How to register your Ocean Signal PLB1 – country by country

Owning an Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is an important step toward increased safety at sea, in the air, or on land. However, for the emergency beacon to function optimally and for rescue services to respond quickly in an emergency, it must be registered with the correct national authority.

Here is an overview of how to register your PLB1 in different Scandinavian countries – with direct links where available.

PLB1 – Your Personal Lifeline in Emergencies

A PLB1 (Personal Locator Beacon) is a personal emergency transmitter that sends a distress signal via the global Cospas-Sarsat satellite network. When the device is activated, your exact location is transmitted directly to the rescue services, enabling a quick response. To allow rescuers to identify you and act effectively, your PLB1 must be registered with accurate contact details and usage information.

Please note that your PLB1 must be coded for the country where it is registered for the registration to work properly.

All owners and operators of 406 MHz emergency beacons – including ELT, PLB, and EPIRB – should register their devices. Registration information is crucial for rescue operations in an emergency and increases your chances of receiving fast and effective assistance.

Vessels subject to the SOLAS Convention and aircraft operating under ICAO regulations are required to register their emergency beacons. In addition, several national authorities, such as Traficom in Finland, require 406 MHz devices to be registered.

Sweden

A PLB1 may be used both at sea and on land.
The user must create an account and register their device with the IBRD (International Beacon Registration Database).

• Authority: Swedish Maritime Administration (JRCC)

• Registration: Information and links to registration at the Swedish Maritime Administration

• Direct link for registration at IBRD: Register your PLB with IBRD

Finland

A PLB1 may be used both at sea and on land.
The user must first apply for a “serialized number from the database of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom),” which is then programmed into the PLB1 by the supplier before delivery. The user must then create an account and register their device with the IBRD (International Beacon Registration Database).

• Authority: Traficom

• Registration: Apply for a radio license for PLB with Traficom

• Direct link for registration at IBRD: Register your PLB with IBRD

Denmark

A PLB1 may only be used at sea.
The user must first apply for an MMSI number so that the PLB1 can be registered in the same way as an EPIRB. The details, together with the customer’s personal information including social security number, are then programmed into the PLB1 by the supplier before delivery. The user must then create an account and register their device with the IBRD (International Beacon Registration Database).

• Authority: Danish Defence / JRCC

• Apply for MMSI number: Apply for MMSI number from the Danish Maritime Authority

• Direct link for registration at IBRD: Register your PLB with IBRD

Norway

A PLB1 may be used both at sea and on land.
The user must apply for a permit to use a PLB1. The user must then create an account and register their device with the IBRD (International Beacon Registration Database).

• Authority: Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom)

• Apply for a permit: Apply for a permit via Altinn

• Direct link for registration at IBRD: Register your PLB with IBRD

Other Countries & Further Information

If you want to know what applies in other countries or learn more about the regulations for emergency beacons, visit: Handbook of Beacon Regulations

Tips for Registration

• Have the PLB1 unit’s HEX-ID ready (found on the device label).

• Provide emergency contacts who can confirm your position in case of an alert.

• Update your registration if you change address, phone number, or usage area.

Registering your PLB1 is not just a requirement – it is a lifesaving action. Make sure your device is properly registered before setting out on any adventure!