Does anyone here carry a PLB/EPIRB and know what the registration process is?

Hi all

Does anyone here carry a PLB/EPIRB and know what the registration process for one is? Bringing mine over from NZ and want to make sure everything goes through the correct channels if I activate it.

Cheers
Colan

Hi Colan - signals from these devices are typically directed to the SA Navy, from there the message will (eventually) make it's way to MSAR. Do not expect a rapid response. It is unlikely a full team will be mobilised off one of these signals without any other information (more like a person or two to scout the situation). In the Drakensberg you are arguably better off following the protocol outlined on the tear-off strip from the mountain register you sign before hiking out (make sure you do this) - (1) Contact the local officer in charge, (2) Contact the provincial health centre (0800 005 133) or (3) Contact a rescue convenor.

Note that even a device capable of texting will prove challenging to use due to the chain of coms between MSAR and the Navy.

There is cell reception in most areas of the 'Berg, you may just have to get to a position with line-of-sight of the lower areas.

See this page for more MSAR info (KwaZulu-Natal being the relevant area for the Drakensberg): www.mcsakzn.co.za/search-rescue/

grae22 wrote:

Hi Colan - signals from these devices are typically directed to the SA Navy, from there the message will (eventually) make it's way to MSAR. Do not expect a rapid response. It is unlikely a full team will be mobilised off one of these signals without any other information (more like a person or two to scout the situation). In the Drakensberg you are arguably better off following the protocol outlined on the tear-off strip from the mountain register you sign before hiking out (make sure you do this) - (1) Contact the local officer in charge, (2) Contact the provincial health centre (0800 005 133) or (3) Contact a rescue convenor.

Note that even a device capable of texting will prove challenging to use due to the chain of coms between MSAR and the Navy.

There is cell reception in most areas of the 'Berg, you may just have to get to a position with line-of-sight of the lower areas.

See this page for more MSAR info (KwaZulu-Natal being the relevant area for the Drakensberg): www.mcsakzn.co.za/search-rescue/
 

In some areas the cellphone reception is patchy, better a garmin inreach just to be on the safe side.

Thanks Grae - yeah these things are the gold standard for land based SAR out this side of the world. Have managed to find that registration takes place through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in CT, and is then somehow relayed to SASAR of which the coast guard, SAPS etc. are members. The forms include space for 24 hour emergency contacts. Thinking I'll go through the process and carry as I'll be in areas of the Western and Eastern Cape too where service may be less reliable, and make sure my emergency contacts know exactly what the protocol for contacting MSAR in each of those areas is (and of course default to cell service if possible).