An EPIRB transmits distress signals to which recipients?

• A. Port authority only.
• B. Other ships in the area.
• C. Rescue authorities.
• D. Nearby weather stations.

Answer: (C)

EPIRBs are meant to alert rescue authorities through the international satellite distress system. When activated, the beacon transmits a coded distress signal on 406 MHz that includes its identity and approximate location. This signal is picked up by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, routed to ground stations, and forwarded to the appropriate national Rescue Coordination Center or other rescue authorities. Those authorities then organize the search-and-rescue response, coordinating with ships and local emergency services as needed. Weather stations aren’t the recipients, and while nearby ships may detect the beacon, the official recipients of the distress signal are the rescue authorities.