Ocean Signal PLB3 AIS & EPIRB PLB

The Ocean Signal PLB3 is a powerful life-saving device that combines global and local alert systems in one compact unit. It’s the first Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to feature both AIS and Return Link Service (RLS). This is alongside the integrated smartphone connectivity via NFC. Whether you're sailing solo, racing offshore or cruising with the family, the PLB3 offers next-level peace of mind.

With global satellite coverage, AIS broadcasting and a reassuring signal confirmation, the PLB3 ensures help is on the way – and lets you know it.

PLB3 Key Features

• Dual Alert System: Global and Local - Sends a 406 MHz distress signal to international search and rescue authorities. It also broadcasts an AIS signal to nearby vessels for faster local assistance.
• Return Link Service (RLS) - Confirms your distress signal has been received and your location detected – giving you vital reassurance while you wait for rescue.
• Smartphone Connectivity via NFC - Easily check beacon status, battery life and test history using the free Ocean Signal app on iOS or Android.
• Integrated GPS and Galileo GNSS - Provides fast and accurate positioning to maximise the chances of a quick recovery.
• Lightweight and Waterproof - Compact design fits inside most inflatable lifejackets and is waterproof to 10m for up to 60 minutes.

How the PLB3 Works

Maximum Coverage with Fast, Reliable Alerts

When activated, the PLB3 transmits your distress signal using the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, alerting global search and rescue services. At the same time, it sends an AIS message to nearby vessels, providing localised help when it’s needed most.

The beacon also emits a 121.5 MHz homing signal, enabling search and rescue teams to pinpoint your location with compatible equipment.

Simple Lifejacket Integration

Designed to integrate easily with most inflatable lifejackets, the PLB3 uses a clever mounting system with included clips and brackets. Once fitted, the beacon is ready to activate in an emergency, giving you protection without getting in the way.

For more details, refer to the product manual for lifejacket compatibility and installation. Download the PLB3 user manual here.

Visible and Infrared Strobe Lights

The PLB3 is equipped with white and infrared strobe lights. This helps to increase visibility in low-light or rough conditions, helping rescuers locate you quickly, day or night.

No Subscription Required

There are no ongoing costs to use the PLB3. Once registered, it is ready for use worldwide with no subscription fees for the satellite service.

Technical Specifications

• Distress Signal: 406 MHz via Cospas-Sarsat (MEOSAR compatible)
• Local Alert: AIS and 121.5 MHz homing signal
• Satellite Confirmation: Return Link Service (RLS)
• Location Data: GNSS via GPS and Galileo
• Connectivity: NFC (Near Field Communication)
• Mobile App: Free for iOS and Android
• Light Signals: White and IR strobes
• Battery Life: 5 years
• Operational Life: 24+ hours
• Waterproof: Up to 10m for 60 minutes
• Dimensions: 200mm (L) x 36mm (W) x 22mm (D)
• Weight: 190g

Why Choose the Ocean Signal PLB3?

• First PLB with both AIS and Return Link Service
• Smartphone-compatible via NFC
• No subscription required
• Works globally and locally
• Compact, lightweight and waterproof
• Built by Ocean Signal – trusted marine safety experts

What’s in the Box

• Ocean Signal PLB3
• Belt / Webbing attachment bracket
• Oral tube attachment bracket
• Antenna rewind tool
• Activation slider cover (armed)
• Activation tape
• Attachment lanyard
• Product documentation and quick start guide

Download the PLB3 user manual here.

Royal Mail Service Update: Please be aware when choosing Royal Mail as your preferred delivery method, your delivery time may be impacted by ongoing strikes and may take up to 20 working days. If your order is time critical we suggest choosing a courier or Next Day Service

Our Mail Order team ship chandlery, yacht parts and sailing clothing around the world. We use the best value couriers available, and we will endeavour to get your products to you as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.

International Orders: Due to delays we have had to suspend our international delivery options. 

UK Standard Delivery

• UK Mainland 0 - 2Kg (small jiffy) £3.95 Royal Mail Service. Despatch within 3- 5 working days, delivery in 7-10 working days for orders under £50.00
• UK Mainland up to 25Kg £5.95 Courier service with signature. Despatch within 3- 5 working days, delivery in 7-10 working days
• UK Mainland 25Kg+ Price on request
• UK Mainland Next Day 0 - 25Kg £9.95 Courier service with signature, orders must be placed before midday
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands 0 - 2Kg (small jiffy) £3.95 Royal Mail Service. Despatch within 3- 5 working days, delivery in 5-7 working days for orders under £50.00
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands 1 - 25Kg £10.95 Courier service with signature. Despatch within 3- 5 working days, delivery in 7-10 working days
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands 25Kg+ Price on request
• Channel Islands 0 - 2Kg (small jiffy) £5.95 Royal Mail Service Despatch within 3- 5 working days, delivery in 5-7 working days for orders under £50.00
• Channel Islands 1 - 25Kg £13.50 Courier service with signature. Despatch within 3- 5 working days, delivery in 5-7 working days
• Channel Islands 25Kg+ Price on request

UK Exceptional Delivery

• UK Mainland; Antifoul & paints £5.95
• UK Mainland; Inflatable dinghy £10.00
• UK Mainland; Liferafts £17.50
• UK Mainland; Flares £49.95
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands; Antifoul & paints £9.95
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands; Inflatable dinghy price on request
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands; Liferafts price on request
• Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands; Flares not available to ship at this time
• Channel Islands; Antifoul & paints £13.50
• Channel Islands; Inflatable dinghy price on request Channel Islands; Flares not available to ship at this time

For further delivery information click here.

Standard Returns

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase, we will exchange or refund your goods in full, provided that the items are returned within 14 days of receipt.*

Please check the condition of goods on arrival - we are unable to accept goods damaged during shipping after 14 days.

Returned goods must be packaged securely, with all original packaging undamaged and in a saleable condition i.e. shoe boxes must be in the same condition as when received.

Goods must be unused and security seals intact.*

If you would like to return goods because they were ordered incorrectly or if clothing does not fit, return postage will be at your expense. If you would like us to replace the goods with another size or colour, we will charge carriage on the replacement.

Please be aware that some navigational and safety products may be dated, and as such a full refund may in some cases not be possible. If you are purchasing dated navigational charts we suggest you contact us for more information.

Faulty Goods

If you receive your goods and believe them to be faulty, please contact us straight away with a brief description of the problem. If we require you to return the product for a replacement, we will send you a pre-paid Royal Mail label for delivery back to us. Unfortuantely we cannot send the courier back to collect the items.

Returning goods to Force 4 is easy!

1. Please contact us by ringing 0345 1300 710 or email on [email protected]. This way we'll be able to determine whether you would like to return the product for a refund or whether you'd like to exchange the product. We are unable to process the return of faulty goods that we're not expecting.
2. We'll then give you a returns number. This returns number will need to be clearly marked on the outside of your parcel so it can be identified on arrival. Please note, failure to mark a returns reference number on the outside of your parcel may result in a delay in processing your return.
3. Don't forget your proof of postage, just in case!
4. Once we receive the item we'll be able to proceed with a refund or an exchange.

*this excludes faulty goods with manufacturers defects. If goods are found to be faulty during use, after the returns period, please just give us a ring on 0345 1300 710 and we'll be happy to help.

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