EPIRB Basics

Simple rules for understanding, buying and using an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

For those that are fanatics in marine safety the EPIRB represents the ultimate in personal safety devices. When activated, the EPIRB signal is received by a worldwide system of satellites and your distress call is relayed to the nearest rescue coordination center. With EPIRB prices starting at under $500 and the boating safety benefits so apparent, you would have to be foolish not to have an EPIRB onboard. The only remaining issue is how to select the right EPIRB for you.

EPIRBs come in two basic categories: Manual and Automatic, also known as EPIRB Category 1 and Category 2 EPIRBS.
With the manual type of EPIRB, you will need to push a button to activate it, while the automatic is triggered by hydrostatic release. Of course the manual is less expensive, however spending the money may be a better investment depending on how big your boat is and where you plan to mount it and stow it. On a small boat, where the EPIRB is not more than an arm’s reach away or if you plan on taking it along on different boats, a manual unit is fine.





EPIRBS have two types of position reporting accuracy, depending on whether they have a GPS receiver embedded inside. Any EPIRB can be relied on to report your position to rescuers to a search area of 2.3 nautical miles, or a 12 square nautical mile search area. However, one equipped with GPS can enhance the position reporting accuracy of your unit down to about 0.05 nautical mile (110 yards), or a 0.008 square mile area markedly reducing the search area and rescue time.

The PLB, or Personal Locator Beacon are small and can be held in your hand worn on a belt or vest or stored in a pocket or ditch bag. Although both EPIRBs and PLB’s can send an electronic mayday and report you general location, there are important differences. A PLB will automatically shut off 24 hours after activation, whereas a regular EPRB will broadcast for 72 hours.

A final type of EPIRB are those with a GPS interface. This type of EPIRB comes with a cable to connect to your onboard GPS. It provides the same accuracy as an EPIRB with a built in GPS, but they cost less. The only downside? They must be connected to an operating GPS or it will be no more accurate than a basic model, and if your boat is taking water there’s a good chance that your electronics will stop working soon.



EPIRB Best Practices
1- Mount the bracket where it can’t be overlooked and be sure everyone on board knows how and under what conditions to activate it.
2- Keep portables PLBs in a ditch bag or emergency kit. Dedicate a place to stow it, somewhere where it can be easily reached in case of emergency.
3- Test your EPIRBS regularly, especially before a long trip. The self test procedure is simple and written on the side of every unit.
4- Check the battery expiration date located on a sticker attached to the EPIRB. Replace them every 4-5 years.