Is It Necessary To Carry A GPS With A PLB?

Signaling for Help

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a distress device that sends a signal to emergency responders in the event of a life-threatening situation. While a PLB or EPIRB provides location and distress signals, it does not provide navigation or tracking capabilities. In situations where you’re stranded or lost, a GPS device can help you navigate back to civilization or a rescue location.

Redundancy and Added Safety

Carrying a GPS with a PLB provides redundancy in case the PLB or EPIRB fails to deploy or is damaged. A GPS device can also provide additional information such as your current location, altitude, and bearing. This information can be crucial in guiding rescuers to your location. For example, a Garmin inReach device can send your location and a pre-programmed message to emergency responders, while a PLB or EPIRB sends a distress signal.

Device Integration and Limitations

Many modern GPS devices, such as satellite messengers and handheld GPS units, are designed to work in conjunction with PLBs and EPIRBs. For instance, the Garmin inReach devices can be paired with a PLB or EPIRB to provide additional location information and messaging capabilities. However, it’s essential to note that a PLB or EPIRB should always be the primary means of signaling for help in life-threatening situations. GPS devices should be used as a secondary tool to aid in navigation and communication.