Leon explains: 5 good reasons to carry an EPIRB on a sailing boat
July 25, 2024 · 1 min · 811 views
What this video covers
Leon Schulz, with 80,000 sailed miles, outlines five reasons to carry an EPIRB on a sailing boat.0:02 First, GMDSS Area A1 coverage has significant gaps along the Portuguese coast, in the Baltic, and in the North Sea, leaving VHF-dependent sailors without reliable contact.0:20 Second, an EPIRB provides a redundant distress signal; relying on a single method like VHF raises the risk that a call is dismissed as a false alarm.0:32 Third, activation is simple: pull the red handle, press the button, and it transmits — or throw it in the water and it starts automatically, provided you keep hold of the line.0:44 Fourth, the Hammar H20 hydrostatic release unit triggers the device autonomously if it enters the water without any crew action, cutting the retaining bolt and allowing it to float free and transmit.1:09 Fifth, newer EPIRBs with RLS (Return Link Service) confirm reception by flashing a lamp, so the crew knows the signal was received.1:21 Schulz closes with a reminder to register the device so rescue services can identify who is calling.1:32
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