What is an EPIRB?

What is an EPIRB?

• A. A battery-operated emergency position-indicating radio beacon that floats free of a sinking ship
• B. A solar-powered distress beacon that remains attached to ship
• C. A handheld VHF radio
• D. A satellite-only locator beacon that sinks with the ship

Answer: (A)

An EPIRB is an emergency beacon that, when activated, sends a distress signal to satellites to help rescuers locate you. It is battery-powered and is designed to float free if a vessel sinks, so the signal can continue even after the ship goes down. This floating, self-contained beacon is what distinguishes an EPIRB from devices that stay attached to the vessel, rely on solar power, are just handheld radios, or would sink with the ship.

An EPIRB is an emergency beacon that, when activated, sends a distress signal to satellites to help rescuers locate you. It is battery-powered and is designed to float free if a vessel sinks, so the signal can continue even after the ship goes down. This floating, self-contained beacon is what distinguishes an EPIRB from devices that stay attached to the vessel, rely on solar power, are just handheld radios, or would sink with the ship.