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Specially made emergency beacons, such as some models of the MicroPLB
TM
,
can encode GPS position information into their transmission. When this signal is
received by the GEO’s and relayed to the USMCC it is treated much the same way as
one received from the SARSAT and COSPAS satellites. The USMCC determines which
RCC should respond and immediately transmits a message to that RCC. This means that
a distress message, including location of the PLB, will reach rescue personnel
immediately. Since they will know exactly where you are and who you are, the response
can be extremely quick.