The new PLBs are smaller, lighter and more efficient and will be used to help to find people who go missing in Kosciuszko National Park. The new PLBs can guide rescuers to within 50 metres of the carrier.

These new devices will replace the EPIRBS, which have been in use since 2002 and are linked to the now defunct analogue mobile phone system.

NPWS Snowy Mountains regional manager Dave Darlington said at the launch that the new device was much better than the old Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB).

“There are numerous benefits of this new device. The PLBs are no bigger than an average sized torch and they only weigh 250 grams. They float and are waterproof to a depth of one metre.

“They are also reasonably inexpensive. People will be able to hire them from the NPWS before embarking on any expedition into the park for $20 for up to two weeks with a manual credit card swipe securing a $100 deposit.

“The new PLBs have a stronger signal strength, transmitting more information and no longer reliant on line of sight signals because of the use of satellite technology,” Mr Darlington said.

Mr Darlington advised people to take their mobile phones yet not to rely solely on them. He said batteries run low in extreme temperatures and phones should be switched off and preserved for an emergency. Mr Darlington warned coverage was spasmodic within the park.

Police have 10 new PLBs in addition to the 10 purchased by the NPWS.

Monaro Local Area Commander Police Superintendent, Gary Merryweather said that the new advances on the older EPIRB would be a great help in any future search and rescue operations.

“I would encourage all people considering undertaking longer, more serious expeditions within the park to hire a PLB so that we can find them quickly in the event of trouble,” Mr Merryweather said.

PLBs are available at NPWS offices in Jindabyne, Perisher, Tumut and Khancoban for hire and can also be purchased from Wilderness Sports and Paddy Pallin in Jindabyne.