EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons)

All ships operating beyond smooth and partially smooth waters must carry an EPIRB if more than two nautical miles from land.

What is a distress beacon?

A distress beacon is a small electronic device that, when activated in a life-threatening situation, assists rescue authorities in their search to locate those in distress.

Types of distress beacons

• EPIRBs used in ships and boats are designed to float in the water to optimise the signal to the satellite. An EPIRB is required to operate for a minimum of 48 hours continuously once activated. It has a lanyard used to secure it to something that is not going to sink so that it can float free.
• Personal locator beacons are designed for personal use in both the land and marine environment. Personal locator beacons are required to operate for a minimum of 24 hours once activated.
• Personal locator beacons are not considered a substitute for EPIRBs if you are required to carry an EPIRB as part of your safety equipment.

Some 406 MHz beacons have an encoded (GPS) location. Locating a distress site is usually much faster if the beacon signal provides a GPS location.

What is an EPIRB?

An emergency position indicating radio beacon or EPIRB is a compact, buoyant, self-contained radio transmitter designed for marine use. When it is activated it emits a continuous distinctive radio distress signal for a minimum of 48 hours. This signal is detected by satellite and relayed to a rescue coordination centre, which will start a search and rescue operation by the local authorities.

When should an EPIRB be used?

EPIRBs should only be used when there is a threat of grave and imminent danger. In the event of an emergency, communication should first be attempted with others close by using radios, phones and other signalling devices. Mobile phones can be used but should not be relied upon as they can be out of range, have low batteries or become water-damaged.

Where should EPIRBs be stowed?

In a boat, an EPIRB should be stowed in its mounting bracket where it is visible and easy to access in an emergency or in a grab bag along with flares, a torch or strobe and other safety equipment. If possible keep it out of the weather and locked away when the boat is not in use. If an EPIRB is to be stowed in a grab bag or out of its bracket you should use a manually operated EPIRB. Water activated EPIRBs should always be stowed in their brackets correctly when not in use.

How to activate an EPIRB

The EPIRB will carry printed instructions on it on how to activate it. You should be familiar with those instructions. To activate the EPIRB:

• take the device from its cradle
• raise the antenna
• activate the switch
• unravel the lanyard (cord) from the device and attach to the vessel, life-raft, or your PFD
• when you are sure it is attached, throw the device into the water.

Do not hold on to the EPIRB because is designed to work best when floating in the water.