New legislation introduced from Thursday
From tomorrow Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can be sold to be used on land.
Previously the 406MHz emergency device could only be advertised, branded and sold for use at sea, although ‘unofficially’ people were using them on land.
All PLBs must be registered with the Falmouth Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), who then co-ordinate the rescue, and this practice will not change.
As part of the legislation the police and fire service will be trained to deal with emergency calls from 406MHz beacons.
PLBs that were bought for use at sea are equally adept on land, so there is no need to upgrade.
Old EPIRB frequency to become obsolete.
Stolen PLB tracked to city wheelie bin.