Guernsey mariners urged to register safety beacons ahead of new UK requirements
- New UK registration requirements for Personal Locator Beacons on flagged vessels come into force on 15 April 2026
- Guernsey Coastguard strongly encourages all local mariners to register their PLBs and EPIRBs despite not being legally required
- Registration allows Maritime Watch Officers to quickly identify who is in trouble and what resources are needed for response
- Two separate rescue incidents in local waters last year demonstrated the value of emergency beacon devices
- Registration is free, takes 15 minutes, and can be completed online at www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons
Guernsey mariners are being strongly encouraged to register their Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) ahead of new UK requirements that could "make the difference between life and death" in an emergency at sea.
New registration requirements for UK-flagged vessels and marine craft will come into force on 15 April 2026, bringing PLBs in line with the registration rules for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).
EPIRBs are vessel-specific devices which can be automatically or manually activated by anyone in distress, transmitting their vessel's position to Coastguard agencies by satellite. PLBs are smaller, manually activated handheld devices that can be worn on a lifejacket or clothing.
Guernsey's Harbour Master and Head of Guernsey Coastguard, James Way, said: "While the new PLB registration requirements apply specifically to UK-flagged vessels, we strongly encourage all Guernsey mariners to register their PLBs and EPIRBs as well. When a beacon is activated, every second counts.
"Having accurate, up-to-date registration details allows our Maritime Watch Officers to quickly understand who is in trouble, where they may be, and what resources are needed to respond. Registering your PLB or EPIRB is quick, free, and one of the simplest ways to improve your safety at sea."
While HM and Guernsey Coastguard respond to all PLB and EPIRB alerts, a registered device also allows Coastguard operators to quickly distinguish between a false alarm and a genuine emergency.
UK Distress & Security Beacon Registry Manager Linda Goulding said: "The benefit of registering your PLB is simple: it gives yourself – and everyone you're with – a head start to being rescued from an emergency. The registration process is free, takes just 15 minutes, and could make the difference between life and death."
PLBs and EPIRBs work independently of a vessel's power or navigation systems, which can fail during emergencies.
The value of carrying a registered emergency device was demonstrated in two separate incidents in local waters last year. In April 2025, a sailor and his cat were rescued after their 10-metre yacht lost all navigation and communication equipment in poor weather, around 5–6 nautical miles north of Guernsey.
Later the same month, another mariner was rescued 8 nautical miles southwest of the Casquets Lighthouse following a power failure and the loss of all onboard navigational equipment.
PLB and EPIRB registration is free and can be completed online at www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons. Mariners are reminded to keep their registration details up to date to ensure search and rescue teams can locate and assist them quickly in an emergency.
Q&A
Q: When do the new UK registration requirements for PLBs come into force?
A: The new registration requirements for UK-flagged vessels and marine craft will come into force on 15 April 2026.
Q: How much does it cost to register a PLB or EPIRB?
A: PLB and EPIRB registration is completely free and can be completed online at www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons.
Q: What's the difference between a PLB and an EPIRB?
A: EPIRBs are vessel-specific devices which can be automatically or manually activated, transmitting the vessel's position to Coastguard agencies by satellite. PLBs are smaller, manually activated handheld devices that can be worn on a lifejacket or clothing.
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