EPIRBs and PLBs — Registration, Inspection, and Compliance
An unregistered or expired EPIRB is worse than useless — it wastes search-and-rescue resources responding to a beacon that can't be traced back to you.
USCG Carriage Requirements and Registration
The regulatory landscape for emergency beacons on recreational vessels is less prescriptive than many sailors assume — and more important than the regulations suggest. USCG does not mandate EPIRB carriage for most recreational vessels, but commercial fishing vessels, certain passenger vessels, and vessels operating under SOLAS (international voyages) are required to carry 406 MHz EPIRBs. For recreational sailors, EPIRB carriage is technically optional under federal law, though many offshore race organizers (ISAF/World Sailing, RORC, Bermuda Race) require EPIRBs as a condition of entry, and no prudent offshore sailor should leave the dock without one.
Registration is mandatory under federal law for any 406 MHz beacon operated in U.S. waters, whether it's an EPIRB or a PLB. Registration is free and done through beaconregistration.noaa.gov. The registration must be completed within 24 hours of purchase and updated within 24 hours of any ownership change, change of vessel, or change of emergency contact information. This is not a suggestion — it's a legal requirement under 47 CFR Part 80, and an unregistered beacon that is activated will trigger a search-and-rescue response that cannot be efficiently directed because the SAR coordinators have no information about the vessel, crew, or voyage plan.
The registration database is the first thing the Coast Guard checks when a beacon signal is received. The 406 MHz signal includes a unique hexadecimal identification code (the Hex ID or UIN) that is tied to your registration. When SAR coordinators receive the signal, they pull up your registration to find: vessel name and description, number of persons typically aboard, emergency contact information, and the type of distress situation most likely (offshore sailing, fishing, etc.). This information allows SAR to launch an appropriate response — sending a helicopter rather than a cutter, alerting the right sector, and contacting your emergency contacts who may have information about your voyage plan.
Annual registration verification is your responsibility. NOAA sends a verification notice approximately every 2 years, but you should log into beaconregistration.noaa.gov annually to confirm that all information is current. Update immediately if you change boats, change phone numbers, change emergency contacts, or add/remove crew members who regularly sail with you. A registration with an outdated phone number for your emergency contact delays the SAR response at the worst possible time.
Many sailors carry both a vessel-mounted EPIRB and one or more personal PLBs. The EPIRB is registered to the vessel and deploys automatically (via HRU) or manually from its bracket. PLBs are registered to individuals and carried on the person — typically clipped to the PFD harness. If the vessel sinks and the crew scatters, individual PLBs ensure that each person is transmitting a locatable signal. For a fully equipped offshore boat, consider: one Category I EPIRB (with HRU and float-free bracket) mounted in the cockpit, plus one PLB per crew member carried on their person.
Print a copy of your beacon registration confirmation and keep it aboard with your ship's papers. In port, if a marine surveyor or race inspector asks to verify your EPIRB registration, you can show the printed confirmation immediately rather than trying to access the NOAA website on a marina WiFi connection. Also store a photo of the registration on your phone.
Hydrostatic Release Units and Bracket Mounting
A Category I EPIRB is designed for automatic deployment — when the vessel sinks, the HRU releases the beacon from its bracket, the beacon floats free, and it activates automatically upon reaching the surface. This automatic capability is what separates a Category I from a Category II EPIRB, which must be manually removed from its bracket and activated by the crew. For offshore sailing, Category I is the standard because it provides protection even if the crew cannot reach the beacon — in a rapid capsize, knockdown, or sinking, automatic deployment may be the only deployment.
The hydrostatic release unit on an EPIRB bracket operates on the same principle as life raft HRUs — water pressure at a specific depth (typically 1.5-4 meters) activates a mechanism that releases the beacon. The most common EPIRB HRU is the Hammar H20, the same unit used on life raft canisters. It uses water pressure to fire a spring-loaded blade that cuts a retaining strap or releases a latch. The HRU has a 2-year replacement cycle — the expiration date is printed on the unit, and it must be replaced before that date regardless of condition.
Bracket mounting is critical for both manual accessibility and automatic deployment. The EPIRB bracket should be mounted in a location that is: easily accessible from the cockpit (you should be able to grab it with one hand in seconds), above the waterline in normal conditions (so it doesn't accidentally activate in spray), and clear of obstructions that could prevent the beacon from floating free if the boat sinks. Common mounting locations include the cockpit coaming, the companionway bulkhead, or a dedicated bracket on the stern pushpit. Avoid mounting locations that require going below decks, opening lockers, or moving gear to access the beacon.
Inspect the bracket mounting every 6 months and before any offshore passage. Check that the bracket's mounting bolts are secure and free of corrosion. Verify that the beacon seats firmly in the bracket and that the release mechanism (both manual and HRU) operates freely — without actually activating the HRU. Check that nothing has been stowed in front of or on top of the bracket that would prevent the beacon from floating free. Examine the HRU for its expiration date and for any signs of water intrusion or corrosion that might cause premature activation or failure.
The beacon's lanyard should be inspected for UV degradation and proper routing. The lanyard keeps the activated beacon tethered to the life raft or to a crew member after deployment — without it, the beacon can drift away from the survivors. Verify the lanyard is attached at both ends: to the beacon and to a designated attachment point on the vessel (or to the life raft painter system, depending on your configuration). Some sailors attach the EPIRB lanyard to the life raft canister or cradle so that if both deploy automatically, they stay together.
Replace the EPIRB's hydrostatic release unit every 2 years without exception. An expired HRU may fail to release the beacon when the vessel sinks, or may release prematurely in a knockdown or heavy spray. The replacement cost ($25-$50) is trivial compared to the consequence of a non-functional automatic deployment. Write the next replacement date on the bracket with a permanent marker.
Battery Replacement and Factory Service
Every EPIRB and PLB contains a lithium battery that powers the 406 MHz transmitter, the 121.5 MHz homing signal, and (on GPS-equipped models) the internal GPS receiver. Unlike consumer electronics batteries, these are not user-replaceable on most EPIRB models — they require factory service by the manufacturer or an authorized service center. Battery replacement is a safety-critical operation because the battery compartment must be sealed to maintain waterproofing, and the battery chemistry must be exact to ensure sufficient transmission duration (minimum 48 hours continuous transmission for EPIRBs, 24 hours for PLBs).
Battery expiry dates are printed on a label affixed to the beacon body. EPIRB batteries typically have a 5-10 year life depending on manufacturer and model — ACR, McMurdo, and Ocean Signal are the major EPIRB manufacturers for the recreational market. The expiry date represents the manufacturer's guarantee that the battery will power the beacon for its required minimum transmission time (48 hours for EPIRBs) if activated on or before that date. After the expiry date, the battery may still have charge but cannot be relied upon for the full transmission duration.
Factory battery service for EPIRBs typically costs $200-$400 and includes the new battery, O-ring replacement, function test, and recertification. The beacon must be shipped to the manufacturer or an authorized center — do not attempt to open an EPIRB housing yourself. The housing is sealed with an O-ring system rated to depths of 10+ meters, and improper reassembly compromises waterproofing. Turnaround times vary from 2-6 weeks, so plan battery replacement well before the expiry date and before the start of your sailing season.
PLB batteries vary more in their replaceability. Some PLBs, notably the ACR ResQLink series, are designed with owner-replaceable battery packs — you purchase the battery kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and replace it yourself. This is a significant convenience and cost advantage, with replacement battery kits running $40-$80. Other PLBs require factory service similar to EPIRBs. Check your specific model's documentation to determine whether the battery is owner-replaceable or factory-service-only.
Do not wait for the battery to expire before scheduling replacement. A beacon with an expired battery that activates in an emergency may transmit for only a few hours rather than the required 48 (EPIRB) or 24 (PLB) hours — a critical difference when SAR forces are searching a large ocean area. Schedule battery replacement 6-12 months before the printed expiry date to account for shipping time, service queue delays, and any sailing you plan to do between scheduling and completion.
When sending your EPIRB for factory battery service, keep your PLBs and other emergency communications active aboard so you're not without satellite emergency signaling while the EPIRB is at the factory. Time the battery service for the off-season when the boat is laid up, or carry a backup PLB if you'll be sailing during the service period.
Self-Testing Procedures and LED Indicators
Every modern 406 MHz beacon includes a self-test function that verifies the beacon's internal systems without transmitting a distress signal. Regular self-testing is the only way to confirm your beacon will work when activated in an emergency. NOAA and the Coast Guard recommend testing your EPIRB monthly during the sailing season and at least annually for stored beacons. The self-test takes 30-60 seconds and requires no tools or equipment — just press the test button.
The self-test procedure varies slightly by manufacturer but follows a general pattern: locate the self-test button (usually recessed to prevent accidental activation, requiring a pen tip or small tool to press), press and hold for the specified duration (typically 3-5 seconds), and observe the LED indicator pattern. The test checks the internal GPS acquisition (if GPS-equipped), the 406 MHz transmitter power level, the battery voltage, and the 121.5 MHz homing signal. The self-test does NOT transmit a distress signal — it generates a brief, coded test transmission that the COSPAS-SARSAT system recognizes as a test and does not respond to.
LED indicator patterns convey specific information about the beacon's status. While exact patterns vary by manufacturer, a general guide for ACR EPIRBs: a solid green LED after testing indicates all systems passed. A flashing red LED indicates a fault — the number of flashes often indicates the specific fault (one flash for GPS failure, two for low battery, three for transmitter issue). Consult your beacon's manual for the exact LED code table. McMurdo beacons use a similar green-pass/red-fail system with their own specific flash codes. Keep your beacon's manual aboard with the LED code table highlighted — if a test produces a red fault indication, you need to determine immediately whether the beacon requires service.
GPS-equipped beacons deserve special testing attention. The internal GPS receiver must acquire satellite signals to include your position in the distress transmission. During self-test, the beacon will attempt a GPS fix — if it succeeds, the test confirms that the GPS antenna and receiver are functional. If it fails (common when testing below decks or in a shielded location), move the beacon to an open-sky location and retest. Consistent GPS failure in open-sky conditions indicates a GPS receiver or antenna fault requiring factory service.
Maintain a test log — a simple notation of date, LED result, and any anomalies — in your vessel's safety equipment binder. This log demonstrates to surveyors, race inspectors, and insurers that you are maintaining the beacon properly. It also helps you detect degrading performance over time: if a beacon that previously tested clean starts showing occasional GPS faults or marginal battery indications, it's an early warning that service is needed before the beacon becomes unreliable.
Perform EPIRB self-tests outdoors with a clear view of the sky so the GPS component of the test can succeed. Testing below decks often produces a GPS fault that isn't a real problem — it's just the GPS antenna being shielded by the hull and deck. If the GPS passes outdoors but fails below decks, the beacon is fine. If it fails outdoors, schedule service.
Disposal of Expired Beacons and NOAA Deregistration
When an EPIRB or PLB reaches the end of its service life — whether due to battery expiry beyond the point of cost-effective replacement, physical damage, or obsolescence — it must be properly deregistered and disposed of. An expired beacon that is carelessly discarded or donated without deregistration can trigger false SAR alerts that waste resources and, in serious cases, divert rescue assets from genuine emergencies. The disposal process is straightforward but important.
NOAA deregistration must be completed before disposal. Log into beaconregistration.noaa.gov and update the status of the beacon to decommissioned or disposed. This removes the beacon's Hex ID from the active database so that if it somehow activates after disposal (e.g., in a landfill where pressure or heat activates it), SAR coordinators will immediately recognize it as a decommissioned beacon rather than launching a search. If you cannot access your online account, call the NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration Office at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283) to deregister by phone.
Physical disposal must address the lithium battery, which is classified as hazardous material under DOT regulations. Do not throw an EPIRB or PLB in regular trash — the lithium battery can cause fires in compactor trucks or landfills. Many municipalities accept lithium batteries at household hazardous waste collection events or at dedicated battery recycling drop-off points. Some marine electronics retailers accept expired beacons for recycling. If the beacon is being replaced through factory service, the manufacturer may accept the old beacon for disposal when they ship the replacement.
Before disposing of the beacon, remove or destroy the battery and the 406 MHz transmitter to prevent any possibility of accidental activation. For EPIRBs with external antenna connections, disconnect the antenna. Some owners cut the antenna wire as a final step to ensure the beacon cannot transmit even if accidentally powered. If the beacon has a removable battery (some PLBs), remove the battery and dispose of it separately at a battery recycling facility.
If you're selling a vessel that includes a registered EPIRB, the registration must be transferred to the new owner within 24 hours of the sale. This is the seller's responsibility, though the buyer should verify the transfer was completed. Log into beaconregistration.noaa.gov and either transfer the registration to the new owner's information or deregister the beacon so the new owner can register it fresh. An EPIRB registered to a previous owner with outdated emergency contacts will delay SAR response — the coordinators will be calling the seller's emergency contacts, who may have no knowledge of the vessel's current voyage.
Tools & Materials
- Access to beaconregistration.noaa.gov
- Lithium battery hazardous waste disposal point
- Wire cutters for antenna disabling
Summary
Register your beacon within 24 hours of purchase at beaconregistration.noaa.gov — this is a federal legal requirement, and an unregistered beacon delays SAR response because coordinators have no information about your vessel or crew.
Replace the EPIRB's hydrostatic release unit every 2 years and inspect the bracket mounting every 6 months — the HRU is what enables automatic deployment if the vessel sinks.
EPIRB batteries require factory service every 5-10 years (model-dependent) at a cost of $200-$400 — schedule replacement 6-12 months before the printed expiry date to avoid gaps in coverage.
Perform monthly self-tests during sailing season using the beacon's test button, and maintain a test log showing dates and results for surveyor and race inspector review.
When disposing of an expired beacon, deregister with NOAA first, then dispose of the lithium battery as hazardous waste — never place a beacon in regular trash.
For comprehensive coverage, carry a vessel-mounted Category I EPIRB plus individual PLBs for each crew member clipped to their PFD harness.
Key Terms
- Hex ID (UIN)
- The unique hexadecimal identification code programmed into every 406 MHz beacon. Transmitted with every distress signal and used by SAR coordinators to look up vessel and owner information in the registration database.
- Category I EPIRB
- An EPIRB equipped with a hydrostatic release unit and float-free bracket for automatic deployment if the vessel sinks. Contrasted with Category II EPIRBs, which require manual removal and activation.
- beaconregistration.noaa.gov
- The NOAA-maintained online portal for registering, updating, and deregistering 406 MHz emergency beacons in the United States. Registration is free and legally mandatory.
- COSPAS-SARSAT
- The international satellite-based search and rescue system that detects and locates 406 MHz emergency beacon signals. Operated jointly by the U.S., Russia, Canada, and France with global coverage.
- PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
- A compact, person-carried 406 MHz emergency beacon registered to an individual rather than a vessel. Provides 24 hours minimum transmission time (vs 48 for EPIRBs). Some models feature owner-replaceable batteries.
- Self-Test
- A built-in function on 406 MHz beacons that verifies GPS acquisition, transmitter power, and battery voltage without transmitting a distress signal. Recommended monthly during sailing season.