The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will introduce new registration rules for Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) from 15 April. All PLBs carried on UK-flagged vessels and powered watercraft must be registered online at no cost. The move aligns PLB rules with those already in place for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).
Officials said registration will improve search-and-rescue response by providing vital information during emergencies. When activated, beacon data allows HM Coastguard to access emergency contacts and vessel details. This helps direct the correct response and reduces delays.
The agency said unregistered beacons have led to unnecessary searches in recent years. In one case, alerts from London triggered multiple responses, but no distress was found. Another incident saw a discarded beacon prompt a two-hour search before being traced to a recycling centre.
UK Beacon Registry Manager Linda Goulding said: “The registration process is free, takes just 15 minutes, and could make the difference between life and death.” She added, “Registering your PLB helps us quickly work out when it’s a false alarm or when people need urgent help.”
The requirement does not apply to unpowered craft such as kayaks or paddleboards, although voluntary registration is encouraged. Owners must also update details when a beacon is sold or disposed of.
