Epirb
From The RadioReference Wiki
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
121.5000/243.0000 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
121.5000/243.0000 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
121.5000/243.0000 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
406.0000/121.5000 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