This is why you need an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon EPIRB

Today, most of the professional vessels are required through international or national regulations to carry an EPIRB on board, but an EPIRB as a life-saving appliance product is also recommended to be carried on board leisure and pleasure vessels. In general, any vessels sailing in potentially bad weather-condition, high winds, poor visibility or sailing in remote locations, are recommended to have a Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz EPIRB onboard.

What kind of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon EPIRB do I need?

There are a variety of safety products available, therefore, it is important to be aware that not all frequencies and systems are recognized as primary alert signals, nor do all search and rescue organizations offer immediate response. Generally, EPIRB’s are designed to meet necessary requirements for being installed on vessels. The design, specifications and required approvals, for example, automatic activation, distress signalling for minimum of 48 hours at -20°C, robustness and if it is watertight are essential.

Today, an EPIRB approved in accordance with the latest product standards includes: 406MHz, 121.5MHz, Automatic Identification System (AIS), positioning (GPS) and optional Return Link System (RLS). In addition to both visual LED and IR-LED for prompter assistance in a search and rescue. There is no doubt that the latest version of the product standard has resulted in delivery of the most effective EPIRB currently available in the market. The safest EPIRB is one that is approved in accordance with IEC 61097-2 Ed.4 and is also wheelmark certified according to IMO MSC.471(101).

What is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon EPIRB?
Do you know the history of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon EPIRB?