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A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a device specifically designed for distress signaling while aboard a vessel. It operates by sending out a distress signal to rescue services via satellite, allowing for quick location and assistance in emergencies. PLBs are portable, easy to activate, and provide a critical means of communication when traditional methods fail.

Radar systems, while essential for navigation and collision avoidance, are not designed specifically for distress signaling. They do not transmit distress calls or provide the specific location of a vessel in distress. Similarly, a signal mirror is a useful tool for visual signaling, particularly during daylight hours, but it relies on line-of-sight and may not be effective in all situations or for long distances. GPS systems, although vital for navigation, do not inherently include distress signaling capabilities—they provide location information but do not actively communicate with rescue services.