Epirb

Emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRBs), devices which cost from $200 to about $1500, are designed to save your life if you get into trouble by alerting rescue authorities and indicating your location. EPIRB types are described below:

• Class A

   121.5/243 MHZ. Float-free, automatically-activating, detectable by aircraft and satellite.
   Coverage is limited. An alert from this device to a rescue coordination center may be delayed
   4 - 6 or more hours.  No longer recommended. 

• Class B

   121.5/243 MHZ. Manually activated version of Class A.  No longer recommended. 

• Class C

   VHF ch15/16. Manually activated, operates on maritime channels only. Not detectable by
   satellite. These devices have been phased out by the FCC and are no longer recognized. 

• Class S

   121.5/243 MHZ. Similar to Class B, except it floats, or is an integral part of a survival 
   craft.  No longer recommended. 

• Category I

   406/121.5 MHZ. Float-free, automatically activated EPIRB. Detectable by satellite anywhere
   in the world. Recognized by GMDSS. 

• Category II

   406/121.5 MHZ. Similar to Category I, except is manually activated. Some models are also
   water activated. 

• Inmarsat E

   1646 MHZ. Float-free, automatically activated EPIRB. Detectable by Inmarsat geostationary
   satellite. Recognized by GMDSS. Currently     not sold in the U.S.; however, the Federal
   Communications Commission is considering recognizing these devices. This service will end