Guide · Safety

Safety Equipment for Your Boat: EPIRB and Man-Overboard Systems

Emergency beacon, MOB transmitter, or both? Here you will learn which devices are intended for what purpose, what you should look for regarding selection, programming, and registration, and how the systems work together.

At a Glance

  • EPIRB alerts rescue coordination centers via satellite
  • MOB transmitter alerts your own boat and nearby vessels
  • EPIRB is programmed and registered with the vessel’s MMSI
  • Adhere to the manufacturer’s battery and maintenance intervals

What You Should Look For

EPIRB: The Vessel’s Emergency Beacon

In an emergency, an EPIRB sends a distress call with its position to rescue coordination centers via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. It belongs to the vessel, not the person, and is programmed with the vessel’s MMSI before delivery. It is then registered with the relevant authority of the flag state.

Manual or Automatic Activation

EPIRBs are available with a simple bracket, from which you take the beacon in an emergency and activate it manually, and in a buoyant housing with a hydrostatic release unit that automatically releases the beacon if the vessel sinks. Which version is required or appropriate depends on the vessel and the area of operation.

MOB Systems for the Crew

An MOB transmitter is worn on the body or on the life jacket. If someone falls overboard, it alerts the onboard electronics (for example, via radio to a hub that triggers the plotter and alarms) or transmits via AIS and DSC to nearby vessels, depending on the system. This allows the crew to react immediately and return to the marked position.

Compatibility and Maintenance

Before purchasing, check whether an MOB system works with your chartplotter and network (e.g., NMEA 2000). For all devices: perform self-tests regularly and replace batteries and hydrostatic release units according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Both fulfill different tasks: The EPIRB alerts rescue coordination centers via satellite when the vessel is in distress. The MOB transmitter helps to quickly relocate a person who has gone overboard. Many crews therefore use both.

Yes. The vessel’s MMSI is programmed into the beacon, after which it is registered with the relevant registry of your flag state. We offer initial programming for Jotron EPIRBs purchased from us.

Usually the vessel name, MMSI, call sign, and flag, and if applicable, the IMO number – alternatively a copy of the Ship Station License. Write to us, and we will tell you exactly what we need for your device.

This is determined by the manufacturer and is stated on the device or in the manual. Adhere to these intervals, including for the hydrostatic release unit of an automatically activating EPIRB.

Consultation

Unsure what fits your boat?

Tell us about your boat, your existing equipment, or your area of operation – we will check compatibility and equipment before you order.

or via email: info@hycon-nautico.es