The Bottom Line
SPOT Satellite Messenger is the world's first satellite messenger. It works by sending your coordinates and messages via commercial satellite to inform others of your location and status. You can send a 911 distress alert, ask for help from friends or family or simply check in with and track your location.
Pros
- Small, lightweight.
- Affordable alternative to PLBs and EPIRBs.
- Optional features include SPOTcast automatic tracking service and guaranteed extraction assistance.
Cons
- Costs $99.00 at minimum annually for service.
- After three to five years, loses its cost effectiveness.
- Does not work everywhere like an EPIRB or PLB.
Description
- Track your progress by sending and saving points along your route to Google Maps™.
- GPS satellites determine location; reliable SPOT satellites transmit information.
- Unit floats, and can be submerged up to 1m.
Guide Review - Marine Electronics Review: SPOT Satellite Messenger
SPOT Satellite Messenger is an affordable alternative to more expensive EPIRBs and PLBs initially, but after a few years of paying for annual service of the unit, those benefits decrease. Still, SPOT has many unique features that PLBs and EPIRBs don't have, including tracking, asking for help from friends and guaranteed extraction from countries that don't offer emergency services. For a mariner, SPOT may be a short term solution, but eventually it makes more sense to invest in a PLB or EPIRB.
