Complete Personal Locator Beacon Guide for Sailing & Cruising

CAPTAIN OFFSHORE SAILING COURSE BUNDLE - https://www.nauticed.org/bundle/view/captain?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=GBRQa1SmSAM LRSE - https://www.lrse.com Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) save lives. In this NauticEd safety episode, we break down exactly how a personal locator beacon works, why every offshore sailor and coastal cruiser should carry one, and how new AIS MOB and DSC-enabled PLBs tie into your VHF radio and chartplotter. We start with a real rescue story, then walk through 406 MHz PLB technology, registration and hex IDs, global satellite coverage, and how PLBs differ from classic EPIRBs. You’ll see how to wear and activate a PLB correctly, when it’s appropriate to use one (life-threatening emergencies only), and why combining 406 MHz + AIS PLB beacons (like the Rescue Link 450) gives you the fastest possible path to rescue. In this video you’ll learn: What a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is and how 406 MHz satellite alerts reach rescue services How PLB registration, hex IDs, and databases help rescuers know who you are Where PLBs are used: offshore sailing, coastal cruising, hiking, fishing, camping How to carry, deploy the antenna, and activate a PLB safely The difference between PLBs, EPIRBs, AIS MOB beacons, and DSC-linked devices How AIS and DSC alerts show up on nearby vessels’ multifunction displays & VHF radios Why combo PLB + AIS units are ideal for coastal cruising and man overboard situations If you’re serious about boating safety, offshore passagemaking, or man overboard (MOB) preparedness, this PLB guide will help you choose and use the right beacon with confidence. 00:00 – Real PLB Rescue Story: Why Personal Locator Beacons Save Lives 00:24 – What Is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)? 00:34 – How PLBs Work: 406 MHz, Satellites & Registration Hex IDs 01:06 – Where PLBs Are Used: Boating, Hiking, Fishing & Camping 01:21 – How to Carry & Activate a PLB Safely 01:53 – When to Use a PLB: Life-Threatening Emergencies Only 02:04 – PLB vs EPIRB: Mini EPIRBs & 406 MHz Beacons 02:23 – AIS MOB Beacons: Personal Locator Beacons with AIS 03:00 – AIS & DSC Integration: MMSI, VHF Radios & Man Overboard Alerts 03:50 – Combo PLB + AIS: Rescue Link 450 for Coastal Cruising 04:24 – Why AIS PLBs Help Nearby Boats Rescue You Faster #sailboat #sailing