The world’s most compact emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is not something we want any readers to have to use in a hurry but should an incident occur out at sea the MBY team all agreed they’d like to have this safety kit by their side.
Ocean Signal’s EPIRB homed in on the MBY Cool 50 based on its compact design, easy-to- use functionality, long battery life and hardy durability.
Easy to stow in your grab bag or on a standard-release bracket, the compact satellite beacon boasts a ten-year battery life – twice the conventional amount and is around 30 per cent smaller than most other EPIRBs on the market.
The antenna is stored within the unit, so is protected when packed away in a grab bag. It has a 48-hour operational life (for longer offshore passages, the Ocean Signal E100G EPIRB has a 96-hour life), five-year warranty and is simple to operate.
Its 66-channel GPS provides accurate positioning and helps emergency services and first responders find your location. It can be attached to a life raft or on your person.
To operate, users pull out the antenna, detach the red protection clip and press the activation button. If it falls in the water the EPIRB1 will activate automatically.
It signals its location in three ways: via the 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite system using GPS position and a 121.5MHz homing beacon.
The rescueME EPIRB1 also features two high-intensity strobes to maximise visibility in fog and low light conditions.
The protective tab over the operating keys prevents inadvertent activation but allows for easy operation when required.
Price: £299
