NEED TO KNOW
False alert W
ith emergency signalling devices now more accessible and affordable
than ever, it’s great to see more people taking them when heading afloat. Whether it’s a Personal Locator
Beacon (PLB) carried by an individual, or a larger Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board a vessel, the devices allow you to send a distress signal directly to satellites, reaching a rescue coordination centre within seconds. Help can be on its way almost immediately. However, the growing number
of people using these lifesaving devices has also led to a rise in false alerts being received by the UK Coastguard. We understand a similar pattern has emerged internationally too. Unfortunately, the Coastguard cannot distinguish between a real
How to report an accidental activation
It’s essential to report accidental activation of a signalling device
emergency and an accidental activation – a test button pressed the wrong way or a curious child fiddling with the device, for example. Every signal is taken seriously and investigated, often involving the deployment of helicopters, the RNLI and other search and rescue resources. So, regardless of the reason, it’s essential to notify the Coastguard (or the relevant authority in other countries) of any accidental EPIRB or PLB activation. Telling them immediately will save time and prevent valuable resources from being diverted away from genuine emergencies. The process of reporting
an accidental activation is straightforward. It may be a little embarrassing, but it’s far better than having a search helicopter hover overhead, making sure you’re okay.
• Switch off the EPIRB or PLB and keep it nearby
• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard (or use VHF if you don’t have a mobile signal)
• Say that you believe an EPIRB or PLB was accidentally activated
• If it’s an EPIRB, provide the name of the vessel, as well as location
• If it’s a PLB, simply provide your exact location
• Be ready to answer any additional questions the Coastguard many have about vessel name, registration and location
The best way to avoid false alarms is to ensure everyone on board knows where the EPIRB or PLB is stored and
how and when it should be used.
Personal Locator Beacons are only for use in life-threatening situations.
rya.org.uk AUTUMN 2025 25
Photo: Alamy
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