EPIRB
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Maritime
| Stands for | Emergency position-indicating radio beacon |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
EPIRB stands for Emergency position-indicating radio beacon, a maritime abbreviation.
Distress beacon carried on ships and boats that, when activated manually or automatically by immersion, transmits a 406 MHz signal with the vessel's identity and GPS position to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.
Example: Our EPIRB went off when the boat rolled, and the Coast Guard helicopter arrived within two hours.
Usage notes
Pronounced "EE-perb." EPIRBs must be registered so rescuers can contact owners and identify the vessel. Float-free models deploy from a bracket when a ship sinks. The aviation equivalent is the ELT, and individuals carry personal locator beacons (PLBs).
Related abbreviations
More maritime abbreviations
- COLREGS – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- CPA – Closest point of approach
- DR – Dead reckoning
- DSC – Digital selective calling
- DWT – Deadweight tonnage
- ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display and Information System
- FCL – Full container load
- FEU – Forty-foot equivalent unit
- FPSO – Floating production storage and offloading unit
- FV – Fishing vessel
- GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
- GRT – Gross register tonnage