What should you do with your EPIRB in an emergency after activation?

When an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is activated during an emergency, it is crucial to turn it on and leave it on. The primary purpose of an EPIRB is to transmit a distress signal that helps rescuers locate you and your vessel as quickly as possible. By keeping the EPIRB on, you ensure that it continues to send this crucial signal, increasing the chances of a timely rescue.

Turning the device off after a certain period or positioning it at intervals could compromise the search and rescue operation because the signal might be lost or difficult to detect. Continuous transmission allows search and rescue teams to pinpoint your location, especially if visibility or conditions are poor, and they are searching for you in a wide area. Thus, maintaining the EPIRB in an active state is vital for effective emergency response.