EPIRB- What does it stand for?
An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a device that alerts search and rescue services (SAR) in case of an emergency at sea. It is a tracking equipment that transmits a signal on a specified band to locate a lifeboat, life raft, ship, or people in distress.
An EPIRB is sometimes called a GPIRB, which means an EPIRB with a GPS receiver to find your precise location faster.
What is EPIRB used for?
EPIRB is a distress beacon that, once activated, alerts a global search and rescue network to send help to your location as quickly as possible.
EPIRBs are installed on ships after being registered with the national search and rescue forces for that boat. The registration allows confirmation of false alerts and faster rescue operations.
An EPIRB is a SECONDARY means of DISTRESS alerting, which means that it comes later in the hierarchy of alerting SAR authorities in case of distress.
It is mandatory to carry one EPIRB on every ship and two EPIRBS for all Registered ships (and other types of vessels).
When Should an EPIRB be Activated?
An EPIRB should only be activated at times of great danger or maritime emergency, such as a ship sinking or medical emergency onboard.
Different Types Of EPIRBs
- COSPAS-SARSAT– EPIRBS under the COSPAS-SARSAT system work on the 406.025 MHz and 121.5 MHz bands and are applicable for all sea areas
- INMARSAT E– This EPIRB works on a 1.6 GHz band. These are applicable for sea areas A1, A2 and A3.
- VHF CH 70– This works on the 156.525 MHz band and is applicable for sea area A1 only
How Does An EPIRB Work?
The device contains two radio transmitters, a 5-watt one and a 0.25-watt one, each operating at 406 MHz, the standard international frequency typically signalling distress, 406MHz.
The 5-watt radio transmitter is synchronised with a GOES weather satellite going around the earth in a geosynchronous orbit.
The COSPAS-SARSAT is an international satellite-based search and rescue system founded by the U.S., Russia, Canada and France to detect emergency radio beacons.
Due to the many advantages of 406 MHz beacons and the disadvantages of the 121.5 MHz beacons, the International Cospas-Sarsat Program stopped the satellite processing of 121.5 MHz by satellites on February 1st, 2009. Encouragements were given by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ NOAA and FAA to switch to 406 for obvious reasons.
However, aircraft might still use the Emergency Locator Transmitter, and alerts from these devices would not be acted upon unless confirmed by two other independent non-satellite sources or devices.
An EPIRB transmits signals to the satellite. The signal consists of an encrypted identification number (all in digital code), which holds information such as the ship’s identification, event date, the nature of distress, emergency contacts and position.
A UIN is a Unique Identifier Number programmed into each beacon at the factory. The UIN number consists of a 15-digit series of letters and numbers that make up the unique identity of the beacon. The UIN is on a white label on the exterior of the beacon. The UIN is also referred to as the Hex ID.
The Local User Terminal (satellite receiving units or ground stations) calculates the position of the casualty using Doppler Shift (which is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave (or other periodic events) for an observer moving relative to its source).
The LUT passes the digital message to the MRCC (Mission Rescue Co-Ordination Centre). Furthermore, the MRCC is responsible for the SAR ops and oversees the execution of the rescue mission.
If the EPIRB is not compatible with a GPS receiver, the geosynchronous satellite orbiting the earth can pick up only the radio signals emitted by the radio. In this case, the location of the transmitter or the identity of the owner cannot be deduced.
These satellites can only pick up trace elements of such signals and can only give a rough idea of the location of the EPIRB. Per international standards, a signal of 406MHz is treated as an emergency signal.
The signal could help you locate the transmitter, even if it is 3 miles away. If the EPIRB is registered, the vessel or the individual in distress could be identified.
If an emitter transmits signals of 121.5 MHz, the rescuer or concerned party can reach the lost person even if they are 15 miles away. The accuracy of reaching the target could be magnified if an EPIRB also contains a GPS receiver.
Using an EPIRB During Times of Emergency
You can activate EPIRBs manually or even automatically, depending on the EPIRB type, category, and situation.
An automatic category I bracket can release EPIRB when the HRU or Hydrostatic Release Unit is submerged in 4 to 14 ft or 1.5 m to 4 m deep water. In an emergency, this type of EPIRB releases itself and floats to the surface, alerting search and rescue.
Category II EPIRBs must be manually activated by pressing a button on the unit. They are usually mounted above or below a ship’s deck.
Since EPIRBs are designed to get activated when submerged in water, they can accidentally get activated if they come out of the bracket and come in contact with water, hence creating a false alarm.
New Zealand and Australia have a Class 3 type of EPIRB that does not activate when submerged in water. It can only be switched on manually.
The EPIRB needs activation to be operative, and this can happen only when it is released from the bracket it is placed in.
As mentioned previously, this can be done manually or automatically. The device is primarily battery-operated, which is beneficial as power is typically the first to be affected during a disaster.
When to replace the battery of EPIRB?
The expiration date of the battery is indicated on the EPIRB. However, it is recommended to replace it every 2 to 5 years.
EPIRBS come with:
- 12 Volt battery
- 48 hours of transmitting capacity
Different EPIRB Brackets
- Category I Brackets automatically activate the EPIRB, while Category II Brackets require manual activation of the EPIRB.
- Category I Brackets have an HRU that needs replacement every 24 months.
- Both categories of brackets feature a deactivation water sensor to prevent false alarms.
- Both allow manual activation while the EPIRB is in the bracket, with the antenna positioned towards the sky.
- Category I Brackets offer protection from extreme weather conditions and UV Rays.
What is False Alerting?
An individual onboard may accidentally trigger the EPIRB and send false alarms. In such cases, the nearest coast station or RCC (Rescue Co-Ordination Center) should be immediately informed for cancellation.
The cancellation notification should also be relayed to the relevant authority (e.g., DG Shipping for Indian Registered Ships or ships in Indian waters when a false alert is issued). The shipowner and agent should also be notified.
How to test an EPIRB?
The EPIRB should undergo a monthly test to ensure operational functionality. The testing procedure is as follows:
- Press and release the test button on the EPIRB
- The red lamp on the EPIRB should flash once
- Within 30 seconds of pressing the button, the strobe and red light should flash multiple times
- After 60 seconds of operation, the EPIRB will turn off
Maintenance of EPIRB
- The EPIRB should be visually inspected for any defects, such as cracks
- Periodic cleaning of the EPIRB with a dry cloth is recommended
- During cleaning, ensure to check the switches carefully
- The lanyard of the EPIRB should be neatly stowed in its container without any loose ends
- Check the battery’s expiry date to cover the current and upcoming voyages
- If the EPIRB fails the monthly checks, send it to a service agent or supplier for inspection
- If onboard facilities allow, replace the battery; if not, send it to a servicing agent
- If the EPIRB is used in an emergency, return it to an authorized service agent for a battery replacement
- If the HRU has expired, replace it onboard and mark it with an expiration date two years in the future
What do you mean by Return Link Service or RLS?
RLS-enabled EPIRBs feature a blue flashing LED light that confirms Search and Rescue has received your distress message and precise location. A Return Link Service Signal is transmitted via the Galileo Satellite Network.
This provides reassurance to those in a maritime emergency, knowing that they have been identified, and help is on the way.
Registering an EPIRB
If you purchase a new or used 406 MHz beacon, you can register it with the local government.
Any changes to your contact information must be updated in the beacon registration.
If you sell the beacon, inform the local authorities so the buyer can register it to avoid being contacted in case of activation.
Registration Renewal for EPIRB
For recreational boats, EPIRB registrations with serial numbers must be renewed every two years.
Registrations can be updated online, and trip details can also be added to the registration.
Providing more detailed and updated information in the registration can help expedite rescue efforts by providing rescuers with necessary information.
Is there any EPIRB Subscription Fee?
There are no fees to be paid once you own an EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon. In fact, in many countries, rescue operations are free of charge if you activate your beacon.
Advantages of a GPS EPIRB
A GPS-equipped EPIRB reduces the search radius to 100 m and decreases notification time from less than 60 minutes to just 60 seconds.
If the beacon includes GPS coordinates, the GEOSAR satellites relay the distress signal to Search and Rescue in about two to three minutes.
LEOSAR satellites, which orbit closer to the Earth, take approximately an hour to alert search and rescue of your location.
Regulations
EPIRBs are required on most vessels, including fishing vessels, passenger ships, and commercial vessels. Some countries mandate their presence on recreational boats venturing beyond a certain distance from shore.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) governs the carriage of EPIRBs on vessels in international waters, with many nations applying IMO regulations to ships in their territorial waters.
Difference Between EPIRB & PLBs or Personal Locator Beacon
PLBs serve as individual EPIRBs, signaling distress for an individual located away from emergency services. Operating on the COSPAS SARSAT satellite system at 406.025 MHz, PLBs are much smaller in size than EPIRBs. They function globally, both at sea and on land.
PLBs should be securely stored on the vessel, in a ditch bag, or in an easily accessible location. Some PLBs come with strobe lights that can be manually or automatically activated.
Once activated, PLBs transmit for at least 24 hours, while EPIRBs have a minimum 48-hour battery life. EPIRBs are registered to a vessel, while PLBs are registered to an individual.
The EPIRB is a crucial emergency device onboard in case of distress. In order for it to perform at its best when needed, a considerable amount of time must be dedicated to caring for, testing, and maintaining it. This ensures that it functions optimally in critical situations. Please provide the content that needs to be rewritten.