Question 1

An EPIRB is accidentally activated while being moved during routine maintenance. What should be done immediately?

Accepted Answer

Switch it off immediately if safe to do so, and notify the relevant rescue coordination centre (e.g. via the EPIRB's registered point of contact, or directly) that the activation was accidental, to prevent an unnecessary SAR response being launched based on the registered vessel details An activated EPIRB transmits the registered vessel's identity to rescue authorities, who will begin response procedures — promptly deactivating the beacon and notifying the authorities of the false activation prevents wasted SAR resources and confusion.

Question 2

You need to send a distress alert because the vessel is taking on water faster than the pumps can cope. Which message format and channel/priority is correct?

Accepted Answer

A "Mayday" distress call on Channel 16 / DSC distress alert, giving position, nature of distress and assistance required Grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance (e.g. uncontrolled flooding) requires a Mayday distress call / DSC distress alert — Pan-Pan is for urgency without immediate danger to life, and Securité is for navigational safety information.

Question 3

True or False: An EPIRB should be registered with the relevant national authority, and the registration details kept up to date so that a false alarm can be quickly resolved or a real activation correctly attributed.

Accepted Answer

True True. EPIRB registration links the unique beacon ID to vessel and contact details, allowing SAR authorities to quickly verify activations (genuine or false) and contact the vessel/owner — unregistered or out-of-date beacons slow down the SAR response and waste resources.