46 CFR 169.831: Master's duties for EPIRB testing and batteries

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section sets duties for the master about the EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter. The master must ensure it is tested monthly to confirm it works. The master must also ensure its battery is replaced after use and before the marked expiration date.

Applies toThe master, regarding the EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter.

What it says

  1. The master must ensure that the EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter is tested monthly.

    46 CFR 169.831(a)“The EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter is tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative”

  2. The monthly test must use the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that the EPIRB is operative.

    46 CFR 169.831(a)“using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative”

  3. The master must ensure that the EPIRB's battery is replaced after the EPIRB is used and before the marked expiration date.

    46 CFR 169.831(b)“The EPIRB's battery is replaced after the EPIRB is used and before the marked expiration date.”

Common questions

How often must an EPIRB be tested?

The master must ensure the EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter is tested monthly. The test uses the integrated test circuit and output indicator.

“The EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter is tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative”

When must an EPIRB battery be replaced?

The master must ensure the battery is replaced after the EPIRB is used. It must also be replaced before the marked expiration date.

“The EPIRB's battery is replaced after the EPIRB is used and before the marked expiration date.”

Who is responsible for EPIRB testing and battery replacement?

The master is responsible for ensuring these things are done.

“The master shall ensure that—”

The text of 46 CFR 169.831

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

Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

The master shall ensure that—

(a) The EPIRB required in § 169.555 of this subchapter is tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative; and

(b) The EPIRB's battery is replaced after the EPIRB is used and before the marked expiration date.

Sections it refers to

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.