EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon is a safety device carried by a vessel to alert search and rescue services, allowing them to quickly locate you in the event of an emergency. When activated it transmits a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency which is monitored by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.
The Infographic above shows that when in distress in the middle of the sea, the seafarer has the chance to activate its EPIRB to send their information up to a satellite.
When the satellite receives data, it sends information to a Coast Guard Commander Centre. After that, a Search and Rescue watchstander will be alerted there is a problem. The EPIRB will help the Coast Guard know where you are.
So, when the Coast Guard sends their helicopters and cutters to look for the seafarer, they’ll know what to be looking for.
EPIRB was introduced in the 1970s, and from then, it has assisted in rescues at sea and on land saving thousands of lives worldwide.
