For anyone venturing out into the Ocean or Great Lakes a Epirb is not just recommended but should be required safety equipment. Next to a survival suit or lift raft this is the device that will save your life. I tell my crew that in an emergency there is no need to unhook the epirb from its free floating wall mount. I tell them they will find the epirb in my hands as I jump overboard into the life raft. Joking aside the epirb will alert the coast guard that you are having a problem and will guide them to you. Whether 7 or 100 miles offshore when Mother Nature and Murphys Law join forces Mariners need the safety that life jackets and flares alone just do not provide.

EPIRBS is an acronym for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons
Once activated an EPIRB will automatically transmit a radio signal to the coast guard and alert them that your vessel is having a problem and provide them with your vessels location. Recreational vessels are not required to carry EPIRBS but I would highly recommend them for anyone who ventures offshore. The Epirb is usually mounted to an exterior wall of the boats cabin. It is mounted in a pressure released canister. If the boat sinks the canister deploys and the EPIRB floats free and starts to transmit it radio signal. Rescuers home in on the EPIRBS location using the units 121.r MHz signal and strobe light. New systems even have built in GPS transmitters which transmit a pinpointed position for rescuers .

On this page you will find a variety of links for epirb manufacturers. Pick one, mount it properly so it will float free and activate if the vessel sinks and maintain it as with any other required safety equipment.