SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-epirb-406

Which emergency device sends a 406 MHz distress signal to rescue satellites?

An EPIRB or PLB.

  1. A VHF marine radio
  2. An EPIRB or PLB ✔
  3. A cell phone

Why: 406 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs alert rescuers through satellites, give your position and help guide rescue units, even when all other communications fail. They must be registered with NOAA.

Huh, didn't know that: Without GPS, finding an EPIRB's position takes about an hour on average; with GPS, the position goes out right away.

The dad joke
Why did the cow go to outer space? To see the moooon.
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Sources

  1. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
  2. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterFederal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?Boating & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?Boating & WaterUnder the federal rule, kids under what age must wear a life jacket on a moving boat?

That's stuff everyone should know.