From 15th April 2026 a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) update means that all current and new Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) carried onboard UK flagged vessels NOW REQUIRE REGISTRATION.
This can be done online, at no cost.
It is not a requirement for non-powered vessels but D H Marine (Shetland) Ltd strongly recommend that everyone owning a PLB registers it.
Registration links your PLB details so if it is ever activated, the Coastguard will know who you are, allowing them to respond quicker and helps:
• Faster rescue response times
• Confirms whether an alert is genuine
• Provision of assistance to the correct location, as fast as possible
As D H Marine supply PLB's to customers' and get them serviced, all you are required to do is complete the registration for the PLB with your own details.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete online and is free and further details can be found at - www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons
Registering is a simple, quick process that may make a big difference in an emergency situation so please get your PLB's registered today.