[ArmstedFragg]

That frequency is the standard frequency for aviator's emergency locator beacons. It's monitored by satellite, and produces a fairly fast response when there's an activation on it. There's a similar emergency calling frequency in the Marine radio spectrum.

And now..... there's one available for outdoors folks. Here's one site that offers info on personal ELB's.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s1168.htm

[cgk]

Thank you for that link. Everything you wrote before it made me feel rather like Alice in Wonderland. ;). Those PLBs are really something else.

[woodbutcher]

And now..... there's one available for outdoors folks. Here's one site that offers info on personal ELB's.

---

Thank you for that info. I had heard of and forgot about the PLB and I have a personal need for something like that.

It does look bulky.

You notice when you read the link that it must be registered for them to take it seriously. That is why I doubt that a call on 121.5 without a valid call sign (tail number) would bring out the Marines. Without some verification that you were for real, it would be easy to take it for a prank call. As you, there are slimes that do that regularly.