Offshore Safety: EPIRB Basics

Video Overview & Insights

Go deeper on offshore boating prep: https://www.nauticed.org/bundle/view/captain?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=l7nHCpw7wfE

Looking for offshore equipment check out LRSE: https://www.lrse.com

What does EPIRB stand for? Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An EPIRB is a distress unit you activate when human life is in jeopardy. It transmits a specific 15-character ID (Hex ID) that cross-references a database, and with built-in GPS it sends your lat/long so rescuers know exactly where to look.

EPIRBs can be sold with or without AIS transmission—and AIS is strongly recommended, because then not only rescue personnel know where you are, but boats in the vicinity can see your AIS signal on their display.

We also cover how EPIRBs sit in brackets so they don’t accidentally activate, how they can be activated manually or by water activation, and the difference between Category 2 (manual deployment) and Category 1 (float-free) EPIRBs. Finally, we cover the lanyard: tie it to a life raft, ditch bag, or your wrist—but don’t tie it to the vessel, because if it’s underwater it won’t transmit. You want a clear view of the sky.

00:00 - EPIRB meaning + what it stands for

00:10 - When to activate (distress / life in jeopardy)

00:20 - How EPIRB's work (Transmits)

00:43 - AIS option (recommend AIS)

01:00 - Bracket mounting + magnet/relay prevents activation

01:22 - Activation methods: manual vs water activation

01:32 - Category 2 EPIRB (manual deploy)

01:44 - Category 1 EPIRB (float-free)

02:12 - Lanyard: tie to raft/ditch bag/wrist

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