fax your form to:
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand
PO Box 30050
Lower Hutt 5040
New Zealand
Fax: +64 4 577 8041

Phone 0800 406 111 or email 406registry@maritimenz.govt.nz to make registration enquiries.

Disposing of your old PLB
It’s important to dispose of your old 121.5 or 243MHz PLB properly. If you do not, it could still be accidentally activated, causing an unnecessary search and rescue operation. There is also the risk that someone may think one of the old 121.5MHz PLB’s is a useful safety device.

Old PLB’s need to have their battery disconnected and then be disposed of in accordance with local regulation, as many contain hazardous materials. See this website for a list of suppliers who will help you dispose of your old beacon safely. Some of these suppliers may offer trade in deals.

If you sell or dispose of a registered 406 MHz PLB, please let RCCNZ know by phoning 0508 472 269.