What is an EPIRB and how does it function?

• A. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon transmits a distress signal with location to satellites for rescue.
• B. A device that measures water salinity and transmits it to ships.
• C. A personal device for musical entertainment on board.
• D. A navigation aid that only provides bearing to shore.

Answer: (A)

An EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. Its purpose is to signal that you’re in distress and to convey your location to rescue authorities. When activated, it broadcasts a distress signal on satellite frequencies to the global Cospas-Sarsat system. Those satellites relay the alert to the appropriate rescue coordination center, enabling responders to locate you. Many EPIRBs include a GPS receiver, which provides precise coordinates, speeding the rescue. Activation can be manual or automatic (for example, when the beacon is in the water). You should keep it transmitting until you’re rescued. It’s not used to measure water properties, not a device for music, and not simply a bearing aid.