🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR 180.64 – EPIRB requirements for small passenger vessels • Differences between oceans/coastwise/Great Lakes vs lakes, bays, sounds, and rivers routes • Special near‑shore exceptions, such as within 3 miles of shore

💭 Think About

• Look up which routes specifically trigger the requirement for a Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB on small passenger vessels and which routes are exempted. • Compare how the regulation treats vessels on lakes, bays, sounds, and rivers versus those on Great Lakes and coastwise routes close to shore. • Ask yourself: Does operating within 3 miles of shore on certain waters change the EPIRB requirement compared to offshore routes?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR Subchapter T (small passenger vessels) which operating areas require a Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB. • Check carefully whether vessels on lakes, bays, sounds, and rivers have the same EPIRB requirement as Great Lakes and coastwise vessels. • Confirm if there is a specific exemption for vessels operating within 3 miles of shore on the Great Lakes or on coastwise routes.