Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon
The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is an exceptionally compact Personal Locator Beacon designed to connect its user directly with worldwide search and rescue services during a grave and imminent emergency. Suitable for marine, aviation, hiking, climbing, hunting, remote work, and other outdoor activities, the PLB1 provides dependable satellite distress alerting anywhere within the coverage of the international Cospas-Sarsat system.
Once activated, the rescueME PLB1 transmits its unique beacon identification and GPS-derived position through the dedicated 406 MHz search and rescue satellite network. The alert is routed to the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center so that emergency services can identify the registered owner, determine the beacon’s location, and begin coordinating a response. Cospas-Sarsat service is government-supported and does not require a subscription or ongoing service plan.
406 MHz Distress Alerting with Integrated GPS
The rescueME PLB1 transmits a powerful 5-watt distress signal on 406.040 MHz. Its integrated 66-channel GPS receiver determines the user’s position and includes that location with the emergency transmission, helping search and rescue authorities reduce the area they need to search.
The satellite network can determine an approximate beacon location from the 406 MHz transmission alone. Once the PLB1 obtains a reliable GPS position, location accuracy is typically within approximately 100 meters. The beacon continues transmitting its distress identification and updated position throughout the emergency.
121.5 MHz Homing Signal and LED Strobe
In addition to its primary satellite distress transmission, the PLB1 broadcasts a 121.5 MHz homing signal. Search and rescue aircraft, vessels, and ground teams equipped with compatible direction-finding equipment can use this signal during the final stages of a rescue to locate the beacon more precisely.
An integrated high-intensity white LED strobe produces approximately one candela of light and flashes between 20 and 30 times per minute. The strobe provides an additional visual locating aid during nighttime operations and other low-visibility conditions.
Compact One-Handed Operation
The rescueME PLB1 is approximately 30% smaller by volume than many conventional Personal Locator Beacons and weighs only 116 grams. Its compact design allows it to be carried on a belt, attached to protective clothing, mounted to compatible safety equipment, or stored in an emergency kit without taking up significant space.
A spring-loaded protective flap covers the activation controls to reduce the risk of accidental operation. During an emergency, the retractable antenna is pulled fully from the beacon using the black tab. The protective flap is then lifted and the activation button is pressed for one second. The PLB1 can be activated and operated with one hand when necessary.
The included mounting cradle uses a flexible strap to secure the PLB1 to a belt, clothing, or other suitable equipment. When installing the beacon directly on a lifejacket or another personal flotation device, always follow the lifejacket manufacturer’s instructions and secure the beacon to the wearer with its lanyard.
Rugged Construction and Long-Life Battery
The PLB1 is waterproof to a depth of 15 meters and is designed to operate in temperatures from -20°C to +55°C. Its lithium manganese dioxide battery provides more than 24 hours of emergency operation at -20°C and has a seven-year replacement interval under normal storage and testing conditions.
Routine beacon and GPS self-tests allow the owner to check the PLB1 without transmitting an emergency distress alert. Ocean Signal recommends performing the standard beacon test monthly. Testing should always be completed according to the instructions in the owner’s manual because every test uses a small amount of the beacon’s battery capacity.
Important Flotation and Operating Information
The rescueME PLB1 does not float unless it is fitted with the optional Ocean Signal flotation pouch. The flotation pouch provides buoyancy and can help recover the beacon if it is dropped into the water, but the PLB1 is not designed to transmit while floating inside the pouch.
When activated over water, the beacon should be securely tethered to the user or life raft and held clear of the water. The PLB1 should be positioned with its antenna vertical and the area marked for the GPS antenna kept clear of obstructions. The beacon should not be submerged or allowed to float freely while transmitting.
The rescueME PLB1 is a manually activated Personal Locator Beacon. It does not automatically activate when a lifejacket inflates or when it enters the water. Users seeking automatic lifejacket activation and local AIS man overboard alerting should consider an appropriate Ocean Signal AIS MOB beacon or the rescueME PLB3.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: rescueME PLB1
Manufacturer Part Number: 730S-01261
Beacon Type: Personal Locator Beacon
Activation: Manual
Satellite Network: Cospas-Sarsat
Primary Distress Frequency: 406.040 MHz
406 MHz Transmit Power: 5 watts nominal
Homing Frequency: 121.5 MHz
Homing Transmit Power: 25 to 100 mW
GPS Receiver: Integrated 66-channel GPS
Strobe: High-intensity white LED, approximately one candela
Operating Life: More than 24 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 7 years
Battery Chemistry: Lithium manganese dioxide
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Waterproof Rating: 15 meters
Dimensions: Approximately 76 x 52 x 32 mm
Weight: 116 grams
Flotation: Optional flotation pouch required
Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Warranty: Two years, extendable by an additional three years through Ocean Signal product registration
Beacon Registration
Every 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon must be registered with the appropriate national beacon registration authority before being placed into service. Registration connects the beacon’s unique 15-digit identification number with the owner, emergency contacts, and other information that may assist search and rescue authorities.
Registration is free for U.S.-coded Personal Locator Beacons through NOAA. The registration should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever the owner’s contact information, emergency contacts, or intended use changes.
Register or Update a U.S. 406 MHz Beacon with NOAA
Battery Replacement and Emergency Use
The PLB1 battery is not user replaceable. Battery service must be completed by an authorized service provider before the expiration date marked on the beacon. The battery must also be replaced after an emergency activation, following significant accidental use, or when the self-test indicator shows that the battery has been used.
The rescueME PLB1 should only be activated during a situation of grave and imminent danger. If the beacon is accidentally activated, switch it off and contact the appropriate rescue authority as soon as possible with the beacon’s 15-digit identification number, the time of activation, and the user’s current location.
Product Manual
Download the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 User Manual
