The Best EPIRBs For Offshore Boating
Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a weekend boater, understanding the importance of a reliable EPIRB is crucial for safety.
Drawing from my own experiences on the water, I’ve selected options that balance functionality, durability, and ease of use.
Join me in navigating these lifesaving devices, ensuring your peace of mind while you enjoy the vast, beautiful ocean.
Best Overall EPIRB

Ocean Signal Rescue ME EPIRB1
A reliable and compact emergency beacon for peace of mind during offshore fishing and ocean sailing passages.
Pros
✅ 10-year battery life
✅Compact design with retractable antenna
✅ Fast and accurate positioning with 66-channel GPS
Cons
✖️ Red plastic tab may break off easily
✖️ Inadvertent activation possibility
✖️ Hardware quality could be improved
The Ocean Signal Rescue ME EPIRB1 is an excellent addition to your safety gear when you go offshore fishing, sailing, or boating. Its compact design, featuring a retractable antenna, allows for easy storage on your vessel. The 10-year battery life ensures you won’t have to worry about your device running out of power during critical moments.
One of the most notable features of this EPIRB is its fast and accurate positioning, thanks to the 66-channel GPS. This feature, combined with a 48+ hours operational life and easy activation, will provide quick location information to rescuers in an emergency.
However, there are a few concerns to consider. Some users have reported the red plastic tab breaking off, and hardware quality could be improved.
Additionally, accidental activation might lead to an unexpected visit from the authorities. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully to avoid such situations.
Best EPIRB For Offshore

McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB
The McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB is an ideal safety device to invest in due to its advanced features and high ratings.
Pros
✅ First EPIRB to include localized alert via AIS
✅ Combines benefits of multiple life-saving products
✅ Accidental activation protection
Cons
✖️ May be more expensive than other options
When it comes to prioritizing safety on your vessel, the McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB is a top choice. It is the first-ever EPIRB to feature localized alerts, making it innovative and efficient at the same time. This device can send out immediate alerts in an emergency, providing your location to search and rescue services for speedy assistance.
Another advantage of this EPIRB is that it combines various life-saving products into one beacon. With built-in AIS, multi GNSS, and Galileo connectivity, you can rest assured that your location will be accurately transmitted during dire situations. This is crucial in ensuring a timely response from rescue teams in emergencies.
However, a potential downside is that the McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB is on the heavier side, weighing 2.7 pounds. But to be honest, it’s an EPIRB, so you won’t be carrying it often.
It also requires six lithium-ion batteries, which might be an additional expense. But knowing you are investing in a reliable safety device with accidental activation protection, this EPIRB can give you the peace of mind needed when sailing.
Best Category 1 EPIRB

Ocean Signal SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro
The world’s most compact EPIRB pairs compact stature with durability. The EPIRB1 Pro is a reliable emergency beacon, perfect for various water-based activities.
Pros
✅ Compact design with a 10-year battery life
✅ 406 MHz satellite band for international distress frequencies
✅ Automatic release housing for hands-free deployment
Cons
✖️ Slightly heavier than some competitors at 3.42 pounds
The Ocean Signal SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact yet highly effective emergency position-indicating radio beacon. Its small size and long battery life make it a convenient addition to any vessel, whether for commercial, fishing, or leisure purposes.
This EPIRB ensures a rapid response from search and rescue teams, thanks to its connection to the international distress frequencies monitored by Cospas-Sarsat.
One of the standout features of the EPIRB1 Pro is its Category I Automatic Release Housing, which makes it possible for the device to deploy itself from the bracket and activate automatically in emergencies.
This feature is especially beneficial for those who are unable to reach the EPIRB in time physically. The included adapter also allows for simpler retrofitting, which means it can easily be mounted using existing mounting holes from older EPIRB models.
While the EPIRB1 Pro has a slightly heavier weight than some competing beacons, its practical design and additional safety features make it a strong contender in the market.
Best Value EPIRB

ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB
This EPIRB offers advanced features but has room for improvement in its mobile app and registration process.
Pros
✅ AIS Locating Signal for local rescue
✅ Return Link Service for distress message confirmation
✅ Waterproof and buoyant with a 10-year battery life
Cons
✖️ Complicated registration process
✖️ Lackluster mobile app performance
Using the ACR GLOBALFIX V5 AIS EPIRB, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind it brings during offshore adventures. Its AIS (Automatic Identification System) Locating Signal increases the chances of a swift rescue by broadcasting your distress signal to nearby vessels.
One standout feature of this EPIRB is its Return Link Service (RLS), which confirms that your distress message has been received, providing added assurance when the worst happens. Additionally, the device is designed to withstand harsh marine environments, being waterproof, buoyant, and equipped with a 10-year battery life.
However, not everything is smooth sailing with the ACR GLOBALFIX V5 AIS EPIRB. Some users have reported a complicated registration process, along with a less-than-stellar mobile app that freezes and underperforms.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best EPIRB for your needs, there are several factors to consider. To ensure you make the right choice, let’s discuss key features to look for when purchasing an EPIRB.