Best PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for Australia [2024]

GME has been providing the market with cutting-edge RF communication equipment for more than 60 years and is the sole Australian manufacturer of UHF CB radios and emergency beacon systems. In fact, over 50% of Australian rescues involve a GME brand PLB.

The MT610G, which was developed, engineered, and produced in Australia, comes with a “non hazmat” battery pack for portability.

A 72 channel integrated GPS receiver, zero warm-up time, high intensity LEDs, IP68 Ingress Protection, and a naturally buoyant design are other benefits.

The MT610G surpasses the most recent international standards and is Cospas-Sarsat Class 2 certified, providing campers, bushwalkers and other outdoor enthusiasts with increased peace of mind. It takes the place of the MT410G, which is no longer produced (but can stll be found on Amazon)

For several years now, Garmin has been setting the standard for GPS tracking and satellite communications. The Inreach Mini is essential equipment for hikers and explorers who go off-grid and spend a lot of time away from phone and internet service.

The Inreach Mini is what we call a 2-way satellite communicator or often referred to as a PLB. This indicates that, unlike other gadgets, which can only send messages, the InReach can send as well as receive messages. A precise topographical map position for a visual will be included in messages sent (either to a mobile phone or email address) to a person that also include information about your location. You always provide the following information in your messages:

• Time sent
• Date sent
• Coordinates (example: N 45.247439° W 121.886726°)
• Speed (if you are moving while sending the message)
• Elevation
• Map of location

Bluetooth can be used to pair the Inreach Mini with a smartphone. The agony of typing on the Inreach Mini’s interface is completely eliminated once you are linked to your phone and can create a message as though you were sending a regular text message (there is no keyboard).

Not all messages sent to the device are received right away. To receive messages, you need to have a signal. You can reload your inbox using the “check mail” function if you received any new messages since the last time you checked your mail.

I advise choosing the Garmin Inreach Mini over the Explorer+ if you care more about weight, size, and simplicity than a few functions.

The rescueME operates at the current industry standard frequency of 406 MHz. Older PLBs operated on the 121.5 MHz international distress frequency, which is no longer monitored by international search and rescue organisations because it was only effective over a much smaller area and lacked positional data. Additionally, this beacon has GPS information that can help rescuers locate me, typically to within a few metres (2 yards). Additionally, a 121.5 transmitter is provided so that search teams can use it to locate their targets.

The rescueME PLB1 is tiny, measuring only 75 x 51 x 32.5 mm (2.95 x 2 x 1.28″). The extendable antenna can be retracted by turning a little knob on the top of the device, which also displays information on the battery’s expiration date. A little, black plastic component that appears to be a switch but is actually the antenna is located on the upper left side of the device. By pulling on the black portion, a length of flexible metal that resembles a tape measure but is unmarked is extended. The antenna’s full extension measures 25 cm (10″).

I hope I never need to utilise the incredibly compact safety gear known as the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1. It is small, lightweight, and simple to attach to a variety of items of clothing or equipment. The beacon’s relatively small footprint makes it possible for me to carry it around instead of fixing it to anything, which is the best option for preserving my life. The price of this unit is comparable to that of the larger units, and it offers comparable performance.

If you want to purchase all your safety gear in one go then this kit is perfect.

Containing both an EPIRB and PLB, it provides all the necessary emergency devices for the serious hiker, fisherman or camper.

Kit includes:

• GlobalFIX V4 GPS EPIRB with Manual Bracket (Category 2)
• ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon
• Firefly PRO Waterbug and HemiLight3 Rescue Strobe Lights
• Signal Mirror with Res-Q Whistle
• RapidDitch Express buoyant ditch bag

About the PLB

Small, light, and buoyant, the ACR ResQlink 400 Personal Location Beacon is a personal locator beacon. This unit won’t fail you down if or when you need it most because it was built with military-grade durability and ResQlink satellite precision. You can rely on this device to strengthen your safety net in any environment—on land, at sea, or in the air—and to actually put rescue in your hands if something goes wrong. Whether you are hiking the local mountain or fishing on the outer reefs, this beacon has you covered with its global coverage using GPS and Galileo GNSS.

The ZOLEO device connects with the free ZOLEO app for your smartphone or tablet and is ruggedly built, GPS location-aware, and Iridium-based to keep you connected and safe even when you venture beyond of cell service. Enjoy seamless texting wherever you go with satellite messaging subscriptions starting at just $32 per month. Built-in check-in and SOS buttons provide additional peace of mind and keep you secure, particularly when going off the grid.