What is EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon ?

EPIRBs are tracking transmitters which aid in the detection and location of boats, aircraft, and people in distress.An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon(EPIRB) is used to alert search and rescue services in case of an emergency. EPIRB does it by transmitting   a coded message  on 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite .

When manually activated, or automatically activated upon immersion or impact, such beacons send out a distress signal. The signals are monitored worldwide and the location of the distress is detected by non-geostationary satellites  and in more recent EPIRBs also by GPS.

Emergency beacons operating on 406 MHz transmit a unique character serial number called a Hexa decimal Code. When the beacon is purchased, the Hex Code should be registered with the relevant national (or international) authority.

Registration provides Search and Rescue agencies with crucial information such as:

2 Comments

  • Great post! I had heard of EPIRBs before but didn’t know the details about how they work and their importance in marine safety. Your explanation really clarified why they are essential for anyone spending time on the water. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!

  • Great post! I didn’t realize how crucial EPIRBs are for marine safety. It’s fascinating to learn about the technology behind them and how they can make a difference in emergencies. Thanks for sharing this informative piece!

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