Coast Guard: Every Boater Needs 2 Devices Just In Case

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Coast Guard wants you to stay safe on the water.

Weijia Jiang reports every boater needs two devices in case of emergency.

Whether in the air or on the water, every moment is crucial during a Coast Guard rescue.  That's why officers are pushing boaters to do their part to save time.

Chief Petty Officer Keith Moore says they should buy two devices: an EPIRB for a boat and a PLB for a boater.

The EPIRB "is an emergency position indicating radio beacon," said Moore.  The PLB "is a personal locating beacon for individual use."

Moore says registering the gadgets online, by phone or by fax, is just as important as getting one.  The process stores information into a database.

"With knowing what we're looking for, size of the boat, description and contact information for family and friends," Moore said.

If a device is registered, then activated, Moore says rescue crews can start responding within minutes.  If not, it could take hours...or even days.

"Seconds can make a huge difference when you take into account the weather we've had in December, cold water, hypothermia," said Moore.

Emergency calls are sent out to satellites with a signal, but without a registered beacon.

Officials say the message for help often becomes lost on the way to control centers, ultimately delaying search and rescue efforts.  The beacons range from $200 to $1,000.

"But what is the value of your life is very important to think about and with the holidays could be a great gift for family to give an avid boater," said Moore.

Since the registration process started in the late 1980s, the beacons have helped to save more than 22,000 lives.

You can buy the devices at a variety of marine stores.

To register or update your EPIRB or PLB information, click here.

To obtain a free MMSI number for your DSC radio, click here.

To schedule a USCG auxiliary vessel safety check, click here.