I strongly recommend an EPIRB for boaters who not only venture far from shore, but for those who want automatic deployment, longer transmit times or both. The way you mount your EPIRB can greatly enhance, or reduce, the effectiveness you paid for when you bought the safety beacon. Here are some guidelines for mounting either a manually deployed EPIRB (Category II) or an automatically deployed EPIRB (Category I).
Hands Off?
A Category I EPIRB can be manually deployed, but it will also self-deploy. If the EPIRB submerges in the water to a depth of between 5 and 13 feet, the hydrostatic release unit in the bracket sets it free, the EPIRB floats to the surface and begins transmitting. This drives your mounting location.
First, it must be installed above decks. The location also needs to allow the unit to float free, so mounting a Category 1 EPIRB inside a cabin or under a hardtop are not good choices because doing so might prevent it from floating to the surface if the worst happens. At the same time, locations such as the top of a cabin or hardtop, while allowing the float-free function, may not allow quick access to the unit in an emergency. Remember that just because a Category I deploys automatically doesn’t mean grabbing it and activating it manually isn’t a good course of action in an emergency. The exterior of a cabin or pilothouse, a cockpit railing, or—for open boats—the exterior of the transom in front of the engines are all places to consider. The bracket for a Category I EPIRB protects the unit from the elements.
You Turn Me On
A Category II EPIRB deploys manually. That means you want it close at hand, so you can turn it on. For this reason, many boaters simply keep the unit in a ditch bag, along with other safety gear, close to the helm. If things get hairy, the ditch bag is grabbed. Other boaters want the EPIRB located on a bracket where it is readily visible and quick to grab in an emergency and clear of magnetic interference with the compass. If this suits you, select a location close to the helm, or perhaps on the exterior of a pilothouse or cabin, if there is a protective overhang. Bear in mind that the brackets for Category II EPIRBs do not provide the protection from the elements offered by Category I brackets.
Read Next: Best Emergency Beacons, PLBs & EPIRBs
Do It Right
The compass safe distance for EPIRBs is 3 feet, according to maker ACR. Also, because the brackets have magnetic switches, mount them the same distance from stereo speakers. Do not mount an EPIRB in the sweep of a radar beam, as the circuitry can be damaged over time. If you need different fasteners than what may have been supplied, be sure to use stainless-steel locking nuts and adhere to best marine accessory installation practices.
