About the McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)

Please note that all PLBs and EPIRBs can be used anywhere in the world but should be registered in your country of residence. All devices sold by us are programmed with the UK country code and should be registered with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

 If you wish to register in a different country we offer a free reprogramming service to enable you to register your device outside of the UK. Please note that some countries, such as Spain and Germany, do not allow PLB registration unless registered to a vessel. Users in these countries without a vessel can usually register their devices in the UK if required and use the device in any country. Please contact us as soon as possible after placing your order to instruct us on your programming requirements.

The McMurdo FastFind 220

The McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB is a rugged, handheld, and waterproof (non-buoyant) GPS & Galileo -enabled rescue PLB which is small enough to be easily carried in a back-pack or pocket. Upon initiation of a distress call, the McMurdo FastFind built-in GPS and Galileo receivers will fix your position to within a few meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting satellites.

PLBs have been proven, tried and tested in some of the world's most remote locations and treacherous conditions. Even in extreme conditions and situations, the McMurdo FastFind 220 activates easily. Just deploy the antenna, pull the anti-tamper seal and press the ON button.

McMurdo FastFind 220 Key Features

GPS & Galileo GNSS Receivers

The McMurdo FastFind 220 is the world's first Galileo Personal Locator Beacon. This PLB's electronics have been upgraded to offer accelerated location detection with duel GNSS capabilities - GPS & Galileo receivers.

Buoyancy

The buoyancy pouch, provided with the FastFind 220, enables the PLB to float. We recommend that you keep the PLB in the pouch at all times to ensure that the PLB remains buoyant when you are at sea.

Activation

The FastFind 220 is activated by manually deploying the antenna, pulling the anti-tamper seal and pressing the ON button, in an emergency situation. Once activated the McMurdo PLB transmits two signals simultaneously via the 406MHz professional global emergency service and the 121.5MHz homing signal to speed up local recovery.

The PLB typically begins transmitting on the 406MHz frequency within 5 minutes, but can be up to 45 minutes depending on satellite coverage. The start of the 121.5 MHz secondary homing transmitter signal means that Search and Rescue teams have been deployed, they are able to home in on your exact location.

Strobe Light

The unit features a high-brightness LED signal light and Morse code SOS flashing light, both of which can be used to attract attention.

Battery Life

The McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB's lithium power cell offers a minimum 24hr continuous operation and a 6-year battery storage life. Performing a full functional self-test of the PLB's internal circuitry, battery voltage & power and 406 MHz transmission gives you the peace of mind knowing your PLB will work the moment you need it the most.

Subscription-Free

Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the  McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, because it does not rely on commercial call centres, meaning your request for help is received directly by Search and Rescue authorities. When triggered, the MuMurdo FastFind broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. Therefore, this is one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use.

Registering your McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB

Registering your Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in most countries.  Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.

Some national authorities require a completed registration application form to be submitted by letter or fax, others offer an online registration.  For more information, visit the emergency beacon registration database IBRD.

All Personal Locator Beacons sold by GTC are pre-programmed with the UK country code. Whilst they will function anywhere around the world, the initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the UK Search & Rescue authorities with whom the PLB would be registered. Please contact us if you wish to have your FastFind 220 PLB shipped with configuration for use in a country other than UK. 

Your McMurdo FastFind PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search & Rescue services. Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty.

General Specifications

For deliveries made to addresses within the EU, eBay will remove the VAT included in our advertised price and you will be charged the net amount. You will be liable for any import VAT before delivery takes place. Please contact us when placing your order if you would like to pay this import VAT to us so we can pay on your behalf.