Huge advancement in PLBs, at last

If the unthinkable happens, new technology may save your life as detailed by George Day in the Cruising Compass:

In the world of offshore sailors, this is big news. Two weeks ago, ARTEX ACR, the leading suppliers of personal locator beacons, EPIRBs, and many other safety products, finally got FCC approval to bring to market their all-new ResQLink AIS Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with an AIS signal, plus a 406 satellite beacon plus the near-field frequency link to smartphones and return link technology.

This is it, this is the PLB we have been asking for since the first AIS unit was launched.

Now, with the new ResQLink, if you fall overboard while wearing an inflatable PFD equipped with the new beacon, your position will be broadcast to all vessels equipped with AIS in your vicinity, the Coast Guard, and SARSAT system will be alerted via the 406 satellite signal, plus nearby smart phones will be alerted. And, the return link feature confirms with a green light on the unit that your 406 signal has been sent and, importantly, that it has been received by the Coast Guard.

You may be floating around cold and scared in the dark, but at least you know help is on the way. At $499.95, the new ResQLink is not cheap but I can’t think of a better way to spend money for any sailors heading to sea. For more information, click here.