In an emergency, the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is the only life-saving instrument that can accurately report the position of the boat in distress, alerting help. Not surprisingly, it is mandatory on board for navigation beyond 50 miles. They transmit on the same frequency as the PLB (406 MHz) and also have a built-in GPS for easier localization, but unlike these they are able to activate automatically in the most severe cases of emergency (such as sinking), and the SOS message that is issued is associated with the boat and not the person.
EPIRB1 Pro Furuno
Among the latest models launched in the market is the new Epirb1, the most compact in the world. In fact, it measures only 340 x 89 x 100 mm
(the housing: 237 x 191 x 121 mm), weighing 422 grams (which becomes 1250 including the housing). If the boat sinks, the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically disengage from the housing and emerge to the surface automatically activating upon contact with water.
Overview of EPIRB1 Pro
- ON button (under the flap)
- LED indicator
- Tongue to break
- Antenna
- Strobe light
- TEST button
- Lanyard under the rubber band
SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro COSPAS/SARSAT System
The SafeSea EPIRB1 operates with the Cospas-Sarsat system, which uses three satellite networks, including the new MEOSAR.
Such a system can calculate position using Doppler processing techniques and is less susceptible to obstructions that could block the signal in a given direction. It also incorporates a 66-channel GPS receiver for immediate alarm transmission and greater accuracy in providing location coordinates.
The Ocean Signal SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro communicates location to SAR services in three ways:
- via the 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite system with position provided by an integrated GPS receiver;
- Through a 121.5 MHz signal;
- via LED strobe light to maximize visibility in low-light conditions.
Once activated, SafeSea EPIRB1 transmits, via satellite link, the user’s location and unique ID to a Rescue Coordination Center.
The Ocean Signal EPIRB1 operates in a temperature range of -20°C to 55°C and is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters. The EPIRB will broadcast the signal for 48 hours in order to keep emergency services updated for longer.
EPIRB1 Pro batteries: when to change them
Epirb1 contains high-performance lithium batteries. According to Italian regulations, the battery must be replaced every 4 years at an authorized center. The new EPIRB1 PRO (CAT1, automatic release) along with the EPIRB1 (CAT2, manual release) will replace the E100 / E100G series, products that have been discontinued but are still available while supplies last.
Find all the details about EPIRB1Pro and EPIRB1 here.
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