The Essential Steps to EPIRB Installations

ByMathew F Updated on

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

When choosing an EPIRB, consider the two main categories: Category I or Category II.

Category I brackets are suitable for vessels where automatic deployment is preferred.

Category II is for those who opt for a manual release.

Before installation, it’s essential to register your EPIRB with the proper authorities.

During registration, provide unique identification (ID) details that are linked to your vessel.

Registration is not only a legal requirement, but it also provides search and rescue teams with critical information in an emergency.

The mounting location for your EPIRB on your boat should be readily accessible, yet it must remain unobstructed.

Most EPIRBs come with mounting brackets for easy installation. It’s generally best to mount the EPIRB within arm’s reach of the helm, ensuring quick deployment.

Carefully assess the area around the desired mounting spot for potential overhead and underwater obstructions.

Ensure there are no obstructions that could hinder the signal or automatic release functionality if you are using Category I brackets.

Also, make sure to allow for an unobstructed path should manual deployment be necessary.

EPIRB Installation Steps

Different types of EPIRBs require specific steps for mounting and integration with vessel systems.

To mount a Category 1 (float-free EPIRB), you should use the category I automatic release housing, which is designed to deploy the EPIRB automatically.

Choose a location where the beacon can float free if submerged, typically the stern area, and make sure it is unobstructed by any parts of the vessel.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for attaching the hydrostatic release unit (HRU) to the housing. This activation system releases the EPIRB at a certain depth under the water.

  1. Select an installation point where the EPIRB can float clear without obstructions.
  2. Secure the EPIRB’s automatic release housing with the HRU to the chosen location.

For manual activation EPIRBs (Category 2), the installation process involves a Category II bracket which requires you to manually release the EPIRB.

  1. Install the mounting bracket in a location that is easily accessible in an emergency, such as near the helm or escape routes.
  2. Ensure the area allows for the beacon to be manually deployed without impediments. Then, attach the provided lanyard to the EPIRB and secure the other end to the vessel, so it doesn’t get lost at sea if dropped during an emergency.

Although EPIRBs are designed to operate independently, connect your EPIRB’s interface, if available, to your vessel’s systems for enhanced functionality.

  1. Integrate the EPIRB’s data interfaces, such as NMEA inputs, with onboard systems for automatic position updates.
  2. Follow the EPIRB manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper integration without impairing the unit’s manual activation or float-free capabilities.

Testing & Maintenance

Regular testing and meticulous maintenance are non-negotiable aspects of safety at sea that also apply to your EPIRB.

Conducting a Self-Test

To conduct a self-test, you should follow your EPIRB manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves a short sequence where you activate a test mode that will not trigger a rescue response.

Self-tests check the EPIRB’s internal circuitry, battery voltage, and power output of the 406 MHz signal. Performing a self-test monthly is an effective way to ensure continued reliability.

EPIRB Maintenance Schedule

Your EPIRB’s maintenance schedule should align with the guidelines from the manufacturer.

Typically, this involves a thorough inspection every two years by an approved service agent.

Maintenance includes physical checks for damage, verifying the operation of the beacon, and testing per the IMO’s guidelines.

Replacing the Battery

The EPIRB’s battery life is finite, and batteries must be replaced before the marked expiry date.

This is typically every five to ten years, depending on your specific device. Battery replacement is not a DIY task.

It should be carried out by certified personnel to ensure the EPIRB remains compliant with safety regulations and performance standards as outlined by entities like Lloyd’s Register.

Frequently Asked

Mount your free-floating EPIRB in an area that is easily accessible, unobstructed, and away from any overhead obstructions. This is to minimize the risk of it becoming trapped upon deployment. It’s often recommended to use a ‘float free’ mounting mechanism that releases the EPIRB automatically when submerged in water.

The requirement to carry an EPIRB usually applies to commercial vessels and is determined by the vessel’s length and the nature of voyages it undertakes. For recreational boaters, it isn’t mandated by law for all sizes of boats, but it is highly recommended, especially for offshore trips.

It is recommended to carry an EPIRB if you are traveling more than 2 nautical miles offshore. While it may not be legally required for all vessels, having an EPIRB significantly increases safety for offshore activities.

Written by:

Mathew F

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.