VHF Radios & Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Keep in contact with the coastguard, rescue bodies and other water users with a marine VHF radio or Personal Locator Beacon. Highly recommended if you are on the water alone.

VHF Radios allow you to vocally communicate with the coastguard and other water users, providing they are within signal range. NOTE: to legally transmit with a marine VHF radio you must obtain a Marine Radio Short Range Certificate. Courses are available across the country, accredited by the RYA. 

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are a distress beacon that should only be pressed in a mayday situation requiring immediate response and assistance. Once activated, a PLB transmits your unique ID and precise GPS location to the global network of search and rescue satellites. Within minutes, rescuers are alerted to your situation, and receive regular position updates so that they can find you.