If you operate offshore, you should seriously consider carrying appropriate communications gear, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio (EPIRB), and an inflatable life raft. In cold waters, an immersion suit should be carried for everyone on board.


Communications

Carry communications gear, marine VHF-FM and/or HF transceiver(s), appropriate to your operating area. Cellular phones are an option in many coastal areas.


Satellite EPIRBs

Satellite EPIRBs (406 MHz) are designed to quickly and reliably alert rescue forces, indicate an accurate distress position, and guide rescue units to the distress scene, even when all other communications fail.

How the System Works

Satellite EPIRBs, operate as part of a worldwide distress system. An international satellite constellation maintains a vigilant, global "listening" watch for satellite EPIRB distress signals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates satellites, ground stations, and an alert distribution system serving the U.S. and international community.

When activated, the satellite EPIRB transmits a distress signal with a beacon-unique identifying code. The system detects the signal, calculates an accurate distress position, checks the unique identifying code against the EPIRB registration database (vessel and point of contact information supplied by the owner) and routes the distress alert with registration information to the responsible U.S. Coast Guard (or international) Rescue Coordination Center (RCC).

The entire process—beacon activation to RCC alerting—takes about an hour on average and almost always less than two hours. Within the next few years, geostationary satellites will make detection almost immediate.

Satellite EPIRBs also include a homing beacon and strobe to help rescue forces quickly locate the distress scene.

Satellite beacons have significant coverage, alerting timeliness, position accuracy, and signaling advantages over other types of EPIRBs (121.5 MHz). Before purchasing or using an other-than-406MHz EPIRB, be sure you understand its capabilities and limitations.

Mount the EPIRB to float free according to the manufacturer’s instructions, if possible. Otherwise, make sure it is readily accessible. Register the EPIRB with NOAA, according to the instructions provided with the beacon. Registration improves response and reduces false alarms.


Inflatable Life Rafts

An inflatable life raft can provide a survival platform for an extended period of time. Make sure the life raft is large enough for everyone on board when the boat operates offshore. It should have the appropriate emergency equipment pack, and should be professionally serviced periodically, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Coast Guard approved life rafts must meet a number of stringent material and performance standards.

Life Raft

Immersion Suits

Immersion suits will delay the effects of hypothermia in cold water (see p. 44). They should be stored and maintained according to the manufacture’s instructions.