{"id":509,"date":"2023-09-07T12:44:22","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T12:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oceansignal.com\/?post_type=product&p=509"},"modified":"2026-10-23T10:23:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T10:23:45","slug":"epirb2","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/oceansignal.com\/us\/products\/epirb2\/","title":{"rendered":"rescueME EPIRB2"},"content":{"rendered":"
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rescueME EPIRB2 \u00b7 406 MHz emergency beacon<\/p>\n

A distress call that reaches beyond the horizon.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

The Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB2 is a Category II, manually released Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon for boats. It combines global 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite distress alerting, GNSS positioning and Return Link Service (RLS) acknowledgement. You can program your vessel\u2019s MMSI in minutes using the Ocean Signal User Programming Kit and app.<\/p>\n

Choose your EPIRB2 options \u2191<\/a><\/div>\n
\"Hands<\/figure>\n
Blue-light RLS acknowledgement<\/span>User MMSI programming<\/span>No subscription fees<\/span>48+ hours of operation<\/span><\/div>\n

Category II manual release. No AIS transmission. RLS availability depends on country configuration.<\/p>\n

Program your MMSI \u2193<\/a>How it works \u2193<\/a>EPIRB2 or EPIRB3? \u2193<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Return Link Service \u00b7 blue-light acknowledgement<\/p>\n

See that your call for help got through.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Close-up<\/div>
Official RLS close-up from the EPIRB2 image gallery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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A visible acknowledgement. At your beacon.<\/h3>\n

RLS sends an acknowledgement back through Galileo satellites. When EPIRB2 receives it, the blue RLS acknowledgement pattern confirms that the Cospas-Sarsat system has received and located your distress alert.<\/p>\n

When you are waiting for assistance, that confirmation answers one important question: did the alert reach the satellite rescue system?<\/p>\n

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RLS confirms receipt and localisation of the alert. It does not confirm that a rescue mission has launched or give an arrival time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Read the manual to recognise the acknowledgement pattern. RLS is dependent on the beacon\u2019s country configuration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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User programming \u00b7 your vessel, your MMSI<\/p>\n

Connect. Customise. GO<\/h2>\n

Set up in minutes using your smartphone. No dealer visit. No posting your beacon away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Ocean<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Done in minutes.<\/h3>\n

Use the Ocean Signal User Programming Kit, a compatible smartphone and the Ocean Signal app to program your EPIRB2 with your vessel\u2019s MMSI in minutes.<\/p>\n

At home. On your schedule.<\/h3>\n

No trip to a programming centre and no posting your beacon away. Do it yourself from home and avoid dealer programming fees and postage costs.<\/p>\n

Enter your details. Check them. Register.<\/h3>\n

Have your vessel\u2019s assigned nine-digit MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) ready. Use the supported country configuration and follow the kit instructions to save and verify the beacon\u2019s programmed details.<\/p>\n

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Programming and registration are separate. After programming, complete or update the beacon\u2019s registration using its verified HEX ID\/UIN.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Requires the Ocean Signal User Programming Kit and a compatible smartphone. Follow the kit guidance for supported country settings and registration.<\/p>\n

Choose your EPIRB2 options \u2191<\/a><\/div>\n

Need help with programming? Ask Ocean Signal \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Built for the boat, ready for the unexpected<\/p>\n

When a voyage becomes an emergency.<\/h2>\n

Flooding. A dismasting. A medical emergency offshore. When you need outside assistance, a dedicated satellite distress beacon gives you another way to raise the alarm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Detailed<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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A dedicated call for Search & Rescue.<\/h3>\n

EPIRB2 uses its own battery and satellite distress radio, so sending an alert does not depend on a mobile signal, a smartphone or the boat\u2019s electrical supply.<\/p>\n

Position information, sent with your alert.<\/h3>\n

Its integrated GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver uses GPS, Galileo and GLONASS to establish a position. That location is included in the 406 MHz distress message once a fix is available.<\/p>\n

Signals that support the final approach.<\/h3>\n

A 121.5 MHz homing signal, visible strobe and infrared strobe help suitably equipped rescuers locate the beacon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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From activation to Search & Rescue<\/p>\n

How rescueME EPIRB2 sends a distress alert.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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01<\/p>\n

Establish your position.<\/h3>\n

After deployment and activation, the built-in GNSS receiver works to acquire your location. Keep the antenna fully extended with a clear view of the sky.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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02<\/p>\n

Send a satellite distress alert.<\/h3>\n

Satellites detect the 406 MHz transmission. Ground stations and Mission Control Centres process the alert and route it towards the responsible rescue authority.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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03<\/p>\n

Support the search and recovery.<\/h3>\n

Your beacon identity and position support rescue coordination. The homing signal and strobes provide additional ways for equipped responders to find the beacon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Explore the Cospas-Sarsat rescue chain \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Know your beacon before you need it<\/p>\n

Manual release. Straightforward preparation.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Mount it where your crew can reach it.<\/h3>\n

The supplied quick-release bracket keeps EPIRB2 secured on board. Choose an accessible mounting location and show everyone where it is before departure.<\/p>\n

Release, deploy and activate.<\/h3>\n

EPIRB2 must be removed from its Category II bracket by hand. Fully extend the antenna and follow the manual for deployment and activation. The Class 2 version supports water activation after removal from its bracket, as well as manual activation.<\/p>\n

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The supplied bracket does not release automatically if the boat sinks. For automatic float-free deployment, consider EPIRB2 Pro<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This is a product overview, not the operating procedure. Follow the supplied manual for the exact variant. Class 3 versions are manual activation only.<\/p>\n

Read the EPIRB2 user manual \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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NFC smartphone connectivity<\/p>\n

Check your beacon before you cast off.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Hold your phone close. See your beacon\u2019s history.<\/h3>\n

Use a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone and the free Ocean Signal Product App to access stored beacon information at close range.<\/p>\n

Review the checks you have completed.<\/h3>\n

Read recorded self-tests and GNSS tests, including available position-fix information and battery-use data. Use the app alongside the manual\u2019s inspection and testing routine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Your phone is not required to send a distress alert. NFC is not live tracking, remote activation or two-way messaging.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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A dedicated emergency beacon<\/p>\n

No subscription fees. Ever.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"rescueME<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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No monthly airtime plan.<\/h3>\n

EPIRB2 uses the Cospas-Sarsat distress-alerting system without a satellite subscription.<\/p>\n

48+ hours when activated.<\/h3>\n

Specified emergency operating life is more than 48 hours at \u221220\u00b0C, subject to battery condition and correct use.<\/p>\n

A 10-year battery interval.<\/h3>\n

Follow the expiry label and testing guidance. Arrange authorised battery replacement after emergency activation or when required by the manual.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Battery replacement, servicing and other ownership costs are separate from subscription-free satellite alerting.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The choice that matters<\/p>\n

EPIRB2, EPIRB3 or EPIRB2 Pro?<\/h2>\n

For coastal cruising, offshore sailing, fishing and motorboating, choose the alerting capability and release system your vessel needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Choose EPIRB2 for satellite distress alerting, RLS and user MMSI programming with manual release. Choose EPIRB3 if you also want local AIS transmission, or EPIRB2 Pro for automatic float-free release.<\/p>\n

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Compare alerting capabilities and supplied mounting systems. Scroll horizontally on small screens.<\/caption>\n
Your decision<\/th>\nEPIRB2<\/th>\nEPIRB3<\/th>\nEPIRB2 Pro<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Global 406 MHz satellite distress alerting<\/th>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RLS acknowledgement & NFC<\/th>\nYes, country configuration applies<\/td>\nYes, country configuration applies<\/td>\nYes, country configuration applies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Local AIS transmission<\/th>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supplied release system<\/th>\nCategory II \u00b7 manual release<\/td>\nCategory II \u00b7 manual release<\/td>\nCategory I \u00b7 automatic float-free release<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Choose it for<\/th>\nSatellite distress alerting with a manually released beacon.<\/td>\nSatellite distress alerting plus local AIS visibility to equipped vessels.<\/td>\nSatellite distress alerting with automatic float-free deployment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Explore the model<\/th>\nYou are viewing EPIRB2<\/td>\nView EPIRB3 \u2192<\/a><\/td>\nView EPIRB2 Pro \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Need both AIS and automatic release? Explore safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n

An EPIRB is carried for the vessel. A PLB adds a beacon that can stay with an individual crew member. Explore rescueME PLB3 \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n

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Check your vessel\u2019s flag, use and operating-area requirements before buying. If AIS, automatic float-free release or specific approvals are required, choose a model that meets those requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Choose your EPIRB2 options \u2191<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Real-world EPIRB rescue evidence<\/p>\n

A flooded boat. Four sailors in a life raft.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Photograph<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Sailing \u00b7 John & David<\/p>\n

After their yacht struck submerged rocks, water entered faster than the crew could remove it. Four sailors abandoned the boat into a life raft, taking their Ocean Signal EPIRB1 with them.<\/p>\n

They activated the beacon. A U.S. Coast Guard aircraft and nearby vessels became part of the rescue that brought all four crew members to safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it really must work\u2026 it really does work!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

John & David, Ocean Signal survivor story.<\/p>\n

Read their rescue story \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

This account involved an EPIRB1, not an EPIRB2. It illustrates the role of a vessel-carried EPIRB in a real emergency; it is not a promise of a particular response time or outcome.<\/p>\n

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\"406<\/div>\n
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The 406 Survivor Club<\/h3>\n

Use your Ocean Signal PLB or EPIRB in a genuine lifesaving emergency, share your rescue story and apply for a free replacement beacon. Programme eligibility and verification apply.<\/p>\n

Share your rescue story \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n

Read the replacement programme terms \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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EPIRB2 Sailing Safety Kit<\/p>\n

Build the rest of your grab bag.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Ocean<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Start with EPIRB2. Keep the essentials together.<\/h3>\n

The EPIRB2 Sailing Safety Kit pairs the beacon with an Ocean Signal waterproof grab bag, an ACR signal mirror and a whistle. It is a practical option when you are putting together your emergency equipment.<\/p>\n

See kit contents and current price \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n

Check the kit page for current contents, availability and price.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Ocean Signal customer feedback<\/p>\n

Trusted by Ocean Signal customers<\/h2>\n

Read customer reviews covering Ocean Signal products and service. This is the company-wide review feed, rather than an EPIRB2-only rating.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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