PLBs can be divided into two categories: location protocol PLBs and non-location protocol PLBs.
A non-location protocol PLB does not have the capability to determine its own location, therefore, the distress position can only be determined by the Cospas-Sarsat System using Doppler location techniques.
A location protocol PLB is able to determine its own location, normally using an internal or external satellite navigation device (e.g. GPS), and transmit this location information in the beacon’s message. In addition location protocol beacons will also be located by the Cospas-Sarsat System using Doppler location techniques.
An approved beacon model that is a location-protocol beacon will show a “Nav Device” available in its TAC Report, which can be viewed on the Professionals website (Pro/Beacons/Beacon Information/Approved Beacon Models (TACs)).
Click on the appropriate beacon category to proceed to Step 4:
For further details concerning beacons refer to the following documents (available for downloading):
- C/S G.005, Cospas-Sarsat Guidelines on 406 MHz Beacon Coding, Registration and Type Approval,
- C/S T.001, Specification for Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Distress Beacons.