How to Choose the Right EPIRB
First, decide whether you want a manual or a float-free unit. Manual EPIRBs are activated by hand, which works fine if the emergency beacon is stored within reach and you or a crew member is there to grab it. Float-free models sit in a housing that releases automatically when submerged, with the beacon activating on contact with water.
Look for built-in GPS and AIS. GPS pinpoints your position to within a couple of metres, shrinking the search area. AIS (Automatic Identification System) broadcasts a distress signal to nearby vessels equipped with AIS receivers, so other boats can respond before official rescue arrives.
The other essentials are long battery life, a 48-hour minimum transmission time, Cospas-Sarsat Class 2 certification, and compliance with AS/NZS 4280.1. Every EPIRB sold in NZ also needs to be registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre at beacons.org.nz.
Benefits of EPIRBs for Offshore Boating
An EPIRB does one job: it tells emergency services exactly where you are when you can't tell them yourself. Once activated (manually or automatically), EPIRBs transmit a 406 MHz distress signal to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, which relays your position to the Rescue Coordination Centre in NZ. Because every EPIRB is registered to the owner, emergency services can immediately identify you and your emergency contacts to begin coordinating search-and-rescue operations.
For anyone fishing the continental shelf, sailing across Cook Strait, or heading to the Three Kings, an EPIRB is non-negotiable. Mobile phones drop out beyond the coastal range, VHF has line-of-sight limitations, and flares only help if someone happens to be looking. An EPIRB reaches help no matter where you are.
Key Features to Look for in an EPIRB
Integrated GNSS that supports both GPS and Galileo gives you accurate positioning across more of the sky, useful in steep seas or under heavy cloud, where a single-network receiver can struggle. A 121.5 MHz homing signal helps rescuers zero in once they're close. A high-intensity solid-state strobe light, paired with infrared, enhances visibility in the dark or in heavy weather (infrared specifically supports rescue helicopters using night-vision equipment).
A self-test function lets you confirm the EPIRB emergency beacon is working without triggering a real distress call. Look for an easy-to-read audio and visual indicator so the test result is clear.
Quick-release brackets let you grab the unit fast in an emergency, and antennas that deploy automatically on removal save time when every second counts. Compact dimensions and lightweight construction mean the unit fits on smaller vessels without taking up valuable cabin space.
Shop EPIRBs at Burnsco
Burnsco has been keeping Kiwi boaters on the water for over 140 years. Order an EPIRB beacon online for 1-hour click & collect at your nearest store, pop in to chat in person, or call us on 0800 10 20 41. Browse our life jackets, personal locator beacons, and first aid kits to complete your on-water safety gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPIRB and how does it work?
An EPIRB is a distress beacon designed specifically to alert rescue authorities when you are in serious trouble at sea. Once activated, the emergency radio beacon transmits a 406 MHz signal that's detected by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, which forwards your location data to the Rescue Coordination Centre in NZ. Search-and-rescue teams then use that information to locate you. Manual EPIRBs are activated by hand, while float-free models activate automatically when submerged.
Do I need an EPIRB for offshore boating?
Yes. Mobile phones drop out past coastal range, and VHF radio is limited by line of sight, so once you're over the horizon, you've got no reliable way to send out a distress alert. An EPIRB reaches help anywhere on the planet via satellite, which makes it the single most important piece of safety gear for offshore work. It's required equipment for many commercial vessels, and we strongly recommend picking up a personal EPIRB for boating beyond coastal waters.
What is the difference between GPS and AIS EPIRBs?
A GPS EPIRB provides your exact position for search-and-rescue operations, narrowing the search area to a few metres. AIS broadcasts your distress signal directly to nearby vessels with AIS receivers, so other boats in the area can respond and assist while official help is on the way.
How often should an EPIRB be serviced or replaced?
Most EPIRBs have a 10-year battery life from the manufacturing date, after which the unit needs to be replaced or the battery serviced by an authorised technician. Run the self-test function regularly (monthly is recommended) to confirm your marine emergency beacon is working, and check the manufacturer's instructions for any servicing recommendations.
Can EPIRBs be used on all types of boats?
Yes. EPIRB devices are designed for marine use, from small trailer boats to large yachts and commercial vessels. Compact, lightweight boat emergency beacons suit smaller boats where space is tight and can be mounted within easy reach for manual activation. Float-free EPIRBs feature automatic deployment from their housing and are commonly fitted to larger vessels, where the beacon must release on its own if the boat capsizes.
