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How to Take Care of EPIRBs

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If you are left in charge of taking care of EPIRBs, you are giving a heavy task. This is because there are many things you may be required to do in order for EPIRBs to function properly. It isn't a matter of simply hooking one up and that's it. There more things involved. Here are the most required steps in taking care of EPIRBs:

• Testing EPIRBs: Anyone who has a boat or aircraft is admonished by the Coast Guard to test the EPIRBs on a periodic basis to ensure the beacons work. This means examining them for water tightness, battery expiration date, and to see if there is a signal. Most EPIRBs can be tested inside a container so the satellite doesn't receive the signal.
• Battery life: The most important part of the system is the battery. Without that the system would not work. Most systems use a lithium battery. The sure bet is to check for battery life to see what is left. If a low charge is present, perhaps it is time to change the battery. Only use batteries that have been approved by the manufacturer.
• Registration: The one thing should be required of all people who own or use an EPIRB, is registering the unit. If they registered the unit, the Coast Guard would have that number available so they would know that the person owning or using that beacon is in trouble and needs help. The registration sheet is sent to and entered into the U.S. 406 Beacon Registration Database that is maintained by the NOAA/NESDIS. If you unit should become activated, the satellite will relay the signal to the appropriate personnel, at this time your registration information will automatically be sent to the appropriate USCG SAR Rescue Coordination Center, who then responds. This is why registration is so important. Your life may depend on it one day.

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