Distress Radiobeacon - Classification Nomenclature

Classification Nomenclature

The three distress radiobeacon types are further classified as follows:

There are three types of distress radio beacons compatible with the Cospas-Sarsat system:

• EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) signal maritime distress.
• ELTs (emergency locator transmitters) signal aircraft distress.
• PLBs (personal locator beacons) are for personal use and are intended to indicate a person in distress who is away from normal emergency services; e.g., 9-1-1. They are also used for crewsaving applications in shipping and lifeboats at terrestrial systems. In New South Wales, some police stations and the National Parks and Wildlife Service provide personal locator beacons to hikers for no charge.