Ocean Signal Epirbs & Plbs

Whether you’re chasing kingfish offshore or cruising the Gulf, an EPIRB or PLB could be the most important safety gear on board. Smart Marine stocks NZ-coded 406 MHz beacons from ACR, GME and Ocean Signal, which alert search and rescue through the worldwide Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, with no subscription or ongoing fees.

EPIRB or PLB? An EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) is registered to your boat. It floats and transmits for longer, and float-free models release and activate automatically if the boat goes down. A PLB (personal locator beacon) is registered to you. It’s compact enough to wear on your lifejacket and goes with you on the boat, kayak, or into the bush.

Extra features. All our beacons have built-in GPS for fast, accurate positioning. Return Link models confirm your distress signal has been received, and AIS models also alert nearby boats and lead rescuers straight to you. We also stock man overboard beacons that alert your own boat if someone goes over the side.

Register your beacon. Beacon registration with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand is free and required, and it helps rescuers know who they’re looking for. Keep your registration up to date and check your beacon’s battery expiry date.

Pair your beacon with an inflatable lifejacket, a handheld VHF radio and flares, and pack it all in a dry bag as a grab bag. Heading further offshore? See our life rafts and AIS receivers.

Smart VIP members are covered by our Price Promise. Shop online with Afterpay or Laybuy, or Click & Collect from your nearest Smart Marine store.