Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)

Personal locator beacons or PLBs work similarly to and on the same frequencies as emergency beacons on vessels and aircraft (EPIRB and ELT). PLBs send out a distress signal via Cospas-Sarsat satellites in the 406 MHz band. In addition, PLBs usually send out a direction signal at 121.5 MHz, which is the VHF aircraft emergency frequency.

The only purpose of such direction signal is to help locate the emergency beacon in search operations. A PLB requires a radio licence and a unique identification code. You can apply for the radio licence via the e-service below. After you have received the licence, send Traficom the details of the contact person(s) in emergency situations via the contact form.