What is the main difference between a Category 1 and Category 2 EPIRB?

The main difference between a Category 1 and Category 2 EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) lies in their activation mechanism. Category 1 EPIRBs are designed to activate automatically upon immersion in water, ensuring they will deploy and transmit a distress signal without manual intervention. This feature is vital in emergency situations where a person may not be able to activate the device themselves, providing an important layer of safety.

In contrast, Category 2 EPIRBs are activated manually. This means the user must be present and able to access the device to turn it on, which might be challenging during chaotic situations at sea. The automatic activation of Category 1 units ensures a faster response time, which can be crucial for rescue operations.

The other options, although they provide various details about size, cost, and battery life, do not address the fundamental operational differences that define the two categories of EPIRBs. Understanding this distinction is crucial for choosing the right emergency signaling equipment for maritime operations.