Surfski Knowledge Base

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB is used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting a coded message via the free to use, multinational Cospas Sarsat network. A 406 MHz distress frequency signal is sent via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue co-ordination center.

GPS enabled EPIRBs - Without these GPS coordinates, the authorities can narrow your position down to a radius of about two nautical miles via Doppler. Combined with a GPS, the unit’s location can be pinpointed to within a half nautical mile or less. Second, your vessel’s position is transmitted much quicker when the GPS coordinates are available. It takes about three to five minutes for your location to register with authorities when you are using a properly-working GPS-enabled EPIRB. Depending on the position of satellites passing overhead, it could take up to 90 minutes for a standard 406 MHz EPIRB’s position to be reported.

Dsc vs EPIRB

GPS enabled EPIRBs are much preferable to basic EPIRBs. But if you are taking “near shore” marine outings as probably the majority of surfski, outrigger, and other human powered small boats are, VHF radios are the safety tool of choice in US waterways, particularly DSC enabled and registered VHF radios. The exception would be if you are paddling where it is unlikely for any boats, the US Coast Guard, or VHF relays to receive your broadcasts. Note that the VHF safety network needs to be kept in good repair (not always the case): Alaska

• EPIRBs at West Marine