Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB3 with AIS, RLS and NFC
The Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB3 is an advanced Category II Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon combining worldwide 406 MHz satellite distress alerting with local AIS transmission, Galileo Return Link Service, Near Field Communication, and visible and infrared strobe lights.
Supplied with a Category II manual-release mounting bracket, the EPIRB3 is designed for recreational boaters, offshore sailors, fishing vessels, and commercial operators who want the additional locating capabilities of an AIS-equipped EPIRB. The combination of global satellite alerting and local AIS broadcasting gives rescue authorities and nearby vessels multiple ways to identify and locate an emergency.
Global 406 MHz Satellite Distress Alerting
When activated, the EPIRB3 transmits a digital distress message on 406.031 MHz through the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite network. The transmission includes the beacon’s unique identification and GNSS-derived position, allowing the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center to identify the vessel and coordinate a search and rescue response.
The integrated 72-channel GNSS receiver uses GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS positioning networks to determine the beacon’s location. Position information is transmitted through the satellite system and continues to update as the activated beacon moves or drifts.
The Cospas-Sarsat service provides worldwide emergency coverage without a subscription fee. Proper beacon registration allows search and rescue authorities to associate the transmitted identification with the vessel, owner, and designated emergency contacts.
Integrated AIS Distress Transmission
In addition to notifying rescue authorities through the global satellite network, the EPIRB3 broadcasts a local AIS distress target on 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz. Its 1-watt AIS transmission can be received by nearby vessels, aircraft, and rescue units equipped with compatible AIS equipment.
The beacon transmits AIS Message 1 position reports and Message 14 safety-related status messages. Nearby AIS-equipped vessels can see the emergency target on a compatible chartplotter or AIS display and navigate directly toward the beacon’s current position.
This local AIS alert may allow a nearby vessel to begin assisting before dedicated search and rescue resources arrive. It also gives approaching rescue vessels and aircraft an updated target that can help them locate the beacon after it has drifted from its originally reported position.
Return Link Service Confirmation
The rescueME EPIRB3 supports Galileo Return Link Service, commonly known as RLS. After the distress message has been received, localized, and routed through the Cospas-Sarsat system, a return signal is transmitted back to the beacon.
A blue indicator light confirms that the distress transmission and beacon location have been successfully received through the satellite network and are being forwarded to the appropriate authorities. RLS does not mean that rescue personnel have arrived or that a rescue mission has already been launched, but it provides valuable confirmation that the emergency message has entered the international search and rescue system.
Category II Manual-Release Bracket
The EPIRB3 is supplied with a Category II quick-release mounting bracket. The bracket securely holds the beacon while allowing it to be quickly removed during an abandon-ship emergency.
The EPIRB must be manually removed from the bracket before it can be activated. Once removed, the antenna should be fully extended and the beacon may be switched on manually. The EPIRB3 can also sense contact with water and activate automatically after it has been removed from the bracket and placed in the sea.
The manual bracket should be installed inside the vessel in an accessible location where the EPIRB can be quickly reached during an emergency. The EPIRB3 will not automatically release from its bracket if the vessel sinks. Vessels requiring an automatic float-free Category I installation should consider the Ocean Signal safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro.
NFC Smartphone Diagnostics
Near Field Communication allows owners to review beacon information and test history using the free Ocean Signal mobile app. Placing a compatible smartphone near the EPIRB’s NFC area transfers stored information to the phone without using power from the EPIRB battery.
The app can display the beacon’s programmed identification, remaining battery life, number and results of completed self-tests, GNSS test history, and total activation time. GNSS test records can include the date and location of the test, time required to obtain a position, number of satellites used, and reported position accuracy.
This information provides a convenient way to confirm that the EPIRB has been properly maintained and is ready for emergency use before heading offshore.
121.5 MHz Homing and Dual Strobes
The EPIRB3 transmits a 121.5 MHz homing signal that can be used by properly equipped search and rescue aircraft and vessels during the final stages of locating the beacon.
A high-intensity white LED strobe improves visibility at night and during reduced visibility conditions. The EPIRB3 also includes an infrared strobe designed for detection by rescue personnel using compatible night-vision equipment.
The combination of satellite positioning, AIS target reporting, 121.5 MHz homing, and visible and infrared strobes provides multiple locating methods throughout the rescue process.
10-Year Battery and Extended Emergency Operation
The Ocean Signal EPIRB3 uses a lithium iron disulfide battery with a 10-year replacement interval. Once activated, the beacon provides more than 48 hours of continuous operation at temperatures as low as -20°C.
The EPIRB is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters for one hour and is designed to operate in temperatures from -20°C to +55°C. Built-in functional and GNSS testing allows the owner to check beacon operation throughout its service life without transmitting an emergency distress alert.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: rescueME EPIRB3
Manufacturer Part Number: 702S-03932
Deployment Category: Category II manual release
Mounting System: Quick-release manual mounting bracket
Primary Distress Frequency: 406.031 MHz
406 MHz Transmit Power: 12 watts EIRP
AIS Transmit Power: 1 watt EIRP
AIS Frequencies: 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz
AIS Messages: Message 1 position reports and Message 14 status messages
Homing Frequency: 121.5 MHz
Homing Transmit Power: 50 mW nominal
GNSS Receiver: 72-channel GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS
Return Link Service: Galileo RLS confirmation
Smartphone Connectivity: NFC with Ocean Signal mobile app
Strobe Lights: High-intensity white LED and infrared
Operating Life: More than 48 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 10 years
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Waterproof Rating: 10 meters for one hour
Dimensions with Antenna Deployed: 410 x 90 x 101 mm
Beacon Weight: 422 grams
Warranty: Two years, extendable to five years through Ocean Signal product registration
Beacon Registration
Every 406 MHz EPIRB must be registered with the appropriate national beacon registration authority before being placed into service. Registration allows rescue authorities to associate the beacon’s unique identification with the vessel, owner, emergency contacts, and other information that may be useful during an emergency response.
Registration is free for U.S.-coded EPIRBs through NOAA. The registration should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever the vessel, ownership information, telephone numbers, or emergency contacts change.
Register or Update a U.S. 406 MHz Beacon with NOAA
Maintenance and Safety Information
The EPIRB3 should only be activated during a situation of grave and imminent danger. Accidental or deliberate misuse can divert search and rescue resources from an actual emergency and may result in penalties.
The beacon should be inspected and tested in accordance with the Ocean Signal user manual. The battery must be replaced by an authorized service center before its marked expiration date, following an emergency activation, or when indicated by the beacon’s self-test results.
The supplied lanyard is intended to secure the activated EPIRB to a life raft, survival craft, or person. It should never be attached directly to the vessel because the beacon could be pulled below the surface if the vessel sinks.
Product Manual
Download the Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB3 User Manual
