Proper maintenance and inspection are critical to ensuring that your Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) functions effectively in an emergency. Ensuring your EPIRB works reliably when needed involves routine testing, adhering to servicing requirements, renewing registration every two years, and understanding replacement and disposal protocols. Routine EPIRB Testing and Inspection You should conduct monthly…
Regulatory requirements for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are governed internationally and domestically. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates global EPIRB standards, requiring some vessels to use Category I EPIRBs, as detailed in Resolution MSC.471(101). U.S. regulations vessel requirements for EPIRBs are outlined in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Compliance is…
Proper preparation is crucial for the successful installation of your Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Each step, from selecting the right type of EPIRB to securing the ideal mounting location on your boat, ensures optimal performance in case of an emergency. Preparing for EPIRB Installation EPIRB Installation Steps Different types of EPIRBs require specific…
Settling on a location to place an EPIRB counterintuitively becomes tricker the smaller the boat gets. Installing your EPIRB correctly and away from magnetic interference from instrumentation is vital to ensure it functions as intended during an emergency. This is why a smaller boat needs deeper thought which is what I’ll get into in this…
The acronym EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. These devices form a vital part of safety equipment at sea. More specifically they fall under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) framework within marine communications systems. This article looks at this in further detail and also brings you up to speed on…
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is not just an accessory but a necessity on board, particularly when venturing offshore. Your EPIRB should always be accessible, stored in a dry place, and ready for immediate use. Regular testing is essential to ensure functionality and registration with the appropriate maritime safety authority is not only…
The range of an EPIRB is virtually limitless on a global scale, which is why it’s indispensable for sea vessels and aircraft. The newer 406 MHz frequency of EPIRBs offers significantly more precision than their 121.5/243 MHz counterparts, enhancing location accuracy to within 2 to 5 kilometers. When you invest in any type of EPIRB,…
This is a fairly common question I get asked so I thought to lay out the key differences in a maritime context. I can’t comment in great detail on land-based use cases so research that further for yourself. Both are primarily types of emergency beacons, while an InReach can also be used for general comms….
I’ll start this article off with a recent maritime rescue that occurred in one of the world’s most remote places. William had sailed past Point Nemo just a few days before, the remotest point from any emerging land on our planet. He was closer to Antarctica than to South America where he was headed in…
Having recently had my hands on the ACR GlobalFix V5, I’ve gathered my thoughts from this firsthand experience with the unit. We collectively have nearly 50 years of maritime experience here at Sailing Savvy. In this detailed breakdown, you’ll gain insight into the robust features and groundbreaking technology embedded within one of the best EPIRBs currently on…