Module 9 - GMDSS & Safety Equipment
EPIRB, SART, Survival VHF
What you will learn
Inspect, release and use survival communications equipment as a coordinated abandonment sequence.
Emergency equipment helps only if it can release, transmit, be found, be operated and remain powered when the crew abandons.
Inspect a float-free EPIRB for a clear release path, sound casing, readable hexadecimal identity, correct registration, battery and hydrostatic-release expiry dates, and its approved self-test result. The lanyard is for securing the beacon to the survival craft or person after release; it must not be tied to the vessel or bracket in a way that defeats float-free release.
Keep a survival VHF charged, protected and immediately accessible. Its low aerial and limited power make it primarily a local coordination tool, but voice contact with nearby vessels or rescue units can be decisive. Know its controls with cold, wet hands and preserve battery by listening intelligently.
In an actual abandonment, use all suitable alerting methods available, take the survival equipment if safe, deploy the locating aid according to its instructions and maintain watch. If a 406 MHz beacon is activated accidentally, stop the transmission as soon as possible and promptly inform the local rescue coordination centre so the false alert can be resolved.
Worked example
During a pre-departure check, the EPIRB lanyard is tied around the pushpit and the hydrostatic release date has passed.
- 1Do not accept the installation as operational merely because the beacon passes a self-test.
- 2Correct the lanyard stowage according to the approved installation so it cannot prevent float-free release.
- 3Arrange replacement or service of the expired release and recheck identity, registration, battery and release path.
Sense check: Electronic self-test cannot prove that a physically trapped beacon will leave a sinking vessel.
| Item | Physical release check | Crew-use check |
|---|---|---|
| Float-free EPIRB | Clear path, bracket/release, dates and untied lanyard | Identity, registration, approved self-test and deployment |
| SART/AIS-SART | Accessible and protected | Activate, raise and identify the receiver type |
| Survival VHF | Charged, dry and reachable | Channel, volume, squelch, voice procedure and battery discipline |
Rehearse the first two minutes
Two crew members must abandon after a collision; only the skipper has previously opened the emergency locker.
1. Alert while possible
Use the fixed distress systems and provide position and incident information.
2. Take accessible equipment
Collect survival VHF and locating aids without delaying a necessary abandonment.
3. Deploy and watch
Operate equipment to its instructions, keep antennas clear and maintain voice and visual watch.
Sense check: If the sequence depends on one injured person, an unlabelled locker or a forgotten activation control, the rehearsal has found useful work.
Common mistake or limitation
- Tying the EPIRB lanyard to the vessel so float-free release is defeated.
- Using an electronic self-test as a substitute for inspecting dates, bracket and release path.
- Stowing the survival VHF where the abandoning crew cannot reach it quickly.
Recap
- Inspect physical release, identity, registration, dates and approved self-test separately.
- Survival VHF supports local coordination and needs access, charge and practiced operation.
- Stop a false live beacon alert and notify the local rescue coordination centre promptly.
Optional quick check
Section 10 of 10
Why must an EPIRB lanyard not be tied to the vessel or bracket?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying GMDSS & Safety Equipment
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 9. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.