Personal Locator Beacon ‘essential tool’

Tasman-based Hamish Pirie, who has spent over 20 years volunteering in search and rescue in New Zealand and Australia, is on a mission to help ensure people are well-equipped for outdoor activities.

Since 2006, he has promoted the importance of personal locator beacons (PLBs), a crucial safety tool for anyone venturing outside urban areas.

“PLBs aren’t just for big adventures,” says Hamish. “They’re an essential tool for farmers to have. Whether you’re on a quad bike or horse, in your car, or out on your boat. They provide peace of mind for any activity where phone coverage might be lacking.”

A PLB is a simple device that, when activated, sends a distress signal to rescuers.
“I’ve seen plenty of people who were just off for an ordinary mountainbike ride, walk, or run who have had a medical event or serious injury and just didn’t make it home. In many cases they were alone, and no-one knew where they were.”
Hamish highlights that a PLB can make the difference in an emergency.

“If you want to be located and rescued more quickly, a PLB is your best option.”

“A high-quality PLB can last up to 11 years,” he explains. “For less than $50 a year, it’s an investment in safety that provides long-term peace of mind.”

Hamish stresses the importance of registering your beacon, as this helps rescue teams respond more efficiently in case of an emergency. “Registering your beacon is a simple step that ensures rescuers can act quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

After returning to Tasman from training with a search and rescue expert from the US as part of his volunteer work with LANDSAR (Land Search & Rescue NZ) and Urban Search and Rescue, Hamish found it difficult to find the same equipment used in the US.

So, he decided to do something about that. His business, Gearshop, was born. “I know how important reliable gear is, especially in rural communities. Our team offers those rural, remote or on an adventure, easily accessible equipment nationwide,” Hamish says.

Reminder:
It’s crucial to register beacons at beacons.org.nz. When activated, Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre checks the beacon’s registration and contacts the nominated person. This helps determine if assistance is needed or if the beacon was triggered accidentally, preventing unnecessary deployment of rescue assets like helicopters.