EPIRBS/Locating Beacons

What Are EPIRBs and Locating Beacons?

An EPIRB — Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — is one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment any mariner can carry. When activated, these compact devices transmit a distress signal on the internationally monitored 406 MHz frequency, alerting search-and-rescue (SAR) authorities and relaying your GPS coordinates via satellite. Whether you're offshore fishing, blue-water cruising, or heading out in an RV to remote terrain, a locating beacon can be the difference between a swift rescue and a prolonged emergency.

How EPIRBs and PLBs Work

Modern EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) work within the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, a global system operated by multiple governments specifically for search and rescue. Once triggered — either manually or automatically upon water immersion — the beacon broadcasts your unique registration ID and precise location. Rescue coordination centers receive the alert within minutes, dramatically reducing rescue response times compared to older analog systems.

There are several types of locating beacons to consider:

• Category I EPIRBs: Automatically activate when submerged, typically mounted in a hydrostatic release bracket. Ideal for offshore and ocean-going vessels.
• Category II EPIRBs: Manually activated (or manually deployed), suited for coastal and near-shore use.
• PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons): Compact, wearable devices for individual users — great for solo boaters, kayakers, and backcountry travelers.

Why Every Boater Needs One

Many coastal and offshore regulatory bodies strongly recommend or require EPIRBs for vessels traveling beyond a certain distance from shore. Beyond compliance, these devices provide genuine peace of mind. Unlike flares or signal mirrors, an EPIRB works at night, in fog, and in conditions where visual signals would be useless. With modern GPS integration, SAR teams can pinpoint your location to within 100 meters — making rescues faster and safer for everyone involved.

Top Brands in EPIRBs & Locating Beacons

ACR Electronics is the dominant name in this category and the most trusted by professional mariners worldwide. ACR has decades of experience engineering 406 MHz beacons and PLBs, and their products are known for rugged construction, long battery life, and seamless integration with the Cospas-Sarsat network.

McMurdo is a globally recognized safety brand with a strong heritage in maritime distress technology. McMurdo EPIRBs and PLBs are built to demanding international standards and are a popular choice for commercial and recreational mariners alike.

Ocean Signal brings innovative engineering to the locating beacon market, offering compact, lightweight designs without sacrificing performance. Their rescueME product line is particularly well-regarded for ease of use and reliability.

Federal Signal is a trusted name in emergency signaling and safety equipment, bringing proven alert and notification technology to the marine safety space.

Grote is a well-established manufacturer of vehicle and marine safety lighting and signaling products, rounding out the selection with dependable locating solutions.

What to Look For When Shopping

When selecting an EPIRB or locating beacon, consider your typical operating area, whether you need automatic or manual activation, battery expiration intervals, and whether the device includes integrated GPS for faster location fixes. Always register your beacon with the appropriate national authority — registration is free and essential for SAR teams to identify your vessel and contact your emergency contacts quickly.