EPIRB Meaning and
Definition
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An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a distress signal device that is used to alert rescue authorities in emergency situations. It is a crucial piece of equipment used primarily in maritime operations to increase the chances of survival of individuals in distress at sea.
An EPIRB is a compact, portable, and buoyant transmitter that transmits a distress signal on a designated frequency when activated. The signal is typically sent through a satellite network, enabling it to be detected by search and rescue authorities over vast distances. EPIRBs are equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) or an internal radio beacon, which allows rescuers to accurately determine the location of the distress signal. This information is essential for ensuring timely rescue operations.
EPIRBs are designed to be easily activated by individuals in distress, either manually or automatically when submerged in water. In addition to their compact size and buoyancy, they are typically brightly colored and equipped with strobe lights, further aiding their identification and retrieval. EPIRBs are required to meet stringent international standards to ensure their reliability and effectiveness in emergency situations.
While EPIRBs are primarily used in maritime settings, there are also aviation-specific distress beacons known as ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters) used in aircraft. Both EPIRBs and ELTs work on similar principles, providing valuable signals that assist rescue authorities in locating and aiding distressed individuals effectively and expeditiously, potentially saving lives in hazardous situations.
Common Misspellings for EPIRB
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