Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
14 10
Any connection to the EPIRB, for example for the purpose of supply of
data or power, should be corrosion resistant, protected against accidental
activation and must not in any way inhibit the release of the beacon in times of
emergency. Any hydrostatic release provided should be clearly marked with
the date of expiry and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions to ensure satisfactory operation.
14.2.2 General
EPIRBs (pronounced ee-pirbs), formally Emergency Position Indicating
Radiobeacons, are devices that trasmit a digital signal on the international
distress signal frequency 406 MHz. Designed to work with satellites, EPIRBs
are detectable by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, which orbit the poles, and by
the GEOSAR system which consists of GOES weather satellites and other
geostationary satellites.
There are two types of EPIRBs - Category I or Category II that are
approved for use in the United States today. Both transmit only on 406 MHz.
In February of 2009, the FCC phased out the use of EPIRBs that
transmitted on 121.5 MHz frequency (Class A, B, and S), and these devices
may no longer be used, marketed or manufactured in the U.S. If you have one
of these, please replace it with an approved 406 MHz device.
Category I EPIRBs float-free and are automatically activated by immersion in
water, and they are detectable by satellite anywhere in the world. Category II
EPIRBs are similar to Category I, except in most cases they are manually
activated, however some models can be automatically activated.
EPIRBs use a special type of lithium battery designed for long-term, low-
power consumption operation. The battery must be replaced by a dealer
approved by the manufacturer during the specified time or it will not work
properly. Also, consumers should be aware when ordering EPIRBs online,
added shipping charges may apply for hazardous material. Some EPIRBs and
PLBs are being manufactured that do not use hazardous material batteries.
Category I EPIRBs float-free and are automatically activated by
immersion in water, and they are detectable by satellite anywhere in the
world.
Category II EPIRBs are similar to Category I, except in most cases they
are manually activated, however some models can be automatically activated.
EPIRBs use a special type of lithium battery designed for long-term, low-
power consumption operation. The battery must be replaced by a dealer
approved by the manufacturer during the specified time or it will not work
properly. Also, consumers should be aware when ordering EPIRBs online,
added shipping charges may apply for hazardous material. Some EPIRBs and
PLBs are being manufactured that do not use hazardous material batteries.
Proper registration of your 406 MHz satellite emergency position-
indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is intended to save your life, and is mandated
by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
The Coast Guard is enforcing this FCC registration rule.