How EPIRBs Work

All BoatU.S. Foundation EPIRBs are 406 Mhz models. The advantages of a 406 EPIRB are worldwide coverage, position location accuracy, a reliable transmitted signal, an encoded message that identifies the distressed vessel, and a faster response time. For long offshore trips, a 406 EPIRB is the way to go. The frequency stability of a 406 MHz EPIRB, which directly affects position accuracy, is about 10 times greater than a homing-type 121.5 MHz EPIRB. Satellites can detect the 121.5 signal, but the location information they transmit is not as accurate, and there is no encoded information to identify your vessel. The location of a transmitting 406 beacon can be determined within approximately three miles by the first satellite pass, and to within one mile after three satellite passes. A GPS enabled 406 EPIRB's accuracy is within 100 yards of the initial alert. For a homing EPIRB, position accuracy is only 12 miles. It’s the difference between a 144 sq. mile search area vs. a 100 square meter search.

The 406 EPIRB uses the COSPAS/SARSAT system of polar orbiting satellites which gives you worldwide coverage. In comparison to the the homing-type EPIRB transmitting on 121.5/243 MHz, the 406 MHz EPIRBs have a much greater power output. And noise interference is less, so the 406 can be more reliably detected over greater distances than most homing 121.5 EPIRBs.

Once registered, the unique, encoded digital message received by the satellite and transmitted back to ground-based search and rescue authorities provides them with information to assist in the search: who you are, your boat type and size, where you are, and other important data, including emergency contact information. The encoded signal also performs the important function of circumventing false alarms, which are the vast majority of transmissions from 121.5 EPIRBs.

How EPIRBs Work At a Glance

1. Boater in distress activates 406 EPIRB.
2. EPIRB’s repeating SOS signal is detected by
   earth-orbiting satellites.
3. Signal is forwarded to ground station for verification.
4. Ground station notifies central command (MCC) to
   initiate search and rescue.
5. MCC notifies the Coast Guard or the Air Force Rescue
   Coordination Center (RCC) nearest to the boater’s location.
6. The RCC calls BoatU.S. for vessel description prior to
   leaving base. RCC dispatches applicable search and
   rescue resources.

121.5 EPIRB Phase Out – U.S. Coast Guard Message
Beginning January 1, 2007, both 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are prohibited from use in both commercial and recreational watercraft. Boaters wishing to have an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessel must have a digital 406 MHz model.

The January 1, 2007, date to stop using 121.5 MHz EPIRBs is in preparation for February 1, 2009, when satellite processing of distress signals from all 121.5/243 MHz beacons will terminate. Following this termination date, only the 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System which provides distress alert and location data for search and rescue operations around the world.

The regulation applies to all Class A, B, and S 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs. It does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices which are designed to work directly with a base alerting unit only and not with the satellite system.

This change, in large part, was brought about by the unreliability of the 121.5/243 MHz beacons in an emergency situation. Data reveals that with a 121.5 MHz beacon, only one alert out of every 50 is a genuine distress situation. This has a significant effect on expending the limited resources of search and rescue personnel and platforms. With 406 MHz beacons, false alerts have been reduced significantly, and, when properly registered, can usually be resolved with a telephone call to the beacon owner. Consequently, real alerts can receive the attention they deserve.

G-PIRB

A GPS enabled EPIRB or GPIRB is a 406 Mhz beacon that provides provides instant positioning information when the unit is activated in conjunction with a GPS. The GPS is either an internal component of the EPIRB or connected to the EPIRB via an interface. These represent the current state-of-the-art in 406Mhz EPIRBs. The location of a transmitting 406 beacon with GPS can be determined within approximately 100m (about 330 feet) of the first satellite pass!

PLB

Personal Locator Beacons, or PLBs are compact emergency equipment that also relies on the 406Mhz satellite signal. Weighing about a pound, these units can also have GPS accuracy. Battery life on these units is only required to transmit for 24 hours and they are not water activated. The compact design of these units makes them ideal for attaching to a person for outdoor activities. However, they are more complicated to use and do not offer the safety features of our 406 EPIRBs. We do not currently offer PLBs for rent.