ACR

What to check before buying an EPIRB

An EPIRB or PLB is registered to the vessel or individual via the UK's 406MHz beacon registry, and that registration needs keeping up to date whenever the boat, contact details or ownership changes, since a beacon that activates with outdated details slows down the response rather than speeding it up. Battery life and the manufacturer's replacement interval are worth checking at purchase, since a beacon relies entirely on that battery in an emergency and can't be tested to destruction beforehand.

Mounting position affects how quickly a beacon can be reached and deployed in an emergency, so a bracket within easy reach of the cockpit or grab bag tends to serve better than one stowed out of sight below. GPS equipped beacons transmit a more accurate position than non-GPS models, which is worth factoring into the choice alongside category and float free options.

If you're unsure which category of beacon suits your type of boating, get in touch and we can talk through what's appropriate.