Maritime Glossary
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon
Also known as: EPIRB
A satellite-linked distress beacon that activates on immersion and transmits the vessel's position to rescue services via the Cospas-Sarsat system.
Status: ActiveVerified: Source confidence: high (97%)
Full Definition
An EPIRB transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network and on 121.5 MHz as a homing signal. Category I EPIRBs auto-activate via hydrostatic release on immersion; Category II require manual activation. A registered EPIRB encodes the ship's MMSI, enabling the MRCC to identify the vessel immediately. SOLAS regulation IV mandates carriage on ships on international voyages. Monthly testing, battery replacement, and hydrostatic release renewal at prescribed intervals are required.
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