EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a vessel-registered satellite distress device that, when activated, alerts maritime search-and-rescue authorities to a yacht in distress. It transmits a unique 15-digit ID on 406 MHz to the international Cospas-Sarsat constellation; SOLAS Chapter IV, as amended on 1 January 2024, requires carriage on every GMDSS-fitted vessel.
What is an EPIRB?
An EPIRB is the primary satellite distress device of a yacht's Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Mounted in a bracket on the wheelhouse or flying-bridge exterior, the orange high-visibility unit transmits a coded 406 MHz signal that is picked up by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite constellation - operated jointly by the United States, Russia, Canada, and France in support of the IMO.
Each beacon carries a unique 15-digit hex identifier tied to the specific vessel and its flag-state registration. GPS-enabled units fix the yacht's position to roughly 100 m anywhere in the world; non-GPS units rely on Doppler triangulation, accurate to around 2 km. A secondary 121.5 MHz homing signal lets search-and-rescue aircraft direction-find the casualty once on scene.
Two SOLAS categories exist. Category I beacons are housed in a hydrostatic-release bracket that floats the unit free of a sinking vessel and activates it automatically when submerged. Category II beacons are manually deployed. Leading manufacturers - ACR Electronics, Ocean Signal, McMurdo, and Jotron - all build to the same Cospas-Sarsat T.001 specification.
Why it matters for yacht owners
For any commercially registered or charter-coded yacht, an EPIRB is not optional. SOLAS Chapter IV, as amended on 1 January 2024, requires a 406 MHz satellite EPIRB on every GMDSS-fitted vessel. The MCA Large Yacht Code extends the requirement to commercial yachts of 24 m and above.
Classification societies verify EPIRB fit and registration at statutory survey, and hull-and-machinery underwriters condition cover on maintained-in-class status. A lapsed registration, an expired battery, or an inherited beacon left under the prior owner's name can jeopardise your yacht's charter certificate and her insurance.
Key facts
- Operates on 406 MHz; detected by the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite constellation.
- Mandated by SOLAS Chapter IV (GMDSS) and the MCA / Red Ensign Group Yacht Code for commercial yachts of 24 m and above.
- Amended SOLAS Chapter IV in force 1 January 2024 removed VHF-DSC EPIRBs as a SOLAS option.
- Minimum 48 hours of continuous transmission at -20 °C; battery life typically five to seven years.
- GPS-enabled units locate to roughly 100 m; non-GPS units to around 2 km via Doppler triangulation.
- Registered to the vessel, not the person - re-registration is mandatory on every change of ownership or flag.
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View moreFAQ
Is an EPIRB required on a superyacht?
Yes, in almost all commercial cases. SOLAS Chapter IV mandates a 406 MHz EPIRB on every GMDSS-fitted vessel, and the MCA / Red Ensign Group Yacht Code extends the requirement to commercial yachts of 24 m and above.
What is the difference between an EPIRB and a PLB?
An EPIRB is registered to a vessel; a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is registered to a person. EPIRBs must transmit for at least 48 hours at -20 °C and float upright in water. PLBs transmit for only 24 hours and are not required to float in a transmitting position.
How often does an EPIRB battery need to be replaced?
EPIRB lithium batteries are typically rated for five to seven years from manufacture. Replacement must be carried out by a manufacturer-certified service centre to retain SOLAS, MCA, and class-society compliance.
Do I have to re-register an EPIRB if I buy a yacht with one already fitted?
Yes. EPIRBs are registered to a vessel, so any change of ownership, name, MMSI, flag, or homeport invalidates the existing registration. The new owner must re-register with the flag state's national authority.
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