The incidence of inadvertent activation of Personal Locator Beacons has become worryingly high in yacht racing scenarios.

The incident of an inadvertent PLB activation changed the results in the last edition of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This is just one example of the many inadvertent activations that happen with each offshore yacht race held in Australia.

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria had released a report delving into the number of activations, but more importantly gives information on how to protect and correctly store a PLB and checks you can do to ensure it has not been activated unnecessarily.

We’re also excited to let you know that Australian Sailing has reorganised all of its safety resources to make it easier for you. Check out the new Safety Hub here!

The detailed report can be read here.
Information on PLBs and EPIRBs is here on our website.

By Melanie Peasey