ELECTRONICS
established in 1979 by Canada, France, the United States,
and the former Soviet Union—will no longer recognize
signals from these beacons.
In preparation for the phaseout, since Dec. 31, 2006,
it has been illegal to use a 121.5/243MHz EPIRB or
ELT, according to FCC regulations. Considering the
advantages of the newer 406MHz beacons and the
problems encountered with the older-generation
EPIRBs and ELTs, it’s not difficult to understand why
this decision was made. The phaseout of older EPIRBs
operating on 121.5MHz has no effect on the continued
use of this frequency for short-range homing, and all
406MHz EPIRBs will continue to transmit a low-power
homing signal on 121.5MHz.
After the phaseout of 121.5MHz EPIRBs is complete
early in 2009, 406MHz distress beacons will be the only
ones detected and located by the COSPAS-SARSAT
satellite system. Marine EPIRBs that continue to be
compatible with the COSPAS-SARSAT system currently
fall into two categories. Category 1 EPIRBs are designed
to float free from their mounting bracket and then
activate automatically. This is accomplished with a
hydrostatic release that senses the increased pressure
when it is submerged to a depth of about 13 feet and
releases the beacon. The EPIRB is activated by contact
with water; a magnetic switch in the bracket prevents
the EPIRB from activating if it gets wet but remains
in the bracket. The hydrostatic release must be replaced
at regular intervals (usually every two to four years,
depending on the model) and should include a label
indicating its expiration date.
Category 2 EPIRBs must be manually launched and
manually activated, although some models will also
activate when submerged. If the EPIRB is mounted in
a bracket, a magnetically controlled switch may also be
used to prevent inadvertent activation when wet. All
EPIRBs can be manually activated, usually even while
mounted in a bracket. Both categories include a strobe
light that operates when the EPIRB is activated and a
self-test function to allow the user to verify that the
beacon is fully operational and ready for use. Category 1
and Category 2 EPIRBs are waterproof to a depth of 33
feet and are designed to float upright, with the antenna
properly orientated.
Everyday a fresh catch of the good life.
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