For how long must EPIRB batteries operate?

The correct duration for which an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) battery must operate is 48 hours. This requirement is based on international maritime regulations, which are designed to ensure that an EPIRB can transmit a distress signal long enough for rescue operations to locate and assist a vessel in distress.

The 48-hour operating requirement provides ample time for search and rescue teams to receive the signal and respond appropriately. This period is considered a balance between the need for reliable communication in emergencies and the practicality of battery size and longevity. During this time, an EPIRB will typically transmit a distress signal at intervals, clearly marking the location of the emergency, which is essential for effective rescue coordination.

Other options of shorter durations, like 24 or 36 hours, would not provide sufficient time for search efforts and may jeopardize safety in emergency situations. A longer duration, such as 72 hours, although beneficial in theory, is not mandated by regulations, likely due to the increased cost and size of batteries that would need to be accommodated within the unit. Hence, 48 hours is the required standard for EPIRB battery operation.