Thread: A cautionary tale

Originally Posted by tommygun

I smuggled a beer into the hospital for Alex on his last day there (Monday), luckily for him he ended up in a ward that happened to be occupied by a couple of other hunters, so he could have a yarn with like-minded people to pass the time, though I doubt he'll get to enjoy that beer for a while given all the meds he's on. I think the issue with the PLB's is the hunting/shooting/outdoor stores can't buy them in the bulk amounts that the like of the boating and technology places can, so they can't compete with their prices.

Actually I would expect it is the other way around as most PLBs are used on land and not water in NZ. Boating would be more an EPIRB than PLB. Always happy to help out as prices are down to the $320 mark nowadays. @CooeeBay

Originally Posted by CooeeBay

Actually I would expect it is the other way around as most PLBs are used on land and not water in NZ. Boating would be more an EPIRB than PLB. Always happy to help out as prices are down to the $320 mark nowadays. @CooeeBay

I know, aren't EPIRB's also registered to a vessel?

Originally Posted by tommygun

I know, aren't EPIRB's also registered to a vessel?

EPIRBs by nature are linked to a vessel however in the registration database is the beacon owners name and address. The vessel is added as a link to it containing all the vessel specifications, color size etc. This info is then used for search & rescue and Coast Guard to know what to look for. You can however use the EPIRB for on land use i.e 4x4, Campervan, even commercial machinery. I've sold them to outback road gangs during road repairs. You just need to ensure you update the rego database. The last thing you want is the vessel still linked to it and you are in the 4x4 in the mountains.

Main feature between EPIRB & PLB: EPIRB must operate continuously for a min of 48 hours (KTi is 72) - PLB is 24hrs: EPIRB floats upright unaided with antenna out of water, PLB floats but not upright unless handheld or lifejacket mounted in water: EPIRB much bigger and heavier than PLB.