Ocean Signal rescueME PLB3

Product Overview

The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB3 is a personal locator beacon designed for maritime and outdoor safety. It integrates GPS, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and RLS (Return Link Service) technologies to enhance distress signaling and location accuracy. The device is compact, rugged, and intended for use in emergency situations.

Key features include:

• Integrated GPS for precise location
• AIS-MOB (Man Over Board) messaging for nearby vessels
• RLS functionality to confirm distress message reception
• NFC (Near Field Communication) ☍ for smartphone connectivity
• Multiple alert signals: 406 MHz, 121.5 MHz homing, and LED strobe

Warranty: The PLB3 comes with a standard warranty. Extended warranty options may be available. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation for full details.

Mobile App: A dedicated mobile application is available for smartphones to manage beacon information and test history via NFC. Search for the Ocean Signal app on your device's app store.

Operation

Important Warning: Use the PLB3 only in situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may result in severe penalties.

Ensure the PLB3 is fitted with an unused battery that is within its expiry date to guarantee optimal operating time during an emergency.

Installation in a Life Jacket

When fitted to a life jacket, ensure the clear cover is fitted over the grey slider to prevent accidental activation. The activation tape should have enough free length to avoid pulling the slider during normal activity. Always secure the PLB3 to your person or life jacket using the supplied lanyard to prevent loss.

Hold the PLB3 with the antenna standing vertically. Ensure the area marked 'DO NOT OBSTRUCT' below the red arming slider is clear and has an unobstructed view of the sky, as this area is crucial for GNSS reception.

Activation

Life Jacket Activation: When correctly packed in a life jacket, the PLB3 will activate automatically when the life jacket inflates. If the life jacket fails to fully inflate, manually assist the activation by pulling the Activation Tape to release the Activation Slide.

Manual Activation: Only activate your PLB3 in situations requiring assistance in an emergency. To manually activate:

1. Slide the red Arming Slide down.
2. Slide the grey Activation Slide to the Left or Right.

Safety Note: Take extreme care to keep well clear of eyes and face as the antenna will be released very quickly. Maintain a distance of at least 30cm (12 inches) to avoid possible injury.

If the PLB3 fails to activate when the slide is removed, press the ON Key until the green LED (or blue if RLS is enabled) illuminates for 1 second and starts flashing. Release the key.

Optical Indications on Activation

• The LED will illuminate green (or blue if RLS is enabled) for 1 second.
• The strobe light will start flashing.
• Within 30 seconds of activation, the LED will flash indicating AIS transmission.
• Within 50 seconds of activation, the LED will flash a quick burst of 5, indicating 406MHz transmission.

Deactivation

To deactivate your PLB3 after use or if accidentally activated, press and hold the TEST/OFF Key until the red LED flashes twice, then release.

Testing

Routine testing of your PLB3 once a month is highly recommended to ensure it is in good working order. Each test reduces the battery capacity and operational time during an emergency. The antenna should be extended when performing any test.

If the PLB3 activates during the removal of the antenna retainer, press and hold the TEST/OFF button until the LED flashes red twice to deactivate.

Should a test fail, repeat it to confirm the failure before returning the PLB3 to Ocean Signal or an approved service agent.

Functional Test

To test the PLB3's functionality, press and hold the TEST/OFF Key. The LED will illuminate red, then start flashing. Release the TEST Key. After a short pause, the strobe will flash, and the indicator LED will produce a flash sequence. This sequence indicates the total number of hours the battery has been in use.

LED Indications with RLS Enabled

Note: Because this test transmits a short burst on the 121.5MHz frequency, please only carry out this test in the first 5 minutes of each hour.

LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol

If, during a self-test, the LED flashes magenta or amber, the PLB3 may not have sufficient energy to operate for the specified 24-hour period. Battery replacement is recommended.

GNSS Test

This test requires a clear and unobstructed view of the sky for the GNSS receiver to acquire satellite signals and determine a position. Ensure the area marked "GNSS Antenna" is not obstructed.

Press and hold the TEST key. The LED will illuminate red, then start flashing. Shortly after, the LED will cease flashing and become a steady red light. Release the TEST Key when the LED is steady.

During the GNSS test, the LED will repeat a short green flash until a position fix is obtained or the test fails. A successful test is indicated by a long red flash followed by a number of green LED flashes. An unsuccessful test is indicated by a number of red LED flashes, representing the number of GNSS tests remaining (e.g., 7 flashes = 7 tests remaining).

The test results will repeat after 2 seconds. If 10 or more tests remain, the LED will flash 10 times only. If no tests remain, the LED will flash green or red rapidly for three seconds (not repeated) depending on success or failure.

The PLB3 can perform up to 60 GNSS tests within the battery's lifetime. The test can be ended at any time by holding the TEST key for three seconds.

Special Note for Commercial and DoD Users

Recommended Test Schedules:

• Functional Test: Monthly
• GNSS Test: 6-monthly

Required Test Schedules:

• Functional Test: Annually
• GNSS Test: Annually

For further information regarding Self Test and Self Test history, use the Ocean Signal App. to connect to your PLB3 using Near Field Communication (NFC).

Approvals

For approval documents, please visit: https://oceansignal.com/approvals-documents/

Approvals status:

• USA: Pending
• Canada: Pending
• UK: Pending
• Australia / New Zealand: Pending

Ocean Signal Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type PLB3 complies with Directive 2014/53/EU (European Declaration of Conformity).

Specifications