46 CFR 122.728: Testing and servicing of EPIRBs

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section sets the master's duties for testing and servicing an Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB). Each EPIRB other than one in an inflatable liferaft must be tested monthly. The battery must be replaced on time, and the test must be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.

Applies toThe section places its duties on the master of the vessel.

What it says

  1. The master of the vessel must ensure that each EPIRB, other than an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft, is tested monthly.

    46 CFR 122.728(a)“Each EPIRB, other than an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft, must be tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative”

  2. The monthly test of an EPIRB, other than one in an inflatable liferaft, must use the integrated test circuit and output indicator to determine that the EPIRB is operative.

    46 CFR 122.728(a)“using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative”

  3. The master must ensure the EPIRB's battery is replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR Part 80, whichever comes sooner.

    46 CFR 122.728(b)“The EPIRB's battery is replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR Part 80, whichever comes sooner”

  4. The master must ensure the EPIRB test required by paragraph (a) is logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.

    46 CFR 122.728(c)“The EPIRB test required by paragraph (a) shall be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.”

Common questions

How often must an EPIRB be tested?

Each EPIRB must be tested monthly, except an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft.

“Each EPIRB, other than an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft, must be tested monthly”

When must an EPIRB battery be replaced?

The battery must be replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR Part 80, whichever comes sooner.

“The EPIRB's battery is replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR Part 80, whichever comes sooner”

Does an EPIRB test have to be recorded?

Yes. The test required by paragraph (a) must be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.

“The EPIRB test required by paragraph (a) shall be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.”

The text of 46 CFR 122.728

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Testing and servicing of Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacons (EPIRB)

The master of the vessel shall ensure that:

(a) Each EPIRB, other than an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft, must be tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative;

(b) The EPIRB's battery is replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR Part 80, whichever comes sooner; and

(c) The EPIRB test required by paragraph (a) shall be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.

Sections it refers to

  • 47 CFR Part 80

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.