EPIRB

An emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is a float-free satellite distress beacon that transmits a coded alert and the ship’s identity to the Cospas-Sarsat system on 406 MHz when activated. SOLAS IV/7.1.6 requires every ship to carry a satellite EPIRB as part of its GMDSS outfit, capable of float-free deployment and manual activation. The modernized SOLAS Chapter IV, in force from 1 January 2024, removed the VHF-EPIRB option for sea area A1, so a satellite EPIRB is required across all sea areas A1 to A4. The beacon is registered to the ship and surveyed under the radio certificate.