EPIRBs and emergency location and signalling devices

EPIRBs and emergency locating and signalling devices EPIRBs and emergency locating and signalling devices are safety-at-sea equipment designed to send a distress signal and assist in locating a vessel in emergency situations. EPIRBs, an acronym for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, transmit through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system and are registered to the vessel on which they are installed. Depending on the model, they may incorporate satellite positioning systems, search-support functions and different activation methods. Selection must therefore take into account the type of vessel, intended navigation, installation method and specific onboard requirements. Versilia Marine Service offers sale and annual servicing of EPIRBs, with CE-approved devices certified by manufacturers, intended for boats, yachts, inflatable boats and rescue craft. The company assists customers in assessing the most suitable solution, both when a new device needs to be installed and when existing equipment must be replaced. This helps identify equipment suited to the craft, its intended use and the requirements of the voyage. Particular attention is also given to managing expiry dates and maintaining continuous inspections, which are important for keeping equipment organised and ready for use when needed.

Proper management of an emergency beacon includes both initial configuration and subsequent checks. The device must be linked to the vessel’s details so that, if activated, the transmitted information can be correctly interpreted during rescue operations.

Versilia Marine Service carries out the annual servicing of EPIRBs, checking the overall condition of the device and its main components subject to inspection or expiry. The work may cover the battery, self-test functions, transmitter identification and, where applicable, the hydrostatic release system. Scheduled maintenance allows the equipment to be checked regularly and any components requiring replacement to be identified in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable requirements. The service is intended for anyone wishing to manage on-board safety in an orderly way, with checks carried out according to the specific characteristics of the device installed.

EPIRBs and emergency location and signalling devices are part of a wider range of systems designed for safety and rescue at sea. Depending on the vessel, they may be accompanied by other equipment, such as AIS-SART devices, used to support locating people during search operations.

Versilia Marine Service provides solutions suitable for different types of boat and supports customers in choosing equipment for new installations, replacements or servicing. Considering the device type, installation, expiry dates and maintenance makes it easier to organise the equipment in a way that reflects the actual requirements onboard, avoiding solutions that are unsuitable for the intended context.