When a distress call turns into a rescue mission, seconds matter — and your signal has to be seen, heard, and traced, fast. That’s exactly where Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) come into play. For charter operators, fleet managers, and safety officers, these devices aren’t optional—they’re core assets in your emergency response strategy.
Here’s what your company needs to know to stay prepared, compliant, and connected when it counts most.
EPIRBs: Your Vessel’s Global SOS
An EPIRB is designed to broadcast a distress signal via satellite, alerting search and rescue services with your location anywhere on Earth. Once activated — either manually or automatically upon immersion — the device sends out a coded message on the 406 MHz frequency via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network.
Modern models, like the Ocean Signal EPIRB3 Pro or EPIRB1 Pro, available at Gaelix Marine Service, also come with AIS (Automatic Identification System), Return Link Service (RLS), and NFC programming for simple configuration.
Key reasons to equip your fleet with EPIRBs:
SOLAS/MED and GMDSS compliance
Worldwide satellite reach
Accurate GPS positioning
Water-activated and float-free housing options
Long battery life — typically 10 years
Whether you’re managing commercial fishing vessels, passenger ferries, or offshore support ships, EPIRBs are the backbone of maritime distress signaling.
PLBs: Because Not Every Emergency Happens on the Ship
Unlike EPIRBs, which are vessel-registered, PLBs are designed for individual use. Think of them as your crew’s personal distress beacons — wearable, lightweight, and ideal for:
Crew working away from the main deck
Small craft operators
Onshore crew in marina or remote base environments
Models like the PLB1 and PLB3 are compact but powerful. The PLB3, for example, integrates AIS, RLS, and GNSS, making it one of the most advanced personal rescue devices available today.
We recommend issuing PLBs to all crew on vessels where man-overboard risks are elevated, such as high-speed transfers, nighttime sailing, or isolated zones.
Combine & Complement: EPIRBs + PLBs = Maximum Safety
For a complete safety strategy:
Use EPIRBs to signal the vessel’s emergency location to rescue authorities.
Equip crew with PLBs to pinpoint their individual locations if separated from the vessel.
Don’t forget:
Hydrostatic release units, such as the Hammar H20, ensure automatic deployment of EPIRBs in case of capsizing.
Flotation pouches for PLBs improve visibility and retrieval in rough seas.
Compliance Isn’t Enough — You Need Confidence
Yes, EPIRBs and PLBs help you pass inspections. But more importantly, they:
Reduce response time
Increase survival rates
Demonstrate professionalism to clients and crew alike
At Gaelix Marine Service, we work with vessel managers and operators across Europe to outfit fleets with reliable, tested, and internationally certified emergency signaling devices.
Explore the Full Range
We stock:
The latest EPIRBs from Ocean Signal, including EPIRB1, EPIRB3, and Pro variants
Compact, high-performance PLBs
AIS MOB devices, SAR transponders, GMDSS handheld radios, and distress flares
All necessary mounting kits, hydrostatic releases, and accessories
Browse the complete lineup of Emergency Equipment Devices or speak to our team for fleet packages and recommendations.
✅ Final Word
You never want to rely on luck at sea. You want systems. You want signal strength. You want rescue on the way — not a guess.
With modern EPIRBs and PLBs, you’re not just buying compliance — you’re investing in certainty when everything else is uncertain.