If you’ve ever been on the open water—whether for a quiet fishing trip or a coastal cruise—you already know how quickly things can go wrong. As an EPIRB technician and someone who’s worked with hundreds of boaters, I’ve seen one pattern that still shocks me: many people own an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), but far too few know how to use or maintain it properly.

And when your EPIRB is your last lifeline, that can mean the difference between rescue and tragedy.

Here are the top 5 most common EPIRB mistakes I’ve seen—and more importantly, how to avoid them so you and your crew stay rescue-ready.

⚠️ Mistake 1: Expired Registration

The Reality:
An unregistered or out-of-date EPIRB is almost as bad as not having one at all. Without current registration, rescue services can’t identify who or where you are, even if your beacon is working.

How to Fix It:

• Visit your national EPIRB registry (e.g., NOAA Beacon Registration for the U.S.).

• Ensure your contact info, vessel name, and emergency contacts are correct.

• Set a calendar reminder to review your registration once a year or after any major changes (new boat, new phone number, etc.).

✅ Technician’s Tip: Always carry a printed copy of your registration onboard.

⚠️ Mistake 2: Ignoring the Battery Expiry Date

The Reality:
EPIRB batteries typically last 5–10 years but lose reliability over time. I’ve had clients show up with units that hadn’t been serviced in over 15 years—yikes!

How to Fix It:

• Check the battery expiry date clearly labeled on the back of your EPIRB.

• If it’s expired or close to expiry (within 6 months), contact an authorized service center immediately for replacement.

• Never attempt to open or replace the battery yourself—it could disable the beacon or void the warranty.

✅ Technician’s Tip: Keep a waterproof label on your EPIRB case with “Battery Expiry: [MM/YYYY]” for fast reference.

⚠️ Mistake 3: Improper Mounting or Storage

The Reality:
An EPIRB that’s buried under gear, mounted upside down, or stored in a locked compartment won’t do you much good in an emergency.

How to Fix It:

• Mount your beacon in a visible and accessible location on your vessel.

• Use the provided bracket, and ensure it’s secure but not locked in place.

• If storing in a grab bag, make sure it’s clearly marked and easily retrievable.

✅ Technician’s Tip: Avoid metal interference—don’t store near compasses, VHF antennas, or engine blocks.

⚠️ Mistake 4: Not Testing the EPIRB Regularly

The Reality:
Some boaters never test their beacons, assuming, “It’ll work if I need it.” Unfortunately, units can fail from age, corrosion, or even manufacturing defects.

How to Fix It:

• Perform a self-test once a month using the test button.

• Listen for the confirmation signals (audio or light indicators) that confirm your beacon is functional.

• Don’t worry—testing won’t send a distress signal if done properly.

✅ Technician’s Tip: Keep a logbook or checklist on board. Write the date and result of each test so you can track your EPIRB’s health.

⚠️ Mistake 5: Assuming One EPIRB Is Enough

The Reality:
Relying on a single beacon might work, but in many cases, especially offshore, redundancy can save lives.

How to Fix It:

• Consider pairing your EPIRB with PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) for each crew member.

• Carry a spare handheld VHF radio or satellite communicator for additional coverage.

• If you charter vessels, bring your own beacon, even if the boat has one.

✅ Technician’s Tip: Think of your EPIRB as the master alarm—but always back it up with personal safety gear.

Want to Be 100% Rescue-Ready?

Download Our Free EPIRB Checklist to make sure your beacon—and your boat—are always ready for the unexpected.
Book an EPIRB Battery Service Now with our certified technicians for OEM battery replacement.