STATUTORY EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Most general aviation aircraft in the U.S. are required to carry an ELT, depending upon the type or location of operation, while most commercial airliners are not. 14 CFR 91.207. However, in commercial aircraft, a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder must contain an underwater detection beacon.

Most commercial off-shore working vessels with passengers are required to carry a self-deploying EPIRB, while most in-shore and fresh-water craft are not.

Most beacons are brightly-colored, waterproof, fit in a cube about 30 cm on a side, and weigh 2-5 kg. They can be purchased from marine suppliers, aircraft refitters, and (in Australia and the United States) hiking supply stores. The units have a useful life of 10 years, operate across a range of conditions (-40°C to 40°C), and transmit for 24 to 48 hours. As of 2003 the cost varies from US$139 to US$3000, with varying performances. Although modern systems are significantly superior to older ones, even the oldest systems provide an immense improvement in safety, compared to not having a beacon