Best EPIRBs for Yachts
Best EPIRBs for Yachts anywhere in the world from a British sailor — Honest Guide to the Top Models
Do not scrimp on an EPIRB. I say that as directly as I can. This is the device that tells the people searching for you exactly where you are when you cannot tell them yourself. One question is do you need one, if so, buy a quality one, get it serviced, and stop worrying about it. The peace of mind alone is worth every penny. Check out how an EPIRB works.
There are essentially three manufacturers that dominate the serious end of the EPIRB market — Ocean Signal, McMurdo, and ACR. Between them they cover everything from compact grab-bag units to fully automatic offshore-grade Category 1 beacons. Here is my honest rundown of the best options for yachts in the UK.
What to Look For Before You Buy
GPS enabled — non-negotiable. A GPS-enabled EPIRB transmits your exact position with the first signal burst. A non-GPS unit requires Doppler positioning which takes significantly longer and is less accurate. All modern EPIRBs include GPS as standard — if you find one without it, walk away.
Category 1 vs Category 2 — Category 1 activates automatically when submerged in water, even if no one is conscious to press the button. Category 2 requires manual activation. For offshore passages, Category 1 is the safer choice. For coastal use where someone will always be in a position to activate it, Category 2 is fine and typically cheaper.
AIS capability — newer EPIRBs include AIS which alerts nearby vessels equipped with AIS receivers immediately, potentially getting a vessel to you before the coastguard even responds. Worth having for busy coastal waters.
Battery life — look for 10-year battery life and a user-replaceable battery. Earlier units required factory servicing for battery replacement at significant cost. Most modern units allow you to replace the battery yourself.
Return Link Service — a newer feature where the EPIRB receives confirmation that your distress signal has been received by a rescue centre. Indicated by an LED on the unit. Not essential but genuinely reassuring.
Size — relevant if you want the EPIRB to fit in a grab bag as well as mount in a bracket. Ocean Signal units are notably compact.
Register It Immediately
Whatever EPIRB you buy — register it with the UK Beacon Registry before you use the vessel. Free, takes 15 minutes, could save your life. Keep the registration up to date whenever vessel details or contact information changes.
Our Recommended EPIRBs
Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB3
Our Top Pick: The smallest EPIRB on the market from a UK manufacturer. 10-year user-replaceable battery, GPS enabled, AIS, Return Link Service, and a retractable antenna. Compact enough for a grab bag. The EPIRB3 is the updated version of the highly regarded EPIRB1 adding AIS and NFC Trusted by the RNLI and used widely across the UK sailing community.
McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS EPIRB
Best with AIS – The first EPIRB to combine 406MHz, AIS, and GPS in a single unit. When activated, nearby AIS-equipped vessels can see your exact position immediately. 10 year user-serviceable battery. Bright orange casing. More expensive than the Ocean Signal but the AIS integration is genuinely superior for UK coastal waters where commercial traffic is common. McMurdo have been making this kit since 1967.
ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB
Best for Offshore Passages – ACR acquired Ocean Signal and the V5 reflects that combined expertise. GPS, AIS, 406MHz, 121.5MHz homing, and Return Link Service all in one unit. The RLS confirmation light — which illuminates when a rescue centre has received your signal — provides peace of mind that is hard to put a price on when you are 200 miles offshore in deteriorating conditions.
Category 1 Mounting Brackets
Whichever EPIRB you buy, mount it correctly. The bracket should be positioned where it can be grabbed quickly from the cockpit — not below decks. For Category 1 units, the hydrostatic release bracket must be serviced and replaced on its own schedule separately from the EPIRB itself. Check the expiry date on the bracket — it is often different from the EPIRB battery date.
Servicing — Do Not Skip It
EPIRBs require servicing every five years and battery replacement every ten years. A unit that has not been serviced is a unit you cannot fully trust. Build the cost into your annual safety budget — it is not significant compared to what the device does. Get them serviced, keep them serviced, and check them before every offshore passage.
FAQs
What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 EPIRB?
Category 1 activates automatically when submerged in water. Category 2 must be manually activated. For offshore use, Category 1 is recommended. For coastal and inshore use, Category 2 is typically sufficient.
How long does an EPIRB battery last?
Modern EPIRBs have a 10-year battery standby life. Once activated, they transmit for a minimum of 48 hours. Battery replacement should be carried out by an authorised service centre or, on units with user-replaceable batteries, yourself following manufacturer instructions.
Do I need to service my EPIRB?
Yes. Every five years at minimum. Many manufacturers also recommend an operational check annually. Keep the service record with the vessel’s safety documentation.
Can I test my EPIRB?
Yes — using the built-in self-test function only. Never fully activate an EPIRB unless it is a genuine emergency. A false activation is a criminal offence and wastes rescue service resources.
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional safety advice. Always verify current EPIRB requirements and registration obligations at gov.uk/mca and beaconregistration.admiralty.co.uk. marinesafetyguide.com participates in affiliate programmes including Amazon Associates and the Awin network and may earn a small commission on purchases made through links on this site, at no extra cost to you.
