What is it?
It is a small, battery powered emergency radio transmitting device carried on vessels for use in cases of distress at sea. It may be activated automatically or manually to transmit alerting and locating signals which assist search and rescue units in responding to and finding persons in distress.

Who needs one?
Generally, all commercial vessels operating on the high seas are required to carry some type of EPIRB. Recreational boaters who operate offshore or in remote areas are highly encouraged to have one.

Why should I have one?
Response time is the key to survival. The sooner help arrives the better chance you have of surviving. EPIRBs, and the 406 MHz in particular, provide the fastest and most accurate way the Coast Guard has of locating and rescuing persons in distress. Response times of less than an hour from time of alert to time of rescue have occurred. It is the 911 call for mariners in distress