MOB / EPIRBs

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) maritime emergency radio buoys are radio transmitters that trigger a global maritime distress alert via satellites and can be precisely located for rescue purposes. EPIRBs are part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). While the range of VHF radio and tactile radio is limited, the reception of EPIRB maritime distress transmitters is unlimited. The geostationary satellites of the COSPAS/SARSAT system receive the SOS distress signal from the EPIRB and forward it to ground stations, from where the nearest rescue coordination centre is activated. A GPS is integrated into the distress buoy, making it possible to determine the position of the casualty. The RCC rescue control centre is alerted within minutes. On average, it only takes around an hour for the nearest SAR sea rescue centre to initiate the search and rescue. This makes the EPIRB a real lifesaver on the world's high seas. Satellite positioning provides an accuracy of approx. 100 metres, which enables a fast and efficient search.

Since 2009, EPIRB distress buoys have only been signalling on the international distress frequency 406 MHz. Older EPIRBs transmit exclusively on the 121.5 MHz air traffic emergency frequency, which is not part of the GMDSS. Therefore, older devices can no longer participate in this safety system. Current EPIRBs operate on 406 MHz with an additional 121.5 MHz frequency for homing in at close range. The 121.5 MHz frequency is used by helicopters and the DGzRS, for example.

High-quality distress beacons trigger an alarm within 60 seconds of activation, with a transmission time of at least 48 hours for larger devices, in some cases even 96 hours. EPIRBs can be programmed with an individual identifier using the ship's name, owner's name and MMSI number. This means that the alarmed rescue centre is directly informed of the identity of the casualty. According to SOLAS, EPIRBs are mandatory for seagoing vessels of 300 GT or more and for other vessels that are required to be equipped, for example those carrying passengers. Organisers of ocean races also stipulate that ships must be equipped with distress radio buoys. The devices are compact, waterproof, buoyant and lightweight - the ideal emergency equipment for the life raft. In addition, they are often equipped with a powerful flashlight. The battery life is up to 6 years - far longer than the maintenance interval of a life raft. EPIRBs are triggered either manually in an emergency or automatically on contact with water above a certain pressure. In commercial shipping, they are therefore mounted on deck in a holder that automatically ejects the life buoy on contact with water.

PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) are small, mobile EPIRBs that are carried on the person and work according to the same principle. They are therefore a highly efficient man-overboard system for emergencies when a person has gone overboard. They can be attached to the lifejacket and are equipped with a rescue light or fixed light. They can be activated manually and automatically. PLBs are a sensible and affordable addition to safety equipment on ambitious sea voyages. PLBs also include small emergency transmitters that trigger an alarm via the AIS system, with a range of approx. 4 nautical miles.