In what circumstance must a vessel's EPIRB be activated regardless of the condition of the vessel?

Activating a vessel's Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) after abandoning ship is crucial. This device is specifically designed for distress signaling and search and rescue operations, providing precise location information to rescue services. Once a crew has abandoned the vessel, indicating that they are no longer able to control or operate it, activating the EPIRB is essential to ensure their safety and facilitate a swift rescue.

In situations where the crew has evacuated to a lifeboat or life raft, the likelihood of the vessel being salvaged is diminished, making it imperative to signal for help as soon as possible. Quick activation of the EPIRB increases the chances of rescuers locating the abandoned crew by broadcasting the distress signal along with GPS coordinates.

The other scenarios do not warrant automatic EPIRB activation. Heavy weather may present dangers, but if the vessel is still operational, the focus would typically be on weathering the storm and maintaining station. If all crew are accounted for, it may signify that no immediate distress exists, and activating the EPIRB may not be necessary. Additionally, waiting for notification from shore authorities can delay action, potentially compromising the safety of the crew, who may be in urgent need of rescue. Thus, the immediate action