What is the primary purpose of an EPIRB?

An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is specifically designed for use in distress situations to automatically communicate critical information to search and rescue authorities, including the Coast Guard. When activated, an EPIRB transmits a distress signal that includes the location of the vessel in trouble, allowing rescuers to quickly locate and assist those in need. This functionality is particularly important in maritime emergency scenarios, where timely response can be a matter of life and death.

While weather alerts, safety announcements, and signaling recreational boaters are important functions in their own right, they do not capture the primary purpose of an EPIRB. The essence of the device lies in its ability to ensure that distress signals are sent out accurately and effectively, linking those in peril directly to search and rescue operations.