Traditional EPIRBs talk to satellites. AIS EPIRBs talk to nearby ships . If you’re in a busy shipping lane, a nearby tanker might see your distress signal on their bridge display within minutes—long before a Coast Guard helicopter arrives. 3. Return Link Service (RLS)
Many 2026 models use . By holding your phone near the beacon, you can use an app (like the Ocean Signal App) to check battery health and self-test results without wasting the beacon's emergency battery life. When should you buy a PLB instead? which epirb should i buy
One of the most stressful parts of an emergency is wondering if anyone heard your call. RLS-enabled beacons receive a signal back from the satellite that triggers a , confirming that your distress message has been received by rescue authorities. 4. Smartphone Connectivity (NFC) Traditional EPIRBs talk to satellites
These must be manually pulled from their bracket and activated by a person. They are more compact and affordable, making them popular for coastal boaters who keep a grab bag ready. 2. AIS Integration (The Game Changer) Modern beacons like the ACR GlobalFix V5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and Ocean Signal EPIRB3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. now include AIS. When should you buy a PLB instead
A is smaller and registered to a person , not a boat.
Choosing the right is one of the most critical safety decisions you'll make for your vessel. As of 2026, the market has shifted toward "Smart EPIRBs" that integrate AIS (Automatic Identification System) and RLS (Return Link Service), providing both faster local rescue and peace of mind. Quick Comparison: Top 2026 EPIRB Models ACR GlobalFix V5 Cat GPS AIS EPIRB ₹1,73,848.00 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Epirb3 Pro OCEAN SIGNAL with AIS CAT1 Automatic ₹1,75,921.00 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ACR GLOBALFIX V6 GPS EPIRB ₹70,211.93($744.95) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Maximum safety & local rescue Advanced offshore sailors Value-conscious offshore use AIS Support Yes (Alerts nearby ships) AIS Support Yes AIS Support No (406 MHz + 121.5 MHz only) Return Link (RLS) Yes (Blue light confirmation) Return Link (RLS) Return Link (RLS) Battery Life Battery Life Battery Life Smartphone App Yes (via NFC) Smartphone App Yes (via NFC) Smartphone App Yes (via NFC) Deployment Manual or Automatic (Cat 1/2) Deployment Automatic (Cat 1) Deployment Manual or Automatic (Cat 1/2) Key Factors to Consider 1. Category 1 vs. Category 2 (The Mounting)
These come in a "float-free" bracket. If the boat sinks, a hydrostatic release unit (HRU) pops the lid at about 1.5–4 metres depth, allowing the EPIRB to float to the surface and activate automatically. Essential for commercial vessels and serious offshore cruisers .