EPIRB = Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. GPIRB = Global Position Indicating Radio Beacon. PLB = Personal Locator Beacon. Each is a small, compact device that uses radio frequencies monitored by aircraft, or satellites or both. The newer GPIRB has a GPS module built-in, so it can transmit its exact coordinates to Search And Rescue teams via 406 MHz frequency, which makes it much quicker to be found.

It is mandatory equipment on yachts in the Rolex Sydney Hobart race to have one 406 MHz EPIRB for each life-raft carried to provide accurate plotting and boat identification. Each crew member must also have a personal EPIRB.

A PLB is a smaller, more compact version of an EPIRB, but it also has a more limited range and typically has a shorter lifespan due to the small battery sizes used to power the signal. A small PLB, even a miniature one, can be very useful for inshore rescue, where search and rescue teams are more likely to pick up the distress call and be on the rescue scene in a very short time. However, an EPIRB is definitely recommended if you are planning an offshore cruise or an open ocean race where the signal needs to travel a longer distance to be picked up and search and rescue teams may take longer to arrive on the scene. EPIRBs may be more expensive than PLBs, but are definitely worth the additional cost whenever safety is a concern.

Please note: Category I is a fully automatic deployable unit that is activated when the unit is immersed under water and is intended for automatic deployment in case your boat sinks, so read the manufacturer's literature to understand the limitations on placement, etc. A Category II unit requires manual activation.

Please note also: Some older units transmit on radio frequencies other than 406 MHz, but these frequencies are no longer monitored by satellite or search and rescue teams, and although it may be useful in transmitting on another radio frequency for close-in homing, it is important to upgrade today to a 406 MHz unit to ensure your continued safety on the sea.

Both EPIRBs and PLBs must be registered after purchase or transfer of ownership to make it easier to locate you in an emergency, but the registration is a simple process and can even be done online.  To register your EPIRB or PLB, click here for the USA or here for Canada. Just remember to register your unit before you leave on a trip, because it can take up to 24 hours for the registration to be accepted into the search and rescue system.  For more information, visit: www.sarsat.noaa.gov