This EPIRB Test Service Offers Peace of Mind
Safelife Systems offers many EPIRB support services, including a confirmation that the thing is actually working.
August 21, 2009
It’s a great comfort to take to the water knowing that if things go bad, you stand a very good chance of being rescued. That’s accomplished in a few different ways; filing a floatplan, bringing a VHF radio, or carrying an EPIRB. The first two items help a lot, and the EPIRB is darn near infallible. The question is: how do you know your EPIRB is working?
ACR’s ResQFix is a small, lightweight EPIRB that's ideal for personal use or as a backup for a full-size EPIRB. It incorporates a GPS receiver, which helps precisely locate your position should an emergency arrive.
All EPIRBs have test buttons, and a blinking green light that supposedly tells you the unit is transmitting information to the constellation of SARSAT satellites, but you may still have a tinge of doubt. Not anymore, thanks to a handy website run by Safelife Systems, a beacon management and testing site. For a subscription rate of $59.95 a year, $99.95 for two years, and $129.95 for three years, Safelife allows you to register your EPIRB and run tests to insure that it is, indeed, transmitting your distress signal properly. I recently served as a beta tester for Safelife’s new service. I went to the site, registered my ACR ResQFix personal EPIRB, gave all my emergency contact information, and took the testing service for a test drive. I went outside, raised the EPIRB’s antenna, and pressed the test button. Within five minutes I received an e-mail from Safelife indicating that the SARSAT system had received my test signal and that everything was working fine. If you choose, you may also have the test results sent to a mobile phone via text messaging, or SMS.
In addition, Safelife offers trip-planning registration using an intuitive mapping program and will contact any friends and family you input into their system should your beacon go off in a true emergency. Other services include reminders about battery replacement and service dates for your EPIRB, medical history, and access to all EPIRB manufacturers’ manuals.
I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to spending time on the water, and carry my EPIRB with me whenever I go on the water, whether it be a day trip or an offshore excursion. It’s nice to know that if I ever truly need help, my EPIRB is ready to get me the help I need.
