Choose an EPIRB for your boat
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Quick answer
An EPIRB is a boat's satellite distress beacon. ACR's GlobalFix V6 sends a 406 MHz alert with GPS position through the Cospas-Sarsat system, a 121.5 MHz homing signal and Return Link confirmation, with no subscription. The GlobalFix V5 adds an AIS alert that nearby AIS-equipped boats see on their screens. Each comes in Category 1 (automatic float-free bracket) or Category 2 (manual bracket). In the U.S. you must register a 406 MHz beacon with NOAA and re-register every two years.
- ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB, Category 2 (2854). Best for: Smaller boats where you can reach the beacon. See options on Amazon
- ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB, Category 1 (2853). Best for: Boats that need the beacon to float free on its own. See options on Amazon
- ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB, Category 2 (2852). Best for: Offshore boating where other boats may be closest. See options on Amazon
- ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB, Category 1 (2851). Best for: Offshore boats wanting AIS plus automatic deployment. See options on Amazon
What an EPIRB does
ACR describes an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) as a distress beacon that sends a vessel's location directly to search and rescue forces. When activated, the beacon transmits on 406 MHz to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system with its GPS position, and ACR says the GlobalFix V5 position is accurate to within 100 meters.
Both GlobalFix models also send a 121.5 MHz homing signal that rescuers use to close in, and Return Link Service (RLS) shows on the beacon that your alert was received. ACR says the V6 needs no subscription.
Four GlobalFix EPIRBs compared
| Beacon | Part no. | AIS | Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|
| GlobalFix V6 | 2854 | No | Category 2, manual release |
| GlobalFix V6 | 2853 | No | Category 1, automatic float-free |
| GlobalFix V5 AIS | 2852 | Yes | Category 2, manual release |
| GlobalFix V5 AIS | 2851 | Yes | Category 1, automatic float-free |
Part numbers are ACR's U.S.-programmed versions; ACR sells separate Canada and UK/EU programming. All four list at least 48 hours of operation at -4°F, a 10-year battery replacement interval and a 5-year warranty.
Category 1 or Category 2
ACR explains that both categories use the same beacon; the difference is how it leaves its bracket. A Category 1 housing has a hydrostatic release, so if the boat sinks the beacon floats free and activates on its own once out of the bracket and wet. A Category 2 bracket holds the beacon until you release it and activate it yourself, or it activates if it ends up out of the bracket and in water.
Choose Category 1 if the boat could sink fast or no one may be able to reach the beacon. Category 2 suits smaller boats where the beacon sits within reach of the helm.
AIS or not
ACR says the GlobalFix V5 broadcasts an AIS safety message on VHF when activated. AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range see it on their screens with your vessel's MMSI and can steer straight to the beacon, without waiting for the rescue authority to relay the alert.
ACR's V6 FAQ says the V6 has no AIS and points buyers who want AIS to the V5. If you boat offshore where commercial ships and other AIS users pass, the V5's local alert adds a second path to rescue.
EPIRB or PLB
ACR notes that EPIRBs are built for vessels: they can activate automatically, must float upright for transmission and must transmit for at least 48 hours at -4°F. Personal locator beacons (PLBs) must run at least 24 hours, are activated by hand and need to be held up and out of the water to transmit.
EPIRBs are registered to a vessel and PLBs to a person. ACR suggests a PLB worn on a life jacket for solo boaters or crew often out of the captain's sight.
Register your beacon with NOAA
NOAA says that if you buy a new or used U.S.-coded 406 MHz beacon, you must register it with NOAA as required by law. Registration is valid for two years, and you must re-register every two years and update it whenever your phone number, address or boat changes.
If you sell a beacon, NOAA asks you to notify it and tell the buyer to register. ACR adds that buying or programming a beacon does not complete registration.
Battery and upkeep
ACR lists a 10-year battery replacement interval: replace the battery by its expiry date, 10 years from manufacture or after any activation. Mark the expiry date in your boat's maintenance log and check the beacon's status with ACR's NFC phone app.
Keep the beacon mounted where the antenna stays clear and it can float free if it is a Category 1 unit. For two-way messaging, see our satellite walkie-talkie guide.
What to look for when you buy
ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB, Category 2 (2854)
Best for: Smaller boats where you can reach the beacon
ACR lists 406 MHz satellite alerting with GPS, a 121.5 MHz homing signal, Return Link Service confirmation, an NFC phone app, at least 48 hours of operation at -4°F and a 10-year battery replacement interval. Category 2 means you release it from the bracket yourself.
Watch out: ACR says the V6 has no AIS; choose the V5 if you want nearby boats alerted on AIS.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB, Category 1 (2853)
Best for: Boats that need the beacon to float free on its own
Same V6 beacon in ACR's Category 1 housing: if the vessel sinks, a hydrostatic release lets the beacon float free and it activates once out of the bracket and in water. It can also be removed and activated by hand.
Watch out: ACR says to mount the housing where the beacon can float clear, following its mounting instructions.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB, Category 2 (2852)
Best for: Offshore boating where other boats may be closest
ACR says the V5 adds an AIS safety message on VHF that any AIS-equipped vessel nearby sees immediately, plus Return Link Service, 121.5 MHz homing, white and infrared strobes, NFC and a 72-channel GPS, Galileo and Glonass receiver. Beacon weight is 1.78 lb.
Watch out: Category 2 is manual release; pick the Category 1 version if you need float-free deployment.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB, Category 1 (2851)
Best for: Offshore boats wanting AIS plus automatic deployment
The V5 AIS beacon in ACR's Category 1 hydrostatic release bracket, which deploys it automatically. ACR lists a 5-year warranty and waterproofing to 33 ft for 5 minutes.
Watch out: The Category 1 housing must be mounted where the beacon can float clear, per ACR's instructions.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- Do I need to register an EPIRB?
- Yes. NOAA says U.S.-coded 406 MHz beacons must be registered with NOAA by law, and registration must be renewed every two years.
- What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 EPIRBs?
- Category 1 has an automatic hydrostatic release that floats the beacon free if the boat sinks. Category 2 uses a manual-release bracket.
- Does an EPIRB need a subscription?
- ACR says the GlobalFix V6 requires no subscription. It uses the Cospas-Sarsat search and rescue satellite system.
- How long does an EPIRB transmit?
- ACR says EPIRBs must transmit at least 48 hours at -4°F, compared with 24 hours for personal locator beacons.
Sources
- ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB (acrartex.com), ACR Electronics
- GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB (acrartex.com), ACR Electronics
- Differences Between EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons (acrartex.com), ACR Electronics
- Register your Beacon (sarsat.noaa.gov), NOAA SARSAT