How To: Hire a Personal Locator Beacon Near Perth – A Must-Have for Safer Hiking
Planning an overnight hike or a longer journey along the Bibbulmun Track? Carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is one of the simplest ways to improve your safety in remote areas.
A PLB offers reassurance that help can be reached if something goes wrong and you don’t have mobile coverage.
What is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a compact emergency device used to alert search and rescue services in a life-threatening situation.
When activated, it sends a distress signal via satellite to the international Cospas-Sarsat system, which is monitored in Australia by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This allows emergency responders to locate and assist you as quickly as possible.
Key things to know:
- PLBs are for emergencies only
- They send a one-way distress signal
- They work even in places without phone reception
Why carry a PLB on the Bibbulmun Track?
The Bibbulmun Track passes through vast areas of remote bushland where mobile coverage is limited or non-existent.
A PLB provides an essential safety net, particularly if you are:
- Walking solo
- Planning a multi-day or end-to-end hike
- Travelling through less-frequented sections
- Seeking peace of mind for yourself and loved ones
While preparation and navigation skills remain critical, a PLB can be lifesaving in an emergency.
How does a PLB work?
When you activate a PLB:
- A distress signal is transmitted via satellite
- Your location is identified
- The alert is received by AMSA
- Search and rescue services are deployed
This system is highly reliable and specifically designed for emergency situations in remote environments.
Types of emergency beacons
There are three main types of distress beacons:
- PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) – best suited for bushwalking and land-based activities
- EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) – designed for marine use
- ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) – used in aviation
For hikers, a PLB is the most practical option due to its portability and simplicity.
PLB vs satellite messenger
While satellite messaging devices offer extra features like tracking and communication features, they, like PLBs, offer the emergency distress function.
PLB
- No subscription required
- Sends a direct emergency distress signal
- Highly reliable and regulated
Satellite messenger
- Requires a subscription
- Allows two-way communication and tracking
- Sends a direct emergency distress signal
For many walkers, a PLB is the most dependable “last resort” safety device.
Do PLBs need to be registered?
Yes. In Australia, PLBs must be registered with AMSA.
Registration is free and ensures your emergency contacts and trip details are available to rescuers. When you hire a PLB through the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, this registration is completed for you as part of the process.
Personal Locator Beacon hire near Perth
If you don’t own a PLB, hiring one is an easy and cost-effective option.
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation offers PLB hire from Perth, making it accessible for walkers preparing for overnight hikes or longer adventures across Western Australia.
Hiring is ideal if you:
- Only need a PLB occasionally
- Are new to multi-day hiking
- Want a simple, reliable safety device without purchasing one
How to hire a PLB from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation
Hiring a PLB is straightforward:
- Complete the online booking form and sign to agree to the hire conditions
- Submit your request at least five business days before your trip
- The Foundation will register the PLB on your behalf
- Collect your PLB and review the instructions before your walk
Important information:
- Hire is available for use within Australia and New Zealand only
- PLBs are hired on a weekly basis (or part thereof)
- Models may vary depending on availability
- Demand is high during the walking season (April to November), and bookings often fill months in advance
- Members of the Bibbulmun Track Foundation receive a discounted hire rate
👉 Hire a PLB today: https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/product/plb-registration/plb-weekly-hire/
When should you activate a PLB?
A PLB should only be used in a life-threatening emergency, such as:
- Serious injury
- Medical emergency
- Being lost and unable to self-rescue
Once activated, emergency services will respond, so it’s important to use it responsibly. If you are not incapacitated, you should also check to see if you have a signal on your phone to call emergency services (000) as you may be able to communicate the nature of the emergency. Be sure you let them know if you have already set off a PLB.
Peace of mind for your next walk
A Personal Locator Beacon is a small piece of equipment that can make a critical difference when it matters most.
If you’re planning a longer walk on the Bibbulmun Track, hiring a PLB is a practical step towards a safer and more confident journey.
