EPIRBs and distress signaling equipment

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 7 §7.2

Search and Rescue Distress signalling priorities: VHF Channel 16 MAYDAY with DSC if equipped (transmits identity and position automatically), EPIRB activation if a rapid response is critical, visual flares and signal mirror as backup. Always continue to transmit MAYDAY until acknowledged.

Bowditch Pub. 9 Ch. 30 §3010

Description and Capabilities Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacons (EPIRBs) are designed to save lives by automatically alerting rescue authorities and indicating the distress location. EPIRB types are described below (Table 3010a): 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs (Class A, B, S): As of 1 January, 2007 the operation of 121.5 MHz EPIRBs has been prohibited in the United States. Satellite monitoring of the 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz frequencies was ceased 1 February, 2009. All mariners using emergency beacons on either of these frequencies will need to upgrade to beacons operating on the newer, more reliable, 406 MHz digital EPIRBs in order to be detected by satellites. 406 MHz EPIRBs (Category I, II): The 406 MHz EPIRB was designed to operate with satellites. Its signal allows authorities to locate…

46 CFR §180.64

Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacons (EPIRB). Each vessel that operates on the high seas, or that operates beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, must have on board a FCC Type Accepted Category 1, 406 MHz EPIRB, installed to automatically float free and activate.

46 CFR §199.510

EPIRB requirements. (a) Each vessel must carry a category 1 406 MHz satellite EPIRB meeting the requirements of 47 CFR part 80. (b) When the vessel is underway, the EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and be mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the vessel sinks.

46 CFR §25.26-1

§ 25.26-1 § 25.26-1 Definitions. As used in this subpart: means a space that is intended to be used for sleeping and is provided with installed bunks and mattresses. means an Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon which is Type Accepted by the Federal Communications Commission under requirements in 47 CFR parts 2 and 80. means a space that provides for the preparation and extended storage of food. This does not include small alcohol or propane stoves with limited cooking capability, or ice chests or similar devices that are intended for keeping small quantities of food for short durations. means the waters beyond a line three nautical miles seaward of the Territorial Sea Baseline as defined in 33 CFR 2.20. means the length listed on a vessel's Certificate of Documentation or Certi…

46 CFR §25.26-10

§ 25.26-10 § 25.26-10 EPIRB requirements for uninspected passenger vessels. (a) Uninspected passenger vessels less than 100 gross tons are not required to carry an EPIRB. (b) The owner, operator, or master of an uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 gross tons must ensure that the vessel does not operate beyond three miles from shore as measured from the territorial sea baseline seaward or more than three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, unless it has onboard a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed in a manner so that it will float free if the vessel sinks. [USCG-1999-5040, 67 FR 34776, May 15, 2002]