Definition
EPIRB stands for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon. It is a distress beacon intended to alert rescue authorities after a vessel casualty and, when properly configured, provide a location signal.
Why it matters
An EPIRB can sharply reduce search delay, but only if it activates correctly, is properly registered, and transmits usable position information.
Common investigation themes
- Incorrect registration data
- No GPS capability or position encoding
- Failure to float free or activate
- Crew reliance on the beacon without redundant distress communication
Related incidents
Accidents linked to this concept are grouped by vessel type.