EPIRB

An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a maritime distress beacon designed to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency at sea. It transmits a distress signal that includes its location to satellites (International Cospas-Sarsat Programme – International COSPAS-SARSAT), allowing rescue authorities to locate vessels or individuals in distress.

The COSPAS-SARSAT network provides real time global detection thanks to its coverage by Geostationary, Low Earth Orbit and Mid Earth Orbit satellites monitoring the earth’s surface. This allows beacons in remote areas to be always detected and processed to the relevant Search and Rescue authorities to co-ordinate a rescue.

EPIRBs work by transmitting distress signals on designated frequencies (406 MHz for satellite detection and 121.5 MHz for homing purposes). When activated manually or automatically (when submerged in water), the EPIRB sends a signal to satellites, which then relays the distress signal to a ground station. This enables rescue authorities to pinpoint the location of the distress and coordinate a rescue effort.

Nowadays, we have EPIRBs with various features:

AIS (Automated Identification System): allows EPIRBs distress signal to be picked up on nearby vessels with AIS plotters and provides GNSS coordinates to allow local recovery.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): GNSS is made up of different satellite constellation systems which provide global positioning, such as GPS or Galileo. This will allow for higher position accuracy since it will use more satellites for position calculation.

RLS (Return Link Service):  RLS is a new capability activated in 2021 that allows a signal to be sent back to the EPIRB in the form of a blue light. This indicator confirms the distress message has been received and location is known.

MEOSAR (Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue): MEOSAR is an upgraded version of the Cospas Sarsat system, using new MEO satellites and ground infrastructure to detect distress signals faster and more accurately. This improvement reduces response times and enhances the efficiency of search and rescue operations, ultimately saving more lives.

You should activate an EPIRB when you are facing a life-threatening emergency at sea and require immediate assistance. This could include sinking, fire, medical emergencies, or any situation where your safety or the safety of others onboard is at risk.

There are primarily two types of EPIRBs:

• Category I EPIRB: Automatically activates and floats free from a sinking vessel.
• Category II EPIRB: Requires manual activation and is typically mounted in a bracket on the vessel.

Yes, you must register your EPIRB with the appropriate national authority (such as the Coast Guard in the United States) to ensure prompt response and accurate registration details in case of activation. If you are unsure of where to register for your country, you can visit www.406registration.com.

Typically, a self-test function is available to ensure the beacon is operational without transmitting a distress signal. EPIRBs should be tested prior to a voyage, and periodically as per the manufacturer’s instructions in the user manual.  As a guide it is recommended to test the unit once a month.

EPIRBs operate primarily on two frequencies:

406 MHz: Used for satellite detection and global distress alerting.

121.5 MHz: Used for homing by search and rescue aircraft or vessels once they are in the vicinity.

Batteries are designed to last 48 hours when transmitting continuously after activation.

EPIRB batteries are non-user replaceable due to the need for specialized equipment and certification requirements to ensure the beacon continues to meet regulatory standards and the EPIRB will be watertight. It’s recommended to have the battery replaced by an authorized service center.

If your EPIRB is accidentally activated, you should immediately deactivate it to prevent unnecessary search and rescue operations. Contact the appropriate authorities or your national Coast Guard to inform them of the accidental activation and provide details to cancel any ongoing distress alerts.

EPIRBs are required on certain types of vessels depending on their operation and location. For example, vessels operating offshore or in international waters often require an EPIRB as part of their safety equipment to comply with maritime regulations.

However, it is strongly recommended for all vessels, big or small, sailing off-shore or in remote areas.

EPIRB: Designed for maritime use on vessels, with a higher output power and larger size. Typically registered to a vessel rather than an individual.

PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): Smaller and intended for personal use. Registered to an individual and can be carried onboard vessels or on land. Operates on the same frequencies (406 MHz and 121.5 MHz) as EPIRBs.

EPIRBs are designed for one-time use in emergencies. After activation, they should be replaced or returned to the manufacturer for inspection and possible reprogramming, depending on the model and regulations. It’s crucial to always have a properly functioning EPIRB ready for emergencies.

You should contact your maritime dealer from who you bought  the EPIRB who can advise on the best process, due to different countries having different waste disposal policies

An EPIRB, or emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), is the safety foundation for many vessels. As the main electronic distress beacon, that works on the dedicated 406 MHz Cospas Sarsat search and rescue frequency, it is a mandated safety component on many commercial, fishing and racing vessels.

As a certified safety product, EPIRBs have many mandated features regardless of brand, price or where you buy or install the EPIRB. It can be water or manually activated, it always works on the 406MHz & 121.5MHz frequencies and has a minimum 48H operational life. But what other features should you consider when buying an EPIRB?

The below table looks at some of the ways to review EPIRBs, including features to consider and which products offer them.