EPIRB & PLB Guide: Emergency Position Beacons (406 MHz)

EPIRB vs PLB, how 406 MHz satellite beacons work, registration, mounting (Category I/II), and when to activate. Built to rank without touching your theme.

SAFETY DISCLAIMER

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional maritime safety advice, navigation guidance, or emergency response training. Always follow official Coast Guard regulations, NOAA weather advisories, manufacturer instructions, and certified training programs. In emergencies, contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or call 911.

Emergency beacon activation in distress situation

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are satellite-based distress alerting devices designed for one purpose: getting rescue teams to your location when you need them most. VHF radio is for talking; beacons are for getting found when things have gone properly bad.

Unlike VHF radio (line-of-sight limits), EPIRBs and PLBs transmit a digital distress alert on 406 MHz to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. When activated, many units send your GPS/GNSS position plus a unique beacon ID tied to your registration record.

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Understanding EPIRB vs PLB

Both transmit on 406 MHz to COSPAS-SARSAT, but they’re designed for different use cases.

EPIRB (Vessel beacon)

  • Designed for vessels; larger unit; long transmission runtime (often 48+ hours)
  • Category I systems can deploy automatically (float-free + HRU)
  • Strobe helps rescuers visually locate you once assets arrive
  • Best for offshore operation and worst-case abandonment scenarios

PLB (Personal beacon)

  • Compact; intended for an individual; clips to PFD / life jacket
  • Manual activation only
  • Excellent backup for kayak, PWC, dinghy, or solo crew scenarios

Registering Your Beacon (U.S.)

  1. Go to beaconregistration.noaa.gov
  2. Enter your beacon ID
  3. Complete vessel/personal info + emergency contacts
  4. Submit registration (free)

When to Activate

  • Sinking / flooding
  • Fire out of control
  • Life-threatening medical emergency offshore
  • Man overboard where recovery is not possible

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