EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
Abbreviation: EPIRB
Float-free + manual satellite distress-alerting device required on SOLAS ships under Chapter IV.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon is the float-free + manually-activated satellite distress-alerting device that transmits ship identity + position via the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz + 121.5 MHz distress network. On flooding or sinking, EPIRB floats free + auto-activates. Registered with the flag administration; identity linked to ship + owner. Regular tests + battery + hydrostatic release inspection per LSA Code. See /glossary/epirb-categories for the type detail.
Authoritative source: IMO — GMDSS ↗
Related
Source: SOLAS Ch. IV + LSA Code
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.