When you activate an EPIRB you are sending an internationally recognised signal of distress. There's no more definition to it than the first letter of the acronym "E - mergency".
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I introduced the pan and mayday terms as a simile. The terms describe differing situations and level of urgency.
Especially if one is in an hospital bed!
https://youtu.be/Es7GGWbnHHQ
Oh dear, until just now I'd forgotten Derek and Clive existed......
Regards,
Tote
The several types of emergency locator beacons are distinguished by the environment for which they were designed to be used:
ELTs (emergency locator transmitters) are carried on aircraft and are activated in the event of a crash.
EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) are carried on ships and boats, and signal maritime distress.
SEPIRBs (submarine emergency position-indicating radio beacons) are EPIRBs designed only for use on submarines.
SSASes (ship security alert systems) are used to indicate possible piracy or terrorism attacks on sea-going vessels.
PLBs (personal locator beacons) are carried by individuals and intended to indicate a person in distress who is away from normal emergency services; e.g., 9-1-1. They are also used for crew-saving applications in shipping and lifeboats at terrestrial systems. In New South Wales, some police stations and the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service provide personal locator beacons to hikers for no charge.