Do you want a Category 1 or 2 EPIRB?
Category I EPIRBs are housed in a special bracket equipped with a hydrostatic release unit (HRU). This mechanism releases the EPIRB at a water depth of 3-10 feet. The buoyant EPIRB then floats to the surface and begins transmitting. Note that the HRU needs to be replaced every two years.
Category II EPIRBs differ in that they are not released automatically via the HRU. They activate manually or thru immersion in water. They can be mounted above or below deck, in a location that is protected. They can also be kept in a ditch bag instead of mounting.
The choice of Category 1 or 2 depends on your situation.
Choose a Category 1 if…
- You want the EPIRB to be automatically deployed.
- You have space to mount the EPIRB so it can “float free”.
- You are willing to replace the HRU every two years.
Choose a Category 2 if…
- You are willing to manually release the EPIRB.
- You don’t want to permanently mount the EPIRB.
- You want to keep the EPRIB in a ditch bag.