Are you going on a hike? Here’s how to use a personal locator and where to find it

After a series of rescues from the Australian wilderness in recent weeks — including some with tragic consequences in Tasmania and a successful two-week search in Kosciuszko National Park — authorities are urging people to be prepared.

This includes having the right equipment—for example, food and water, warm clothing even if conditions are good during the outing, protection from the elements, and, importantly, a personal locator.

But how does one of these beacons work and where can you get one?

How does the locator beacon work?

A personal locator beacon is a small, portable electronic device that, when activated, sends a signal via satellites to alert emergency services that someone is in trouble.

They also transmit a homing signal that aircraft and ground search teams can use to determine your location.

This signal is used to help locate someone within a radius of approximately a few hundred meters anywhere in Australia, assisting ground and air rescue efforts.

They’re also small enough to fit in your pocket, so they’re available if you need them.

Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Co-ordinator Sergeant Bernard Peters said their value could not be underestimated.

“The sooner you can get an emergency signal that someone is in trouble, the faster you’ll get a response.”

PLB registration

But accessing PLB is only the first step, then it needs to be registered.

“ Australian Maritime Safety Authority website this is the best place to do it,” Sergeant Peters said.

“The registration details contain information about the person who will be using it and, most importantly for us, some contact numbers of those who can be contacted if it is activated – and ideally this person will know the intended route of your journey. “

He said one of the problems with PLBs is that they don’t allow people to report the nature of the trouble someone might be in, so the more context the better.

Where can I get one and are all models the same?

PLBs are available from a number of hiking and outdoor stores, and prices typically start around $400.

AMSA Response Center Duty Manager Stephen Hart said that as PLB prices have increased, so have features.

“Lights, torches…some of them have the ability…with the advancement of technology to communicate or send pre-recorded or text messages back and forth.”

Be careful buying used as the model is outdated or not approved in Australia. And if it is used, be sure to update the registration data.

But buying one isn’t the only option—they can also be rented.

In Tasmania, particularly through Service Tasmania, which they say on their website People aged 18 and over can hire a PLB from service centers in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie or Devonport.

This will set you back about $40 per week for a maximum of four weeks. Fees apply for damaged ($300) and lost beacons ($500).

But Service Tasmania warns that availability is not guaranteed, so we recommend booking it as early as possible.

Other states also offer a similar service, including New South Walesand there are also private companies that rent them out, as well as walking and street shops.

But it is important to check AMSA website to confirm which products meet Australian standards.

How long does the device last?

About five to seven years, Sergeant Peters said, and when the battery dies, it’s usually time to replace the beacon.

But the expected life of the battery and the possibility of replacing it also depends on the brand.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority advises contacting the manufacturer before the expiry date to see if there are any battery replacement or service options.

Please note that if the battery is replaced or serviced by a non-certified service center, it will not meet the requirements and may not work properly.

“A true disaster or emergency situation is not the time to discover that a beacon is not up to current standards,” AMSA’s website states.

Authorities are also urging people to check their beacons before leaving with the device’s built-in test functions.

What can PLB do that my cell phone can’t?

Some cell phones today are equipped with satellite messaging capabilities, but authorities say that’s not the same as what PLB offers.

According to Sergeant Peters, these phones are convenient for keeping in touch with loved ones, but the personal locator has a stronger signal and in more areas.

Especially in remote areas or places with thick bush, personal locator beacons tend to be much more reliable, he said.

Ideally, he said, you should have a mobile or satellite phone and a PLB with you.

What if I accidentally turn it off?

This situation is “unusual,” Sergeant Peters said, but can — and does — happen from time to time.

In this case, immediately turn off the beacon and, if you have a signal, call the appropriate authority, such as AMSAso they know you’re not really in trouble.

Mr Hart said a common misconception was that accidentally switching on a beacon would be penalized by AMSA.

Sergeant Peters said the PLB typically has a two-step activation process — opening a valve at the top and pressing a button — which can help prevent accidental activation.

But he said where the PLB is stored is also a factor.

What are the other programs for PLB?

While remote hiking is a common use for locator beacons, it’s not the only situation where carrying beacons is good practice.

Mr Hart said they were also useful for farmers going out on their land in unserved areas, cross-country skiers and four-wheel or ATV operators.

“There are quite a few cases where people get into trouble,” he said.

“But when (they) have something like a PLB, they’re stuck under a tractor or an ATV with a broken leg, they can press a button and help is activated immediately.”

*Hour of operation means the minimum amount of time that the beacon will continuously transmit a signal after it is activated.

Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

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