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Marine radio

What is an EPIRB's primary alerting function?

Short answer

Send a vessel-associated 406 MHz distress alert through the satellite system

An EPIRB sends a vessel-associated 406 MHz alert towards rescue coordination services and also supports on-scene homing. It complements rather than replaces voice communication.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to united kingdom marine vhf and internationally harmonised procedure; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

What is an EPIRB's primary alerting function?