When venturing offshore, a reliable Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a critical piece of safety equipment. Choosing the right EPIRB ensures that in a distress situation, your location can be accurately and rapidly communicated to rescue authorities. This guide will help you navigate the options and select the best device for your needs.
- RLS (Return Link Service) confirms that Search and Rescue has received the distress signal, notifying the beacon owner that assistance is on the way.
- 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT distress signal (MEOSAR compatible), GPS, Galileo, GLONASS GNSS, & 121.5 MHz local homing signal for precise emergency location.
- NFC technology enables easy access to beacon data via mobile, showing battery life, tests, activation time, GNSS details, map, & accuracy information.
- Small and lightweight beacon with strobe and infrared strobe for improved visibility in emergencies, ensuring fast identification and a smooth rescue.
- Personal Locator Beacon: Keep safe on every trip with the rescueME PLB1, our most compact locator beacon yet.
- One-Handed Operation: Highly intuitive, the PLB1 can be operated easily with one hand in even the most challenging situations, ensuring you can always activate the beacon when you need it.
- Highly Compact: 30% smaller than our next smallest beacon, and weighing just 4 oz, the PLB1 takes minimal space in your backpack and attaches easily to your lifejacket with the unique mounting clip.
- Durable Everywhere: Designed with durability in mind, the PLB1 is waterproof up to 49 feet, helping you stay safe in even the harshest of conditions.
- GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB (Cat. 2) | FCC Approved
- ResQlink View RLS PLB 435
- ResQFlare Electronic Boat Flare / Distress SOS Flag
- RapidDitch Express Bag | HemiLight3 Strobe Light
- GlobalFix V6 EPIRB (Cat. 2) offers reliable emergency signaling without a subscription, ensuring quick rescue in critical marine situations. Safe, simple, and effective.
- Return Link Service for SOS confirmation ensures distress signals are received, providing reassurance and accuracy through GNSS/GPS tracking for swift rescue.
- NFC antenna integration and a free mobile app offer seamless connectivity, enabling fast data transfer, enhanced user experience, and convenient interaction with smart devices.
- RapidDitch Express Abandon Ship Bag provides essential survival gear for emergencies, ensuring quick and safe evacuation with easy-to-access, compact, and durable equipment.
- Once activated, an SOS distress signal with GPS position is sent direct to Search and Rescue forces worldwide using the 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with 121.5 MHz Homing Signal (No Subscription Required)
- Small, rugged, lightweight personal locator beacon that is buoyant and includes attachment clips including a belt clip, oral inflation tube clip, straps and lanyards for increased wearability for hikers, boaters, campers, climbers, RVing and all your...
- Send pre-canned non-emergency self test and GPS test messages to multiple contacts via text message (SMS) and email with a customized message using the optional 406Link testing subscription
- Global Coverage using the 3 satellite constellations of COSPAS-SARSAT, which sends your distress message directly to Search and Rescue agencies worldwide without the need for a rescue monitoring center
- RescueME EPIRB1: Stay prepared for any eventuality on your voyage with the compact and reliable rescueME EPIRB1 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
- Fast, Accurate Positioning: The EPIRB1’s 66-channel GPS enables it to give off a highly accurate location signal as soon as it’s activated, maximizing the chances of a swift rescue.
- Our Most Compact EPIRB: 30% smaller than other competitors, making it easy to keep onboard even with space and weight limitations.
- Quick Release Bracket: The quick release bracket and pull-out antenna lets you activate the EPIRB1 rapidly in emergency situations where every second counts.
- GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB (CAT. 2 - Manual Release Bracket) | No Subscription Required | AIS (Automatic Identification System) Locating Signal - Local Rescue | 406 MHz satellite connectivity | 121.5 MHz homing signal - Global Rescue via COSPAS SARSAT...
- (RLS) Return Link Service for SOS Confirmation - Direct to Beacon Confirmation Distress Message has been Received | GNSS | GPS | SOS
- NFC Antenna and Free Mobile App
- Infrared Strobe Lights for Easy Target identification at Night or in Poor Visibility
- AIS (Automatic Identification System) sends a distress alert on VHF frequencies, received by vessels with AIS receivers or plotters within a 5-mile radius (conditions apply).
- RLS (Return Link Service) confirms that Search and Rescue has received the emergency distress signal, alerting the beacon owner.
- NFC technology allows easy access to beacon data via mobile, showing battery life, tests, activation time, and detailed GNSS test info, including map and accuracy.
- Infrared strobe lights ensure easy target identification at night or in low visibility, enhancing rescue efforts in critical situations.
- GlobalFix V6 RLS EPIRB (Cat. 2) is FCC approved, providing reliable distress signaling with GPS tracking for fast, accurate rescue in critical maritime emergencies.
- ResQLink 410 RLS Personal Locator Beacon offers reliable emergency signaling with GPS tracking, ensuring fast rescue in critical situations, and is FCC approved for safety.
- RapidDitch Express Bag provides waterproof storage for emergency gear, while the HemiLight 3 Strobe Light offers bright, reliable signaling for visibility in distress situations.
- Firefly PRO Waterbug SOLAS Strobe Light is a high-visibility, waterproof emergency signaling device, designed for rapid location identification in distress situations at sea.
- GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB (Cat. 2) | FCC Approved, RapidDitch Express Bag, HemiLight3 Strobe Light, C-Strobe H2O SOLAS Strobe Light, Signal Mirror with WW-3 Res-Q Whistle – Complete Emergency Safety Kit
- Survival Kits provide crucial resources for sailors, anglers, and cruisers, ensuring safety and enhancing survival during water emergencies and unexpected situations.
- GlobalFix V5 EPIRB combines 406 MHz satellite connectivity with AIS, transmitting emergency signals to satellites and broadcasting AIS safety messages to nearby vessels.
- Return Link Service confirms your EPIRB distress message and location are received via the Galileo satellite network, with a flashing blue light signaling success.
This article is part of our complete guide Safety & Security — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Boat Safety EPIRBs
Understanding EPIRB Types
EPIRBs are designed to transmit distress signals. The most common types are Category I and Category II. Category I EPIRBs are designed to float free and activate automatically when submerged in water, making them ideal for vessels with enclosed cockpits or those prone to capsizing. Category II EPIRBs are manually activated and must be deployed by the user. Consider your vessel type and typical operating conditions when deciding between these two categories.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting an EPIRB, several features are paramount for effectiveness. Look for devices with built-in GPS for precise location accuracy; this significantly speeds up rescue response times. Some models offer AIS (Automatic Identification System) integration, which allows nearby vessels to see your distress alert, adding an extra layer of safety. Battery life is also crucial, with most EPIRBs having a mandated operational life of at least 48 hours. Ensure the device is certified by relevant authorities like the FCC or Cospas-Sarsat.
Registration and Activation
Proper registration of your EPIRB is a legal requirement and essential for rescue services to identify you and contact your emergency contacts. This process typically involves filling out a form with your vessel details, registration number, and emergency contact information. Keep this information up-to-date, especially if you make significant changes to your vessel or contact details. Activation should always be reserved for genuine emergencies.
Maintenance and Testing
Regular maintenance ensures your EPIRB will function correctly when needed. Most EPIRBs have a self-test function that checks battery status and signal transmission without actually sending a distress alert. Consult your device's manual for recommended testing frequencies, usually monthly or quarterly. Also, be mindful of the battery replacement date, as batteries have a limited lifespan and must be replaced by authorized technicians.
