EPIRB and Tracking

When a boat is no longer safe during an offshore regatta and radio, AIS or mobile communications fail, a single device often decides between life and death: the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). It automatically sends a distress alert with position data to the international COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system and alerts coast stations and SAR units worldwide. In addition, SAT tracking systems enable regatta organisers, shore teams and families to follow the progress of a leg – and intervene more quickly in an emergency.

For crews planning the Fastnet Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race, Sydney Hobart or ORC offshore events, EPIRB and tracking are not optional luxury equipment, but an integral part of the safety architecture alongside liferaft, grab bag and DSC radio.

What is an EPIRB and how does it work?

An EPIRB is a waterproof, buoyant emergency radio beacon that transmits a digital distress alert on 406 MHz in an emergency. Modern devices with a GPS receiver also transmit precise coordinates; older models initially provide only a rough position via satellite triangulation, which SAR forces refine during the operation.

EPIRB alert chain

EPIRB, PLB and AIS-SART compared

Not every distress signalling device serves the same purpose. In regatta sailing, several systems are often operated in parallel:

OSR requirements and regatta regulations

World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) define when an EPIRB is mandatory. Specific details are set out in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions – organisers such as RORC, CYCA or ORC Grand Prix series often tighten minimum requirements further.

Registration, programming and identification

Every EPIRB has a unique HEX ID (15-digit identification number). This must be registered with the competent authority – in Germany typically via BNetzA or the equipment dealer with forwarding to the international 406 MHz register.

1. Keep boat data up to date – check name, call sign, MMSI, emergency contacts and crew size before every regatta start.
2. Name emergency contacts – at least two reachable persons ashore who can receive SAR enquiries.
3. Document HEX ID – in safety plan, grab bag and on the device itself (label on housing).
4. When changing boats or chartering – transfer registration to the current boat, do not continue using the old profile.
5. Register PLB separately – each personal device has its own HEX ID.

Float-free vs. manual carry

Float-free bracket: The EPIRB sits in a bracket that automatically releases at approximately 2–4 metres water depth and brings the device to the surface. Standard on permanently installed offshore racing yachts.

Manual carry: The EPIRB is in the grab bag or attached to the skipper's life jacket. Mandatory on boats without a fixed bracket – but only useful if the crew takes the device aboard the liferaft during evacuation.

SAT tracking at offshore regattas

While the EPIRB addresses the emergency, SAT tracking serves continuous position reporting during a leg. Regatta organisers use systems such as Yellowbrick, Garmin inReach or comparable platforms to:

• display the progress of all participants on sea charts,
• detect unusual stops or course deviations,
• proactively inform shore teams during weather deterioration,
• provide live data to families and media.

Tracking benefits at offshore events

Tracking significantly shortens the time until the first enquiry – often before an EPIRB alert is even necessary.

Tracking vs. EPIRB – division of roles

1. Tracking – routine position data at minute or hourly intervals, no SAR alert.
2. EPIRB – distress alert with highest priority to international rescue coordination.
3. AIS – local visibility for other vessels, no substitute for 406 MHz.
4. DSC radio – direct communication with coast station and other vessels.

Mounting, maintenance and crew training

On-board mounting

1. Float-free bracket mounted at a location still reachable in case of capsize or flooding – typically on the pushpit or near the cockpit.
2. Antenna clear – no metal cladding or carbon structures directly above the antenna.
3. Test switch only operated according to manufacturer protocol – no spontaneous testing during the regatta.
4. PLB and hand-held EPIRB in the grab bag or with the crew safety officer – packed waterproof but quickly accessible.

Maintenance intervals

Crew briefing before start

Every crew member must know:

• Where the EPIRB is mounted and how manual activation works.
• When to activate: abandoning the boat, evacuation into liferaft, MOB without quick recovery, structural total loss.
• What happens next: hold position, deploy signalling devices, send DSC distress call in parallel, activate AIS-SART.
• What not to do: accidentally trigger EPIRB during drills or test sails – every alert ties up real SAR resources.

EPIRB and tracking before offshore start – checklist

• HEX ID registered and current
• Battery within valid date range
• Float-free hydrostatic release checked
• Manual activation demonstrated by 2 crew members
• PLB in grab bag or on life jacket
• Tracker sends test position to shore team
• AIS-SART charged and tested
• Emergency contacts ashore informed

Use in an emergency: protocol and coordination

EPIRB emergency protocol

When to activate EPIRB?

1. Boat is abandoned – flooding, fire, structural total loss.
2. Evacuation into liferaft – regardless of whether the boat is still visible afloat.
3. MOB without recovery – when radio and visual search remain unsuccessful and PLB is insufficient.
4. Medical emergency – when no other help is reachable and SAR alert is the only option remaining.

What SAR forces expect

After EPIRB activation, the MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Center) coordinates the operation. The crew should:

• deploy all available signalling devices (hand flares, smoke, mirror, light),
• hold position or remain visible in the liferaft,
• keep radio on channel 16 open for enquiries,
• have registration data ready (boat name, call sign, crew count).

FAQ: Common questions about EPIRB and tracking

Can I test my EPIRB?

Only according to manufacturer protocol, never during a regatta.

Does tracking replace the EPIRB?

No, different systems and priorities.

What happens in case of false alarm?

Immediately inform MRCC and race management, follow protocol.

Do I need a PLB in addition?

Strongly recommended for offshore regattas, often required in SIs.

How long does the EPIRB battery last in operation?

Typically 48+ hours transmission time, per nameplate.

Integration into offshore safety architecture

EPIRB and tracking are not isolated devices, but part of an overall system. They interlock with liferaft, grab bag, DSC radio and AIS:

1. Grab bag – contains hand-held EPIRB or PLB, AIS-SART, handheld radio with DSC.
2. Liferaft – EPIRB must be taken aboard during evacuation or already active via float-free.
3. DSC radio – send Mayday in parallel with EPIRB to enable direct communication.
4. Tracking – shore team detects outages early and can proactively enquire.

Signal chain in an emergency

Practical examples from regatta sailing

At the Fastnet Race and Sydney Hobart, EPIRB, AIS-SART and SAT tracking are fixed components of safety inspection. Crews regularly report that shore teams detected unusual stops via tracker – for example after mast breakage or rudder failure – and coordinated help by radio before an EPIRB alert was necessary.

Conversely, incident reports show: when a boat sank quickly after capsize, the automatically triggered float-free EPIRB was often the only signal that led SAR forces precisely to the scene – while radio and onboard electronics had already failed.

Typical SAR sequence after EPIRB alert

Related topics

• Liferaft and Grab Bag
• DSC Radio and Distress Call
• Rescue Services and SAR
• AIS and Collision Avoidance
• Offshore Safety

Last updated: 4 July 2026