If you have a PLB or an EPIRB aboard you feel safer knowing that you can send out a distress message, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could also send out non distress messages? That’s an ability offered by satellite messengers like the SPOT, and it’s the one advantage the SPOT had over traditional PLBs and EPIRBS – until now.


Cobham Life Support-ACR Products has announced a new subscription-based satellite message service called 406Link.com (as you’d guess, you can learn more at www.406link.com), which gives you the ability to send non-distress messages via text or e-mail to family and friends by way of two geosynchronous GEOSAR satellites. It also lets you self-test your unit by sending an e-mail to yourself at any time, and can send you battery replacement reminders, self-test, and activation histories.


A basic service plan for self-tests costs $39.99 annually, or you can pay $59.99 and upgrade to the 406Link Plus plan, which gives you full pre-loaded text and e-mail abilities. The main perk with the “Plus” plan is the ability to send “I’m OK” messages to friends and/or family when you’re running late or have mechanical issues.


Will your PLB or EPIRB work with the system? The chances are yes; most 406MHz beacons are compatible with the 406Link.com system, and if yours has an external or deploy-able antenna, it will most likely work. (If your unit’s antenna is housed inside the beacon and is deployed only during emergency activation, it’s probably not compatible.) If you’re interested, get to the web site quick – they have a two day free trial program up and running, right now. Check it out!


PLBLink brings non distress messaging to PLBs like this AquaLink, from ACR Electronics.

406Link.com brings non distress messaging to PLBs like this AquaLink, from ACR Electronics.


Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.