Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) Is The Most Reliable And Rapid Means Of Sending Distress Messages, Provided Global Coverage In A Compact Device. It Also Doesn’t Require External Batteries Or Aerials For Operation. EPIRB Transmits Enclosed Distress Signals To Search And Rescue (SAR) Authorities. As Per Solas Vessels Having 300 Grt And Above Needs To Carry EPIRB On International Voyages. To Ensure Proper Operation Of EPIRB, They Must Be Tested Regularly.
Basic Testing
First –Line testing Is Carried Out Using Beacon’s Self-test Button In Accordance With Manufacturer’s Recommended Procedures. In Spite Of new Designs Which Has Reduced Chance Of transmitting A Distress Signal During Test, 40% Of False Alarms Produced By EPIRB Occur While Testing.
Now A Days Float-free EPIRBs Are Installed Which Do Not Require Manual Alarming And Only Transmit Distress Signals When Removed From The Bracket And In Contact Of Sea Water. The Self Testing Buttons On These EPIRBs Can Be Operated Manually Without Removing Beacon From Its Bracket.
Testing Without Sending Distress Signals
New Models Of EPIRB Transmit A Modified Signal That Provides The Necessary Information For This Test But Do Not Activate Satellite Distress System While Testing.
Some Features Of Float Free EPIRB
1. Capable Of Transmitting A Distress Alert To Polar Orbiting Satellite.
2. Capable Of Floating Free Automatically.
3. Electrical Part Designed to Be Water Tight At A Depth Of 10m For 5 Minutes.
4. Automatically Activated When Floating Free.
5. Can Be Dropped In To Water From A Height Of 20 M.
6. Its Battery Operates For 48 Hrs.
7. It Can Operate In Icing Condition, At Relative Wind Speed 100 Knots And Can Also Work On Ambient Temp Of -20 Deg C To +55 Deg C.
8. Consist Clear Instructions For Operation And Expiry Date Of The Battery.
9. Its Operating Frequency Is 406 MHz.