Beacons

Choosing the right beacon

Select the relevant options below, and we will suggest an appropriate type of beacon for you. Beacon types and models

Where will you be using your beacon?

Would you like additional safety, in case you get separated from your vehicle?

For use on land

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are designed to be used on land. They are smaller and easier to transport than other beacons, and are designed to stay with individuals rather than vehicles.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) can also be used on land, but are more difficult to transport because they are larger and heavier to carry.

For use on water

In most states, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are required for boats that travel at least 2 nautical miles from the coast. If you're not travelling that far, you can use a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) instead.

For use on an aircraft

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are designed for aircraft.

In some cases, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) or Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) may be carried in place of an ELT. Refer to CASA to read the regulations.

GPS

For faster and more accurate alerts, be sure to select a beacon that has GPS.

Why is GPS best?

 

Additional safety

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are designed to stay with your vehicle (car, boat, aircraft, etc). Individuals may also choose to carry Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). This provides additional safety in the event where you become separated from your vehicle which contains your other beacon.

If you do carry multiple beacons, activate one beacon in a distress situation. However if in a group of people do not activate them all at once unless you become separated from your group. For more details, see using your beacon.

Related information