World's tiniest PLB now certified for use

by Alan Wrigley/Sail-World Cruising on 5 Apr 2013

PLB1 in service SW

The tiniest PLB in the world, introduced to the sailing world in January,(see http://www.sail-world.com/CruisingAus/New,-the-worlds-smallest-Personal-Locator-Beacon./105517!Sail-World_story) has now been fully certified for use throughout Europe and the USA after being awarded relevant COSPAS-SARSAT and product approvals. The product will be available in Australia after being launched later this month.

Ocean Signal's rescueME PLB1 has shown full compatibility with the 406MHz Satellite System, which will allow the company to commence the first deliveries of the innovative PLB1 this month.

Ocean Signal Managing Director Alan Wrigley said: 'The rescueME PLB1 has already received an extremely enthusiastic reaction at boat shows throughout Europe and the US, and from experts in the field, so we are really happy to receive the approvals and excited to start delivering the product to customers.

'We are delighted that our meticulous research and development has produced an exceptional and affordable product which we are confident will help to improve safety at sea.

Size comparison © SW
Developed and manufactured in the UK, the rescueME PLB1 is typically 30% smaller than other PLBs approved to recognised Maritime standards, with dimensions of 77mm (height), 51mm (width) and 32.5mm (depth) and weighing 116g.

All that is required to activate the PLB is for the antenna to be extended, the protective cover flipped up and the button pressed. The retractable antenna and flip-up cover have been specifically designed to prevent inadvertent use.

When activated, the rescueME PLB1 will transmit accurate position data from its 66 channel GPS, using the designated 406MHz search and rescue satellite communication system, as well as transmitting a 121.5MHz homing beacon which will be received by search and rescue helicopters or vessels for a minimum of 24 hours while the integrated strobe light ensures maximum visibility.

The product has a seven-year battery life which is reflected in the seven-year warranty.

'The very affordable cost of ownership of the rescueME PLB1 due to the long battery life makes this product very practical for a huge range of people who need the reassurance of having a worldwide link to the emergency services, whether at sea or on land,' added Wrigley.

Ocean Signal is continuing to build a network of dealers throughout the world in order to continue expanding in both the leisure and commercial marine markets.

Recent announcements include the appointment of new distributors for Germany, ELNA (Elektro-Navigation Schick & Co GmbH), and Swedish distributors True Heading.

Earlier this year, Ocean Signal formed a new partnership with world-leading inflatable life jacket manufacturers International Safety Products (ISP), a Merseyside-based marine firm.

In the US, Datrex Inc, a supplier of high quality lifesaving technologies to the marine industry, has worked with Ocean Signal as its distributor in the region since early 2011.

The Ocean Signal’s SafeSea EPIRB and SART products were given the MED Wheelmark certification for Europe, together with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval for all classes of vessels including SOLAS ships, in 2011.

The European and FCC-certified rescueME PLB1 will be available in all major chandleries and through Ocean Signal’s international distribution and service network in April.

For further information on the new rescueME PLB1 please go to www.oceansignal.com.
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