SAR Satelites, PLBs, ELTs, EPIRBs and Resue Coordination

SAR Satelites, PLBs, ELTs, EPIRBs and Resue Coordination

This video introduces some SAR applications using SAR satellites.


In general SAR Satelites refer to the COSPAS-SARSAT* system

  • PLBs = Personal Locator Beacon - usually used on Land to call for help
  • ELTs = Emergency Locator Transmitters (Aircraft)
  • EPIRBs = Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (Water Vessels)
  • Finally a related but different item is Avalanche Transceivers (or Avalanche Beacon) to find those buried under snow
  • There are other similar commercial devices developed and available on the open market

Resue Coordination (& SAR Coordination) = often refers to

  • The Police (who usually have primacy in civillian searches for missing persons)
  • Fire (who usually have primacy in Technical Rescue incidents and related searches)
  • Coastguard for Maritime Operations
  • Military and
  • Rescue Coordination Centre such as the ARCC[1] in the UK or RCC[2] - in Canada


* One of the most useful tools in the National Search and Rescue Program is the Cospas-Sarsat satellite surveillance system that was jointly founded in 1981 by Canada, USA, France and USSR. At present 18 countries participate.


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