PROS AND CONS OF 121.5 AND 406 MHZ BEACONS

Andrew Marshall compares the effectiveness and suitability of 121 mHz and 406 mHz signal beacons in SAR operations.

There is currently confusion as to the future role of 121.5 mHz in 'man overboard' (MOB) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Which piece of kit will do the job and which will still be useful in 10 years time?

The fisherman needs to know if what he is buying with his hard earned money is going to be of any use to him when it really counts.