EPIRB

This collection includes Garmin inReach satellite messengers and All Sat Communications products comprising SPOT Gen 4, SPOT Trace and Rescue Me PLB1. It does not contain a dedicated vessel EPIRB.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2, Garmin inReach Messenger and SPOT Gen 4 provide satellite-messenger SOS functions. Rescue Me PLB1 is an emergency-only personal locator beacon. SPOT Trace is an asset tracker and does not provide an SOS function. These device types serve different purposes and have different registration or subscription requirements.

PRODUCTS AND THEIR USES

GARMIN INREACH MINI 2

The inReach Mini 2 is a two-way satellite messenger for sending and receiving messages, sharing location and initiating SOS. It can be paired with a compatible phone for easier text entry while retaining core controls on the device.

GARMIN INREACH MESSENGER

The inReach Messenger is a two-way satellite communicator for messaging and SOS beyond mobile coverage. An active service plan is required for its satellite communication features.

SPOT GEN 4 HANDHELD GPS MESSENGER

SPOT Gen 4 is a one-way satellite messenger for preset check-ins, location messages and SOS. It can send updates to nominated contacts, but it does not provide a two-way conversation. An active service plan is required.

SPOT TRACE

SPOT Trace is an asset tracker for monitoring a vehicle's location through its associated tracking service. It is not a personal locator beacon or SOS device and requires an active service plan.

RESCUE ME PLB1

Rescue Me PLB1 is an emergency-only personal locator beacon. It transmits a distress alert when activated, does not provide routine messaging and does not require a service subscription. It must be registered with AMSA and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

UNDERSTANDING THE DEVICE TYPES

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON

A PLB is carried by a person and is intended for emergency distress alerting. It does not provide routine messages or two-way conversations. Rescue Me PLB1 is the PLB in this collection.

EPIRB

An EPIRB is generally intended and registered for vessel use. No dedicated vessel EPIRB is listed in this collection. Check current AMSA guidance and any regulations applying to your activity before choosing or registering an emergency beacon.

SUBSCRIPTION SATELLITE MESSENGER

A subscription satellite messenger provides communication features beyond emergency-only alerting. Garmin inReach Mini 2 and Garmin inReach Messenger support two-way messaging and SOS. SPOT Gen 4 supports one-way preset messages, location updates and SOS. These products require active service plans.

ASSET TRACKER

An asset tracker reports the location of an asset such as a touring vehicle. SPOT Trace performs this role and is not a substitute for a personal distress beacon or an SOS-capable satellite messenger.

CHOOSE BY USE CASE

EMERGENCY-ONLY DISTRESS ALERTING

Choose Rescue Me PLB1 when the requirement is a dedicated personal distress beacon without routine messaging or a service subscription. Register it correctly and follow the permitted manufacturer testing process before travel.

PRESET CHECK-INS AND SOS

Choose SPOT Gen 4 when preset messages, location updates and SOS suit the communication plan. Its one-way communication cannot show a reply from the recipient.

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION AND SOS

Choose Garmin inReach Mini 2 or Garmin inReach Messenger when travellers and contacts may need to exchange details beyond mobile coverage. Two-way messaging can help explain a delay, changed route or emergency.

VEHICLE TRACKING

Choose SPOT Trace when the requirement is asset tracking rather than personal distress alerting. Mounting, power and positioning should follow the current product instructions.

COMMUNICATION REDUNDANCY

Some travellers use a subscription satellite messenger for routine communication and carry a separate PLB for emergency-only distress alerting. Whether this suits a trip depends on its route, remoteness, group size and risk plan.

BRANDS IN THIS COLLECTION

GARMIN

Garmin products in this collection are the inReach Mini 2 and inReach Messenger two-way satellite messengers.

ALL SAT COMMUNICATIONS

Products listed under All Sat Communications are Spot Gen 4 Handheld GPS Messenger, SPOT Trace and Rescue Me PLB1.

SETUP, FITMENT AND TRIP PREPARATION

ACTIVATION AND REGISTRATION

Satellite messengers and trackers require activation with the appropriate service plan. Rescue Me PLB1 requires AMSA registration instead of a paid subscription. Add contacts, prepare preset messages and pair a compatible phone where applicable before leaving mobile coverage.

TESTING AND VEHICLE FITMENT

Use only the manufacturer's permitted test process and never activate a live distress alert as a routine test. Before travel, check charging or battery status, registration details, contact information and service-plan status. SPOT Trace fitment should follow its current mounting, power and positioning instructions.

WORKSHOP SUPPORT AND DELIVERY

Ultimate Offroad's Ferntree Gully and Pakenham workshops can discuss device setup and suitable SPOT Trace fitment. Australia-wide delivery is also available, subject to current availability and delivery coverage. If you are not sure, reach out to our friendly staff.

Submit a service enquiry with your vehicle details, or email sales@ultimateoffroad.com.au, and our friendly staff will confirm fitment, quote the work and arrange a booking at Ferntree Gully or Pakenham.