The most reliable personal locator beacon or EPIRB for New Zealand conditions is one certified for 406 MHz distress transmission with built-in GPS, since this gives search and rescue an accurate fix within minutes rather than a rough search area. For lone workers, hunters and trampers on land, a compact PLB such as the Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 or GME MT610G is the standard choice. For vessels at sea, an EPIRB such as the GME MT605G or Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB1 is the required safety equipment. Mobile Systems supplies and supports the full range from McMurdo, Ocean Signal, GME and Spot, from our base in Mount Maunganui.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) β For Land & Remote Workers
A PLB is built for one person, on land, working or travelling somewhere out of cellular range. Once activated it transmits a distress signal and GPS position direct to search and rescue via satellite, no phone signal required.
Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 (NZ Registered)
The world's smallest PLB by volume, with a retractable antenna and a 7 year battery life backed by a 7 year warranty. Easily fits in a pack or lifejacket pocket. View Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1
GME MT610G GPS Personal Locator Beacon
Compact, GPS-equipped beacon built for New Zealand's remote terrain, from farms and forestry blocks to backcountry tracks. A straightforward, well-stocked choice for solo and remote workers. View GME MT610G
McMurdo FF220 Mini PLB
Galileo-enabled PLB from McMurdo, giving access to an additional satellite constellation alongside GPS for faster, more accurate positioning in difficult terrain. View McMurdo FF220 Mini PLB
EPIRBs β For Vessels & Marine Safety
An EPIRB is registered to a vessel rather than a person, and is designed to float free or be manually deployed in a marine emergency. Every serious boat, launch or fishing vessel should carry one appropriate to its size and the waters it operates in.
GME MT605G EPIRB β 406MHz, GNSS, Manual Activation
Premium, user-activated EPIRB with integrated GNSS for fast, accurate distress signals. A solid entry point for recreational and small commercial vessels. View GME MT605G EPIRB
Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB1
The world's most compact EPIRB, with a 10 year battery life. A practical choice where space on board is tight. View Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB1
GME MT606G AIS EPIRB β 406MHz, GNSS, Manual / Water Activation
Cat I and Cat II rated EPIRB adding AIS alerting on top of standard distress transmission, so nearby vessels with AIS receivers see your position directly. View GME MT606G AIS EPIRB
GME MT606FG AIS EPIRB β Auto Activation
Auto float-free version of the MT606 range, deploying and activating automatically if a vessel goes down rather than requiring manual release. The most hands-off option in the range. View GME MT606FG AIS EPIRB
Man Overboard & Satellite Messengers
Alongside PLBs and EPIRBs, MSL supplies devices built for related but distinct safety scenarios, from man overboard alerts to everyday satellite check-ins.
Ocean Signal RescueME MOB1
The world's smallest personal locating AIS device with integrated DSC, designed to be worn and triggered automatically on immersion for man overboard situations. View Ocean Signal RescueME MOB1
Spot Messenger Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger
Everyday satellite messenger with location sharing and emergency SOS, better suited to routine check-ins than a dedicated distress beacon. Also covered on our GPS Fleet Tracking page. View Spot Messenger Gen4
Why Order PLBs & EPIRBs Through MSL
Mobile Systems has been solving NZ communication and safety problems since 2000, over 25 years, from our base in Mount Maunganui. We're brand-independent, so our recommendation is built around how and where you'll actually use the beacon, not a sales target.
On-site support covers the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Rotorua, TaupΕ and Waikato directly. Outside that area, we supply and support nationwide, with every unit backed by our in-house workshop.
Common Questions
Can a PLB replace an EPIRB on a boat?
A PLB can supplement a vessel's safety equipment, particularly for individual crew who may go overboard or leave the boat in a tender, but it isn't a like-for-like substitute for a vessel-registered EPIRB. Talk to us about what's appropriate for your specific boat and the waters you operate in.
Which beacon has the longest battery life before replacement?
Of the range above, the Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB1 leads at 10 years, with the RescueMe PLB1 close behind at 7 years. Battery life is sealed for the unit's life, so it's a genuine point of difference worth checking before you buy rather than after.
Want the full detail on beacon registration, testing, accidental activation, and choosing between a PLB and a satellite messenger? See our Safety & Emergency Q&A or Safety & Emergency FAQs. Need a beacon for a one-off trip rather than buying? Check our PLB hire options. Not sure which beacon suits your work, boat or trip? Talk to our team.