ACR ResQLink AIS PLB-450 – Personal Locator Beacon with AIS, RLS & NFC

The ACR ResQLink AIS PLB-450 Personal Locator Beacon combines global satellite distress alerting with local AIS Man Overboard (MOB) notification, giving marine users multiple layers of emergency signalling in one compact personal rescue beacon.

Designed specifically for marine use, the ResQLink AIS combines a 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat distress signal, AIS locating signal, 121.5MHz homing, Return Link Service (RLS), NFC smartphone connectivity, multi-constellation GNSS positioning, and visible and infrared strobes.

When activated in an emergency, the PLB can alert international Search and Rescue services through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system while simultaneously transmitting an AIS MOB alert to suitably equipped vessels within VHF range.

For New Zealand sailors, boaties, fishermen and other marine users looking for a highly capable personal rescue beacon, the ACR ResQLink AIS PLB-450 provides an exceptional combination of global and local emergency alerting technology.

Available from Barton Marine NZ, supplying PLBs, EPIRBs and marine safety equipment to New Zealand boaties.

Key Features

• 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat Personal Locator Beacon
• Integrated AIS Man Overboard (MOB) alert
• Return Link Service (RLS)
• NFC smartphone connectivity
• Multi-constellation GPS, Galileo & GLONASS GNSS
• 121.5MHz local homing signal
• High-intensity visible strobe
• Infrared strobe
• Over 24 hours operational life
• Waterproof to 10m for 1 hour
• Compact and lightweight at approximately 190g
• Manual activation
• Can integrate with compatible inflatable lifejackets for semi-automatic activation
• Multifunction attachment system
• No ongoing subscription required for beacon distress functionality
• Designed specifically for marine activities
• ACR model PLB-450

Global 406MHz + Local AIS Rescue Alerting

One of the major advantages of the ACR ResQLink AIS PLB-450 is its ability to combine global satellite rescue alerting with local AIS notification.

When activated, the beacon transmits a 406MHz distress signal through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, allowing the distress alert and location information to be routed to the appropriate Search and Rescue authorities.

At the same time, the ResQLink AIS broadcasts an AIS Man Overboard alert.

AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range can receive the MOB alert and see the beacon's position as an AIS target on compatible navigation equipment.

This provides two complementary layers of emergency alerting:

Global rescue alerting through 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellites.

Local rescue alerting through AIS to suitably equipped vessels nearby.

For a person in the water, particularly when sailing or boating offshore, the ability to alert nearby vessels as well as Search and Rescue can be a significant advantage.

AIS Man Overboard Alert

The integrated AIS MOB functionality is what distinguishes the ResQLink AIS from a conventional 406MHz PLB.

When the beacon is activated, it transmits an AIS distress signal on marine AIS frequencies.

Compatible AIS-equipped vessels within VHF radio range can receive the alert and display the beacon's position on their AIS-enabled chartplotter or navigation system.

This allows nearby vessels to identify the casualty's position and potentially assist while the wider Search and Rescue response is being coordinated.

Actual AIS reception range will depend on conditions, antenna height and surrounding environment.

406MHz Cospas-Sarsat Distress Signal

The ResQLink AIS PLB-450 transmits on the internationally recognised 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite distress system.

When properly registered and activated in a genuine emergency, the beacon transmits its identification and location information through the satellite system so the alert can be routed to the appropriate Search and Rescue authorities.

Unlike satellite communication devices that require an ongoing service plan, the PLB's emergency distress functionality does not require a subscription.

Return Link Service – RLS

The ACR ResQLink AIS incorporates Galileo Return Link Service (RLS).

RLS provides confirmation back to the beacon that the distress message has been received and the beacon's location has been detected by the Cospas-Sarsat system.

A flashing blue light on the PLB provides the user with this confirmation.

This is an important distinction: RLS confirms that the distress alert has been received and located by the satellite system; it should not be interpreted as confirmation that rescuers have already arrived or that a rescue mission has been completed.

Multi-Constellation GNSS Positioning

Accurate positioning is critical during a rescue.

The ResQLink AIS uses a multi-constellation GNSS receiver, supporting:

• GPS
• Galileo
• GLONASS

This allows the beacon to determine its location and transmit position information as part of the emergency alert.

121.5MHz Homing Signal

In addition to 406MHz satellite and AIS transmissions, the PLB broadcasts a 121.5MHz homing signal.

This provides Search and Rescue personnel with another method of locating the beacon as they approach the casualty.

The combination of satellite positioning, AIS and local homing provides multiple complementary methods of locating the person in distress.

Visible & Infrared Strobes

Once rescuers are close to your position, being able to visually locate you becomes extremely important.

The ResQLink AIS incorporates both:

• Visible white strobe
• Infrared strobe

These additional locating aids can assist rescuers during darkness and other low-visibility conditions.

NFC Smartphone Connectivity

The ACR ResQLink AIS incorporates Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

By placing a compatible smartphone near the beacon, users can access beacon information through the ACR mobile app.

Information available can include:

• Battery status
• Self-test history
• GNSS test history
• Test locations
• Date and time of tests
• GNSS acquisition information
• Beacon activation information

This provides a convenient way to monitor the condition and test history of your PLB without activating its emergency transmission.