ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon – SOS, GPS, Return Link Service, Mobile App and Accessory Clips (Model PLB-450) – Alert Local AIS & Global Satellite Emergency Signaling for Search & Rescue

I’m still using my TWO satellite beacons made by ACR (long enough to need new batteries).However, AIS really does mean “more rescue, less search” BECAUSE it sends your position to LOCAL rescuers without having to go half way around the world by satellite. Oh it’s doing that too, but it’s a local Sheriff or in my case FWC patrol boat that’s going to actually come to me (probably 30-60 minutes FASTER).Yes, it does cost nearly twice as much as an ACR PLB satellite beacon which also fits in quite a few kayak or fisherman life jackets quite nicely. This unit is much longer, much heavier but MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE.It took me awhile to figure out how to carry it (attach a dedicated “D ring” on your shoulder strap and fabric glue (or sew) an elastic MOLE band to hold the bottom from swinging around.Eventually, someone will make a life jacket with a dedicated pouch for this unit.It is possible to “hard wire” it inside an inflatable vest. I don’t like inflatable vests and prefer my “bouyancy” to be already THERE ready to float me.Make sure you REGISTER with NOAA (it’s free and easy online) and be sure you use the comments box to add extra descriptive details about your boat and kayak.Even though I was a lifeguard, and SCUBA Instructor, I always wear my life jacket! I also carry a super loud whistle and emergency signal light and attached VHF (waterproof floatable) with remote mic-speaker (with MMSI emergency SOS feature).Odds are that if I ever need to activate my beacon, it will be to render assistance for something more dreadful than someone needing a tow (major fire, explosion, plane crash, or prop wound artery bleeding).Some of our fellow boaters (who will never even learn what AIS is) are prime candidates to “thin the herd.”