Why have a PLB serviced?

A Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), put simply, is a piece of electrical equipment therefore it is important to look after it and regularly test the unit before potential use, to ensure that it is working OK. The service and recertification of your PLB plays a crucial role in your personal safety.

In line with SOLAS safety standards, with respect to critical lifesaving equipment, a PLB should be serviced to ensure they are certified and fit for purpose, for the expected life of the product. Having a recertified PLB gives the wearer reassurance that if a Man Overboard (MOB) situation does occur, they can trust their equipment to carry out its function and operate without fault. 

Why should I get my PLBs recertified?

Traditionally, PLB manufacturers have only serviced or repaired units when returned to them due to damage or failure. Malfunctioning units are often not picked up unless a strict testing regime with specialised test equipment is followed. Consequently, many units in the field are actually in an unsatisfactory condition and not fit for purpose.

All SOLAS approved lifesaving equipment mandates an annual inspection, so why should PLBs be any different?

What are the benefits to recertifying a PLB?

There are many benefits to having your PLB recertified, these include:

• Providing peace of mind that your potentially life-saving equipment is ready to be called upon, when you need it most.
• Preventative maintenance that can save you money on future repairs or replacements.
• A duty of care to staff and crew. Ensure you have done everything possible to give your crew best chance of survival should they go overboard.
• After a successful recertification, the warranty will be increased by an additional 12 months, meaning your PLB could be in warranty for the duration of its operational life if serviced annually. 

Where can I get a PLB serviced?

This depends on who manufactured your PLB, as only the manufacturer themselves or one of their approved service centres is certified to service your beacon. If the beacon battery was replaced or serviced by a non-certified service centre, then the beacon is non-compliant for carriage requirements and there is a risk the beacon may not function correctly.

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out where you can get your sMRT Personal Locator Beacon serviced, visit the service section of our website, to find your nearest approved sMRT service centre. If you would like to find out more then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today via info@mrtsos.com.

02/07/2020