Going hiking? Here’s how to use a Personal Locator Beacon — and where to find them

After a spate of rescues from Australia’s wilderness in recent weeks — including some with tragic outcomes in Tasmania and success after a two-week search in Kosciuszko National Park— authorities are urging people heading out to be prepared.

That includes having the right equipment — such as food and water, warm clothing even if conditions are nice when heading out, protection from the elements, and, importantly, a personal locator beacon. 

But how does one of those beacons work, and where do you get one?

How does a locator beacon work?

A personal locator beacon is a small, portable electronic device that, when activated, sends off a signal via satellites to alert rescue authorities that someone is in distress.

They also transmit a homing signal which aircraft and ground search parties can use to locate you.

That signal is used to help locate someone within a radius of around a few hundred metres anywhere in Australia, aiding ground and air rescue efforts.

They’re also small enough to fit in your pocket, so they’re accessible in the event you need it. 

Tasmania Police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Bernard Peters said their value couldn’t be understated.

“If you can get an emergency signal out that someone’s in distress earlier, the faster you’re going to receive a response.”

Registering the PLB 

But, accessing a PLB is only the first step — next, it has to be registered.

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

“Registration details include the particulars of the person that’s going to be using it, and most importantly for us, is some contact numbers of those to contact in case it’s activated — and that person, ideally, will know the intended route of your trip.”

He said one of the challenges of PLBs was that they didn’t allow people to communicate the nature of the distress someone might be in, so the more context provided, the better.

Where do I get one, and are all models created equal?

PLBs can be purchased from a range of hiking and outdoor stores, and prices typically start from around $400. 

AMSA response centre duty manager Stephen Hart said as the prices of PLBs went up, so too did the features.

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

Be careful if buying secondhand, in case the model is obsolete or not approved in Australia. And, if second hand, make sure you update the registration details.

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

In Tasmania, that includes through Service Tasmania, who say on their website PLBs can be hired by people over the age of 18 at their Hobart, Launceston, Burnie or Devonport service centres. 

That’ll set you back about $40 a week, for a maximum of four weeks. Fees apply for damaged ($300) and lost beacons ($500).

But, Service Tasmania warn availability is not guaranteed, so recommend you reserve one as far in advance as possible.

Other states also offer a similar service, including New South Wales, and there are also private companies that rent them out, as well as hiking and outdoor stores.

But, it’s important to check the AMSA website to confirm which products meet Australian standards.

How long does a device last?

Roughly five to seven years, according to Sergeant Peters, and once the battery dies it’s typically time to replace the beacon. 

But, that battery life expectancy, and if it can be replaced, is also brand-dependent.

The Australian Marine Safety Authority says to contact the manufacturer, before you reach the expiry date, to learn if there are any battery replacement or servicing options. 

You should note if the battery is replaced or serviced by a non-certified service centre, it won’t be compliant and runs the risk of not working properly.

“A situation of genuine distress or emergency is not the time to discover that a beacon does not meet applicable standards,” the AMSA website reads.

Authorities also urge people to test their beacons before they depart, with test functions built into the devices.

What can a PLB do my mobile phone can’t?

These days, some mobile phones come equipped with satellite messaging capability, but authorities say that’s not the same as what a PLB offers.

While those phones are good for staying in contact with loved ones, a personal locator beacon comes with a stronger signal, and in more areas, Sergeant Peters said.

He said particularly in more remote areas, or places with thick scrub, personal locator beacons are generally far more reliable.

Ideally, he said, you’d be carrying both a mobile or satellite phone, and a PLB.

What if I accidentally set it off?

That situation is “unusual”, Sergeant Peters said, but can — and does — happen occasionally. 

In that event, turn off the beacon immediately and if you have signal, call the relevant authority, such as AMSA, to let them know you’re not actually in distress.

Mr Hart said a common misconception was that setting a beacon off accidentally would come with a penalty from AMSA.

Sergeant Peters said PLBs typically had a two-step activation process — opening a flap on the top and pressing the button — which can help prevent accidental activations.

But, he said where you store the PLB is also a factor.

What are the other applications for PLBs?

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

Mr Hart said they were also useful for farmers heading out on their properties in areas without service, cross-country skiers, and four-wheel or quad-bike operators.

“There’s quite a lot of instances out there where people get themselves into trouble,” he said.

“But carrying something like a PLB on [them], they’re stuck under the tractor or the quad-bike with a broken leg, they can press the button and help is activated straight away.”

*Hours of operation refers to the minimum amount of time the beacon will continuously transmit a signal after it has been activated.

Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

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