Photo: Orolia

Orolia Maritime has revealed the FastFind ReturnLink PLB with Return Link System (RLS) life-saving beacon system.

Orolia worked closely with the European GNSS Agency (GSA) on the Galileo satellite system since the company was selected to lead development of next-generation search-and-rescue (SAR) distress beacons. Earlier this year, Orolia introduced the first Galileo-enabled personal locator beacons (PLBs).

Building upon this, the new FastFind ReturnLink transmits the user’s unique ID and GNSS location via the global network of Cospas-Sarsat search-and-rescue satellites, and then uses Galileo’s Return Link Service to transmit a return signal back to the user’s device to confirm the alert has been received and location has been detected.

The PLB displays a blue light to inform the user that search-and-rescue professionals are aware of their situation and location and that they are not alone.

“We are dedicated to producing SAR products that keep people safe on land and sea, and the FastFind ReturnLink PLB is Orolia Maritime’s most advanced search and rescue beacon to date,” said Chris Loizou, vice president of Maritime at Orolia. “The psychological impact of knowing that help is on the way cannot be underestimated, and this PLB will provide invaluable peace of mind for those in distress.”

The FastFind ReturnLink PLB uses the latest SAR technology, packed into a simple, rugged and lightweight palm-sized unit. Features include:

• Multi-constellation GNSS — both Galileo and GPS receivers.
• Belt-attachable buoyancy pouch and life-jacket oral tube clip attachments.
• No subscription.
• Five-year battery life.
• Waterproof to 10 meters.
• SOS Morse LED flashing light and RLS Reassurance blue flashing light.
• Safe-stow antenna and three-stage activation.

Galileo’s RLS is expected to be fully operational in January 2020.