USCG Exam PracticeEPIRBs and distress signaling equipment
An uninspected passenger vessel of 110 gross tons operates 5 miles seaward of the territorial sea baseline. Under 46 CFR §25.26-10, which statement correctly describes the EPIRB requirement and stowage condition?
- ✓ A Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB is required and must be stowed in a float-free manner so it will float free if the vessel sinks.Correct
- B. A Category 2 406 MHz EPIRB is required and must be installed at or near the principal steering station.
- C. No EPIRB is required because uninspected passenger vessels are exempt regardless of gross tonnage.
- D. A Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB is required but may be stowed anywhere onboard provided it is accessible.
Why A is correct
46 CFR §25.26-10(b) requires the owner, operator, or master of an uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 gross tons operating beyond three miles from shore to have onboard a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed so it will float free if the vessel sinks. At 110 gross tons and 5 miles offshore, all conditions triggering this requirement are met.
Cited:46 CFR §25.26-10