Why Buy a Marine Transponder for Your Recreational Vessel?

Whether you have a larger boat or yacht, a speedy like ski-puller, or something in between, open water is a big place to get lost in. That’s why so many recreational boaters have invested in marine transponders similar to the ones merchant vessels are required to use. Transponders send out a signal when they are activated, allowing emergency rescue services to track the beacon. Most models used by recreational vessels operate in two ways at once, via Doppler radar and GPS. While the GPS is more accurate, the redundant beacons ensure that even if a satellite signal is lost, there is still a way to locate you.

Emergency Visibility Anywhere You Roam

Transponders used by recreational vessels include standard EPIRBs like the ones used by merchant vessels as well as personal locator beacons that work like pocket EPIRBs. These are useful because they can be easily activated from life rafts and other emergency evacuation vessels. Here is what happens when you activate a transponder.

• GPS and/or Doppler information is broadcast
• Within 5 minutes, rescue control centers have your information
• Search and rescue response services in your area are alerted and given the information
• Rescue teams can locate your beacon to within 100 meters with GPS or three miles with radar

Peace of Mind Whenever You Are on the Ocean

When you buy personal locator beacons and other marine transponders, you are required to register them. That ensures if they are activated, it is easy to discern the identity of the vessel that got into trouble. Even if you are not personally aboard at the time, your registration will alert authorities that it was your boat, and you will be able to affirm the identities of the passengers you allowed to use the vessel on that day. That makes it easier to be sure your family is safe when they’re out for the day and you decide to stay onshore.