The chain of events under new MEOSAR system

1 In an emergency the PLB/EPIRB is activated to alert SAR services

2 The distress signal is transmitted to radio repeaters carried by various satellites

3 The satellite systems process the distress signal and relay it to ground stations

4 The alert is passed on to Mission Control Centres and a beacon ID is established

5 Rescue Coodination Centres alert local SAR services

6 Local search and rescue services are dispatched to recover the casualty