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ACR EPIRBs and PLBs

ACR have been designing and building outstanding emergency survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS Beacons, strobe lights and grab bags since 1956.

ACR specialist engineering and testing ensures reliable protection...

ACR have been designing and building outstanding emergency survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS Beacons, strobe lights and grab bags since 1956.

ACR specialist engineering and testing ensures reliable protection against the hazards of the most extreme marine environment.

What is the main difference between an EPIRB and a PLB ?

An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is the main distress location beacon on board, registered to the yacht - a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is pocket sized for the crew or the Safety Grab Bag

ACR EPIRBS and PLBs all feature three levels of (Triple) Integrated Signal Technology – GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability – ensuring the immediate and accurate relay of the casualty position to a network of search and rescue satellites.

Location Technology will be the main platform for a successful rescue operation in the event of an accident at sea.

Before you set out to sea, it is extremely important to familiarise yourself with your safety equipment and ensure that it is primed ready to be activated in an emergency.

EPIRB and PLB Onshore Pre-departure Check List:

Register your Beacon

Register for your ACR Manufacturer warranty

Learn how to activate your location device(s).

Conduct a self-test which prompts the electronics, battery and antenna to be tested without generating a false alarm.

Confirm that your EPIRB is installed according to the manufacturer instructions. All the crew should agree to keep their PLB on their person when at sea.

Ensure that the mounting position for an automatic EPIRB adheres as near as possible to the following criteria:

  • clear access to float free
  • Room for the lid to open
  • Protected from direct impact or pulling force
  • Avoiding proximity to engine exhaust fumes, powerful heat sources, chemicals or oils

Look for any signs of damage, water ingress or wear and tear.

Check that the battery and hydrostatic release expiry dates are valid.

Verify that the lanyard cord is securely attached to only the EPIRB body.

ACR ResQLink technology enables you to facilitate rescue from the palm of your hand:

How does an ACR EPIRB work ?

ACR - how is a rescue efffected

ACR ResQLink 400 and View compare very favourably with the Ocean Signal PLB1 - see ACR comparison chart below

ACR Comparison Chart

Don’t get becalmed

Set sail with the benefit of Team Jimmy Green expertise. We are confident that you will look forward to our emails.