Where on a boat does an EPiRB go, and how does it work?

Answer 1

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are tracking transmitters that operate as part of the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. When activated, the beacons send out a distress signal that allows the beacon to be located by the satellite system and search and rescue aircraft to locate the people, boats and aircraft needing rescue. They are a component of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System

For an EPIRB to begin transmitting a signal (or "activate") it first needs to come out of its bracket (or "deploy"). EPIRBs can be activated manually - when a button on the unit is pushed, or automatically - when water comes into contact with the unit's "sea-switch". Deployment can happen either manually - where someone has to physically take it out of its bracket - or automatically - where water pressure will cause a Hydrostatic Release Unit to release the EPIRB from its bracket. If it does not come out of the bracket it will not activate. There is a magnet in the bracket which operates a reed safety switch in the EPIRB. This is to prevent accidental activation when the unit gets wet from rain or shipped seas

Answer 2

cm1see did a nice cut and paste from wikipedia.....having sold and installed these things for years, let me add.......
where on the boat? Almost all 406 EPIRBS activate when they hit salt water ( in case you drop it overboard, along with a manual on switch); the choices are how they come out of the bracket....manual means you have to pull it out and take it with you, in which case it should be mounted somewhere where you can get to it QUICKLY....like near the companionway or the wheel. Automatic means there is a spring loaded locking pin...called a HRU or Hydrostatic release...which operates when the EPIRB has sunk to about 30 feet. In that case it should be mounted so it will float free...ie not under a canopy or bimini top.

How does it work? It sets off an distress code, picked up by satellites .........two or three or more pick up the signal, relay the direction to one of 13 ground stations worldwide and that gives your position, usually accurate to about 100 feet, taking the "search" out of Search and Rescue. There is a separate signal on a different frequency for short range close in homing by helicopters and Coast Guard boats.

VERY IMPORTANT: Each EPIRB has a unique signal, and you MUST register it with the authorities.....NOAA in the US....information from your dealer or in the box with a new purchase. This gives the worldwide data base info on who the signal is coming from......boat type, color, rig; and a phone number of the owner to contact. Because there are some false signals, the rescue authorities will call the registered number....if the person who answers says yeah theyre out at sea the copters are scrambled. if the answering party says no that's on my boat and its tied to the dock a lot of unneeded drama is saved......

Answer 3

The EPIRB is generally stored in the life raft, so that it will be with the necessary materials when needed if you abandon ship.When activated it sends out a radio transmission that can be pin pointed by satellites.(new) The older models sent a radio locator message that could be picked up by airplanes and ships at sea.

Answer 4

They are located on Life vest (pfd) and in the life raft. They can be activated manually or when they come in contact with water.
They're are many types of these expensive life saving devices that will send your current location as a sos signal via satelites.

Answer 5

it goes some where easily reach in an emerges

Answer 6

Got me?

Answer 7

in my pocket lol