Lloyds Registry

Float-Free EPIRBs form an important part of the GMDSS equipment on sea-going vessels.

The IMO has published Resolution MSC.471(101), which contains a revised performance standard for EPIRBs aimed at further improving the capability of these devices to assist in distress alerting and locating.

The main updates in the new performance standard are mandatory requirements for the beacon to include a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver (e.g. GPS, GLONASS) and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitter, so that the beacon’s emergency signal includes a position fix and AIS locating signal.

https://www.lr.org/en/class-news-resources/06-22/