Description
This article is from the Scuba Diving
FAQ, by njs@scifi.maid.com (Nick Simicich) with numerous
contributions by others.
31 Can you use an EPIRB while diving?
An EPIRB is an emergency radio beacon used in lifeboats and by downed
airplanes to attract attention. They are used by divers who are
worried that they might lose their boat because of current, or because
of drift diving. Commercial divers who work in high current use them.
Marine EPIRBs are designed to be used on lifeboats. They must resist
immersion, and splashes, and must work when wet. Generally, they do
not have to resist deep immersion.
Transmission of an EPIRB signal is equivalent to the transmission of
an SOS. The EPIRB signal will not be received if the antenna is
immersed. If the Minnow had an EPIRB, Gilligan would have been
rescued. :-) (US TV Joke.)
The most apparently waterproof is the Litton Micro B. It fits into a
BC pocket with the antenna folded over, and is hermetically sealed.
The batteries must be replaced by the factory, after seven years. It
is rated to 30 feet by the factory, but like the 50 meter watches,
mine still works properly after deep immersion, and uses a magnetic
through-the-case switch, so keep it away from magnets. It is
positively buoyant (it floats).
Every year, some divers are lost during lobster season here in Palm
Beach county. They get blown away from their boats by current, or they
separate from the other groups in their drift and the boats lose sight
of their flag, and they don't get picked up, sometimes for days, if at
all. A working EPIRB would get the Coast Guard on the scene, even if
they couldn't be reported.
It should be pointed out that your EPIRB requires an FCC license in
the US and the license you already might own may have to be amended to
include the EPIRB if you don't already have one. A single ground
station and a satellite can triangulate your transmission to within 10
miles.
If you are not in the US, you should check with your local coastal
marine authorities to see what licensing is required and if the local
authorities will respond to the signal.
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sport, scuba, diving, snorkeling, dive travel, underwater activities. safety, equipment, certification
