During an emergency at sea, a mariner’s chance of survival decreases if search-and-rescue (SAR) personnel cannot quickly and accurately identify their location. Personal locator devices greatly aid in rescue, but only if they are mandated and used.
What’s Currently Required
Although many commercial vessels are required to carry emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), this equipment does not provide the precise location of all individuals who may be in the water and drifting away from the vessel’s EPIRB position. That’s why personal locator devices, such as personal locator beacons (PLBs) or satellite emergency notification devices (SENDs), are so valuable.
Why Do We Want Them?
PLBs provide a location accuracy of about 300 feet and nearly instant SAR notification when activated. PLBs operate in the dedicated 406.0 MHz to 406.1 MHz distress band monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system (commonly known as SARSAT), which routes distress alerts directly to a US Coast Guard response coordination center based on the beacon location. SEND communications are routed to a commercial satellite to a response coordination center operated by the company that provides service for the SEND. The response coordination center tracks the device’s location and notifies the proper authorities and emergency responders. PLBs and SENDs are affordable and can accurately pinpoint a person’s location to SAR assets.
Unfortunately, mariners are not required to use these devices.
Our Investigations Support a Mandate
The NTSB has investigated numerous casualties where crewmembers had to abandon a vessel without a means to communicate their individual locations to responders. In some cases, the mariners were never found. In 2017, we issued Safety Recommendation M-17-45 to the US Coast Guard to require PLBs for mariners aboard vessels. We have reiterated the recommendation three times since then (in 2021 and 2022); the recommendation remains open.
Vessel owners and operators can enhance the safety of their crews by providing each crewmember with a personal locator device, such as a PLB or SEND, to supplement EPIRBs. Vessel owners and operators should:
- Determine the best type of personal locator device for their crew. Some devices transmit via satellite, while others transmit on terrestrial frequencies. Not all devices notify the Coast Guard directly.
- Provide each crewmember a personal locator device and ensure they carry it. Devices can be worn in a zipped clothing pocket or a bag attached to a belt or to personal flotation devices.
- Register each crewmember’s personal locator device with the appropriate organization. PLBs must be registered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, while SENDs and other similar devices should be registered through the manufacturer or operating company.
- Ensure crewmembers are aware of their personal locator device capabilities and limitations and understand how to operate their devices, as well as how each type transmits location information.
Safety Alert 89: Personal Locator Devices: Improve Your Chance of Rescue, December 2023
Safety Compass Blog, Personal Locator Beacons Improve the Chance of Rescue at Sea, December 22, 2022
Open Recommendations that Represent Critical Safety Priorities
M-17-45 to the US Coast Guard: Require that all personnel employed on vessels in coastal, Great Lakes, and ocean service be provided with a personal locator beacon to enhance their chances of survival.
M-22-12—Offshore Marine Service Association: Notify your members of the availability and benefits of personal locator beacons.
Updated September 25, 2024
