Emergency position indicating radio beacons EPRIBs
In an emergency at sea, it is critical to have a distress beacon that alerts rescue services that you are in distress and transmits your exact location. An EPIRB is the most suitable type of distress beacon for users of boats, ships, and other craft to request urgent assistance.
Requirements under Maritime Rules
Depending on your vessel’s classification, Maritime Rules may require you to carry an EPIRB. Different vessel types have different rules for types of EPIRBS they must carry. For example, under Maritime Rule 40D.6(a)(iv), fishing boats more than 7.5 metres and less than 24 metres in length that operate outside enclosed waters must install a float‑free EPIRB.
The relevant EPIRBs must comply with Maritime Rules 43.18A , 43.19, 43.20 and 43.21.
Types of EPIRBs
Some EPIRBs must be switched on by a person these are manual EPIRBs. Others can be activated automatically as well as manually.
Manual EPIRB
A manual EPIRB, is non float‑free and sits in a bracket installed on the vessel. The bracket must be in a readily accessible position on board. In an emergency, a person removes the EPIRB from its bracket, switches it on, and takes it with them if they abandon the vessel.
Float‑free EPIRB
A float‑free EPIRB can be switched on manually or may activate automatically.
A float‑free EPIRB sits in a bracket, also known as a case or housing, that contains a hydrostatic release unit (HRU). The HRU automatically releases the EPIRB when it has sunk to a certain depth. The depth depends on the brand or model but can be up to 4 metres.
Once released, the EPIRB floats to the surface and automatically switches itself on.
Installing a float‑free EPIRB
A float‑free EPIRB is designed to be fitted into a float‑free bracket on the vessel.
Install the float free EPIRB bracket in an open space where the EPIRB is not blocked from floating freely to the surface if it is released in its automatic mode.
Make sure other structures or stored equipment will not trap or cover the EPIRB if the vessel sinks.
If you need help installing a float‑free EPIRB and a float free bracket, contact a Recognised Surveyor:
What else you should know
- The hydrostatic release unit (HRU) will not release the EPIRB until it reaches its designed release depth.
- Make sure you know whether your EPIRB and bracket have float‑free or manual only operation.
- Make sure you know how to activate it manually in an emergency.
- Install, operate, test, and maintain your EPIRB correctly. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- EPIRBs bought outside New Zealand may not comply with Maritime Rules or may not be correctly coded for registration in New Zealand.
- Maritime NZ recommends a float‑free EPIRB equipped with GPS, so you can be found as quickly as possible in an emergency. If your EPIRB does not have GPS, it can take much longer for rescue services to find you.
- You must dispose of old or obsolete EPIRBs responsibly.
Clarifying terms used for EPIRBs
Maritime NZ has had feedback that some people find the following terms confusing.
Floating and float‑free
EPIRBs required by Maritime Rules must be watertight and able to float when placed in water. This does not mean the EPIRB is a float‑free EPIRB.
Float‑free describes the bracket the EPIRB sits in, and that the EPIRB is designed to start transmitting automatically when it is floating in water. See “Float‑free EPIRB” above for more detail.
Released and activated
Released means the EPIRB is removed from its bracket, manually or automatically. Sometimes the word deployed is used instead.
Activated means the EPIRB is switched on and starts transmitting.
How EPIRBs alert rescue services
Once switched on, an EPIRB transmits a signal that is picked up by satellites in the international COSPAS‑SARSAT search and rescue satellite system. Satellites receive signals sent on the 406MHz frequency, the international standard for distress beacons.The satellite retransmits the signal to the nearest ground receiving station, also called a local user terminal. The signal is then passed to the nearest mission control centre (MCC).
The MCC analyses the signal and sends it to the responsible rescue coordination centre, (RCC). In New Zealand’s search and rescue region, this is RCCNZ, based in Lower Hutt.
When RCCNZ receives a distress signal, it starts a search and rescue response.
Contact us
If you have questions about float‑free EPIRB requirements or EPIRBs on commercial vessels, contact Maritime NZ.