Advice epirb plb whats everyone using

[liferaft]

I used to own a company that sold and serviced EPIRBS and PLBS. Sold that portion a couple of years ago, but still remember a bit.

1. PLB's are not required to float. Some do, some have 'sleeves' that provide buoyancy but some sink like a rock. I own a 'sinking' model which isn't an issue when riding my bicycle but wouldn't be good in a marine environment.

2. When we replaced a battery we were required to test the beacon to ensure it was transmitting properly. Also a leak test was required. Neither of these things can be performed by a user.

3. Not a fan of anything other than an EPIRB or PLB as a Primary piece of life saving equipment. Many others either require a subscription or have limited operating areas.

The two big differences between an EPIRB and PLB are the requirement that an EPIRB floats and 48 v 24 hour battery life at -20 degrees. Signal strength is the same, SAR connection the same- both are great.

[Kolchac]

I use Inreach Mini. It has significant advantages:
1. You can keep it always on, track your passage on your friends computers (on lend) and you know for sure it works (you have feedback).

2. You have one button SOS, same as PLB, but you have a feedback after activating it, so you know when somebody got you.
3. You can send additional information, which could be helpful for rescue team.

4. When you press SOS, it goes also to your friends, and if your signal is ignored by Search and Rescue assets (I read it happened) your friends will duplicate the alarm. Also they have your passage.

[barryglewis]

Dockhead,
We have a full epirb packed in our life-raft, also registered to the yacht (as well as the yachts one)