A is smaller and registered to a person , not a boat.
These must be manually pulled from their bracket and activated by a person. They are more compact and affordable, making them popular for coastal boaters who keep a grab bag ready. 2. AIS Integration (The Game Changer) Modern beacons like the ACR GlobalFix V5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and Ocean Signal EPIRB3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. now include AIS.
Choosing the right is one of the most critical safety decisions you'll make for your vessel. As of 2026, the market has shifted toward "Smart EPIRBs" that integrate AIS (Automatic Identification System) and RLS (Return Link Service), providing both faster local rescue and peace of mind. Quick Comparison: Top 2026 EPIRB Models ACR GlobalFix V5 Cat GPS AIS EPIRB ₹1,73,848.00 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Epirb3 Pro OCEAN SIGNAL with AIS CAT1 Automatic ₹1,75,921.00 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ACR GLOBALFIX V6 GPS EPIRB ₹70,211.93($744.95) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Maximum safety & local rescue Advanced offshore sailors Value-conscious offshore use AIS Support Yes (Alerts nearby ships) AIS Support Yes AIS Support No (406 MHz + 121.5 MHz only) Return Link (RLS) Yes (Blue light confirmation) Return Link (RLS) Return Link (RLS) Battery Life Battery Life Battery Life Smartphone App Yes (via NFC) Smartphone App Yes (via NFC) Smartphone App Yes (via NFC) Deployment Manual or Automatic (Cat 1/2) Deployment Automatic (Cat 1) Deployment Manual or Automatic (Cat 1/2) Key Factors to Consider 1. Category 1 vs. Category 2 (The Mounting)
Many 2026 models use . By holding your phone near the beacon, you can use an app (like the Ocean Signal App) to check battery health and self-test results without wasting the beacon's emergency battery life. When should you buy a PLB instead?
