Get a PLB: Outback Mike’s advice for NT adventurers

Before he became famous, survival expert Michael Atkinson was a military officer sharpening his skills in the Northern Territory. Asked what he would take with him into the Top End, here’s what he had to say.

‘Outback Mike’ is a solo adventurist, survival expert and filmmaker. Picture: Supplied.

Before he became famous, survival expert Michael Atkinson was a military officer sharpening his skills in the Northern Territory.

During that chapter in his life, the former chopper pilot was rubbing shoulders with Aboriginal troops in NORFORCE - the same unit where Mike, as he likes to be called, became a survival instructor.

Now, Mike has 255k Instagram followers and is one of Australia’s favourite outdoor personalities, regularly sharing his techniques in the wild, as well as his kit-of-choice.

Michael Atkinson fishing off the Vernon Islands, north of Darwin, in 2001. Picture: Supplied.

The NT News asked the adventurer what he recommended for Territorians.

“Really, you should consider getting yourself a PLB to sort yourself out,” he said.

“If you’re ever in a cyclone, like you guys just had, or in a strong blow or storm which I’ve personally experienced - I was in Cyclone Craig which was category 2 - it’s not a good feeling when it all goes bad.

“Having a PLB is going to save you.”

Mike conceded they’re an “expensive” Christmas present but “worth it”.

For anyone keen at having a crack at boating, a PLB - personal locator beacon - is a lightweight device which transmits a distress signal.

It’s ‘big brother’ - the EPIRB - is a larger device typically fitted to the vessel itself.

The PLB, however, has the benefit of being attached to the man himself.

Between the two, Mike says PLB’s are often overlooked.

“If you end up in the water and you’re not attached to the vessel, you very quickly drift,” he said.

“When I go out on someone else’s boat I always have one.”

Mike says he’s not a big fan of people relying on mobile phones as their emergency alert.

He said he noticed a lot of people shift towards mobile phones.

“A lot of phones these days are satellite capable... but it's going to be in saltwater (and) you can’t use the touchscreen when there’s water in it,” he said.

“Even if you do get two-way comms... it will give your position but by the time rescue services get out to you - might be two hours later - you might have drifted.”

Four people being rescued about 50 km north-east of Darwin after activating their distress beacon. Picture: Careflight.

His word of advice comes as alarming statistics emerged.

GME recently conducted a survey of 1000 Australians to assess their confidence in the water - specifically in the event of an emergency.

Their findings showed 65 per cent of participants intended to enjoy the water in the upcoming Christmas season.

However, only 32 per cent said they could rescue themselves in the event of an aquatic emergency.

Only 40 per cent said checking the forecast or tide conditions was important before starting their boating of fishing trip.

Since the findings were released, Mike has joined GME for National Rescue Awareness Week in hope of sounding the importance of preparation.

‘You are going to be massively stressed’: Mike makes no secret of the dangers in Top End waters.

Darwin’s rich boating culture combined with its transient population gives rise to plenty of newcomers to the outdoor activity - something Mike remembers from his time living in the Top End.

He conceded southern waters “had big seas”, but said he believed you were more likely to “get swamped” in the north - and encounter unfriendly strangers.

“You are going to be massively stressed when you’re in there with crocs and sharks around, particularly if you’ve cut yourself,” he said.

“The second you activate a PLB, rescue assets (are) coming for you.”

Originally published as Get a PLB: Outback Mike’s advice for NT adventurers