Which device is designed to transmit a location to satellites during an emergency?

• A. PLB
• B. Whistle
• C. EPIRB
• D. SPOT

Answer: (C)

The idea is to use a beacon that can reach satellites to get help fast by providing your location. An EPIRB is the maritime distress beacon specifically designed for this purpose. When activated, it broadcasts a distress signal to the satellite network used for search-and-rescue, often including your vessel’s registered information and GPS coordinates, so rescue authorities can locate you quickly and coordinate a response. This is why it’s the device of choice for emergencies at sea. A personal locator beacon serves a similar satellite-link purpose but is generally aimed at non-maritime use, while a SPOT device does offer satellite messaging but is more of a consumer GPS messenger rather than the standard maritime rescue beacon. A whistle, on the other hand, is just an audible signal for nearby people and does not transmit to satellites.