An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB is used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue co-ordination center. Some EPIRBs also have built-in GPS which enables the rescue services to accurately locate you to +/- 50 meters.
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB is used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre.
Some EPIRBs also have built-in GPS which enables the rescue services to accurately locate you to +/- 50 metres.
Who uses EPIRBs?
EPIRBs are generally installed on boats and can either be operated automatically after an incident or manually. In most countries they are mandated to be used in all commercial shipping. However, they are also used on yachts and leisure boats.
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a safety device carried by a vessel to alert search and rescue services and allow 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 alert is then relayed via an earth station to the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). As the satellites are in a polar orbit they offer true global coverage – with an EPIRB you can summon help wherever you are on the planet, no matter how remote.
EPIRBs are supplied as standard with a mounting bracket and must be manually activated, however a SOLAS Auto Float Free Housing is also available which automatically deploys and activates the EPIRB when it is submerged.
An EPIRB forms part of the GMDSS mandated equipment package required by law for all commercial vessels over 300 tons, however many non-mandate vessels and leisure boats choose to carry an EPIRB to improve safety and they have been responsible for saving hundreds of lives since they have been introduced.
The Smartfind Plus/G5 GPS EPIRB offers all the features of the Smartfind E5 but with the addition of a high performance, multi-channel GPS which brings the location accuracy down to typically less than 62m, greatly increasing your chances of rescue in an emergency situation. The non-hazardous battery offers a minimum 48hr operation and a 6 year battery life. It is supplied with a manual release bracket. The EPIRB features a comprehensive diagnostic and self-test facility to keep you up to date on remaining battery usage and EPIRB operation.
The Smartfind/E5 EPIRB is supplied with a float free housing which automatically deploys and activates the EPIRB if the boat is sinking. The non-hazardous battery also means it is not subject to transport restrictions such as carrying it on an aircraft. The Smartfind/E5 features a comprehensive diagnostic and self-test facility to keep you up to date on remaining battery usage and EPIRB operation.
An AIS Man Overboard (MOB) device is designed to be carried by individual crewmembers and used in the event of a Man Overboard situation or other personal emergency. When activated it transmits an AIS MOB message containing your position and ID via AIS (Automatic Identification System). The transmission will also be detected by the all AIS equipped vessels within range. This information can be displayed on a chartplotter or ECDIS display if interfaced with an AIS receiver/transceiver.
As the AIS MOB device includes an inbuilt GPS receiver, your current location is also transmitted, dramatically reducing the time taken to locate and rescue you even in poor visibility. Our AIS MOB devices feature a flashing light to help rescuers pinpoint your precise location in the water.
Whether you’re a commercial vessel, a fishing trawler or leisure craft, an AIS MOB device should be considered essential safety equipment for every member of the crew working on deck.
The Smartfind S10 AIS MOB is an innovative personal safety device using the AIS automated tracking system to transmit MOB notifications including GPS coordinates to all AIS equipped vessels within a 4 mile (typical) range. Compact, waterproof to 60m, buoyant and with a powerful integral strobe light, it is ideal for anyone who wants peace of mind when working or playing on the water – boat crew, divers, personal watercraft users and more.
An MOB device designed to be lifejacket mounted. It uses the AIS automated tracking system to transmit MOB notifications to any AIS equipped vessels within a 4 mile (typical) range). The powerful inbuilt GPS rapidly pinpoints and transmits your location, enabling the crew on your vessel to find you quickly and easily, while its integral strobe light helps them spot you in the water. It is ideal for anyone who wants peace of mind when at sea.
