About the Program

EPIRB rentals are NOT permitted for general aviation use, camping/hiking/skiing expeditions, or for use on commercial vessels.

Place an order online or give us a call between noon and 5pm EST M-F and we will be happy to assist you. Online or over-the-phone, we will ask you a number of questions about yourself, your boat, and the trip you are planning.

Why So Many Questions?
This information is very important in case of emergency. As required by law, our beacons' unique identifier numbers (UIN) have been registered by us with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This means that each beacon's signal is unique to the vessel to which it is registered. NOAA registration asks for a description of your vessel, making it easier for search and rescue forces to locate you in an emergency.

When you rent a beacon, Foundation staff will ask you for the same information you would provide NOAA in their registration along with a trip itinerary and emergency contact information. We have provided NOAA and the Coast Guard with a toll-free number to our Emergency Dispatch Center that is staffed 24 hours/7 days a week by trained emergency response staff. In the rare event that you may need to activate your rental beacon, BoatU.S. Emergency Dispatch staff will forward your rental information to the Coast Guard or Air Force, and other search and rescue teams. Note: The EPIRB is registered to BoatU.S. - you do not need to contact NOAA before your trip.

Reserve Your Equipment
Our ordering program can take reservations up to 6 months in advance of your trip. We ask that you place your order at least 8 business days prior to the date that you need the equipment. This allows for shipping and paperwork processing time. If you contact us less than 8 business days prior to your trip, non-standard shipping charges may apply. Click here to see a list of information you will need in order to make a reservation.

Peak rental season is from May to August. We have a limited supply of equipment, so if your trip is during this time, make your reservation early.

Legal Requirements
The BoatU.S. Foundation has a limited supply of equipment for rental. This expensive equipment is sent out to customers in good-faith that it will be returned. As such, we require a contract to be signed and credit to be charged before the equipment is shipped. When you place your order you will be sent an contract and are required to sign and return this paper contract before your are charged or your equipment is shipped.

Maintenance
While there is no guarantee that rented equipment will function as designed, the BoatU.S. Foundation adheres to the maintenance schedule as prescribed by the manufacturer. Since the program was started in 1997, we have never had equipment fail to work properly.