Ocean Signal Develops World's Most Compact EPIRB

The rescueME EPIRB1, the world’s most compact Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, has been developed by communication and safety at sea specialist Ocean Signal.

Featuring a ground-breaking 30% reduction in size compared to other EPIRBs, a huge 10-year battery life and a retail price that makes it one of the most affordable Class 2 GPS EPIRBs in the market, the rescueME EPIRB1 provides the boat’s essential link to emergency services.

The new rescueME EPIRB1 measures just 178mm (height with antenna stowed) by 89mm and weighs 422g.

The EPIRB1 is designed to be automatically activated once the unit has been immersed in water. Due to its small size, the EPIRB1 can be safely placed within a grab bag or mounted within its manual release bracket.

Ease of operation is ensured by a retractable antenna which provides maximum protection and reduced outline for easy stowage and is deployed with a gentle pull, using just one hand. A simple protective tab over the operating keys prevents inadvertent activation.

Alan Wrigley, Ocean Signal Managing Director, said: “An EPIRB is an essential safety product for boat owners, so we are excited to be introducing our rescueME EPIRB1 which offers an impressive 10-year battery life at an extremely competitive price.

“Like our popular rescueME PLB1, the world’s smallest personal locator beacon, the new rescueME EPIRB1 is significantly smaller than comparable EPIRBs, making it ideal for any recreational craft including small to mid-size sail and powerboats. Despite its compact size, its sophisticated design ensures the EPIRB1 comes complete with 66-channel GPS, providing fast and accurate positioning information for transmission to the rescue services.”

Ensuring maximum chance of survival in an emergency, the Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB1 communicates the location of a survivor to search and rescue services in three ways – the designated 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite system with position provided by an integrated 66-channel GPS receiver, a 121.5MHz homing beacon, plus two high brightness strobes to maximize visibility in low light conditions.

Once activated, the rescueME EPIRB1 transmits the position and user’s unique ID to a Rescue Coordination Centre via satellite link for transfer to the relevant local search and rescue services.

All of Ocean Signal’s safety products provide exceptional battery life and the rescueME EPIRB1 offers this benefit with a ten-year battery life, which is further supported by a five-year warranty. Operating within a temperature range of -20C and +55C, the Ocean Signal EPIRB will transmit for 48 hours.

The SSP of the rescueME EPIRB1 is £309 +VAT.

For longer distance trips, the Ocean Signal Class 1 and 2-approved E100G EPIRB offers an exceptional 96-hour operational life with the option of an automatic release housing.

For more information on the EPIRB and further products from Ocean Signal, visit Stand 03.121 at this year’s METS.