The ACR GlobalFix V5 is an AIS EPIRB: a 406 MHz emergency beacon that alerts both the satellite and nearby vessels simultaneously. This Cat II version features a manual bracket. Includes Return Link Service and NFC.
Emergency beacon that alerts both the satellite and vessels around you
The ACR GlobalFix V5 combines a classic EPIRB with AIS. In addition to the 406 MHz emergency signal sent to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, this beacon transmits an AIS safety message via VHF. Any vessel with an AIS receiver within VHF range will immediately see you appear as a target on their screen and can navigate directly to you.
That difference is significant in practice. A satellite alarm triggers an official rescue chain, but a vessel sailing a few nautical miles away can often be on the scene much sooner. This version comes with the Cat II bracket, where you remove the beacon from the holder yourself.
Why choose the GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB?
AIS alert to nearby vessels: vessels with AIS see your position immediately as a target on their screen
406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat: a digital mayday is sent simultaneously to global rescue services
Return Link Service: a blue flashing light confirms that your emergency message has been received
Position accurate to within 100 meters: 72-channel receiver for GPS, Galileo, and Glonass
White and infrared strobe light: visible in the dark and via night vision equipment
NFC and free ACR app: check battery status and test data with your phone
Who is this product made for?
The V5 is intended for sailing areas where other vessels are present: coastal waters, shipping lanes, offshore work areas, fishing grounds, and busy inland waterways with open access to the sea. The beacon is suitable for all vessel sizes, up to and including freighters and tugboats, making it ideal for both pleasure craft and commercial shipping. If you sail in empty waters where others are rarely present, AIS adds less value, and the V6 would be a more logical choice.
What are the benefits for you?
Two routes to help simultaneously: satellite for the official rescue chain, AIS for vessels nearby
Potentially picked up much faster: a vessel within VHF range can sail directly to you
Certainty about your distress call: the blue light confirms receipt
Ten years without worries: the battery lasts ten years
Broadly approved: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, MED, MER, and Canada ISED
Technical specifications
Product type
EPIRB, onboard emergency beacon
Model number
RLB-44
Article number
2852.62
Transmit power
406.031 MHz 12 W and 121.5 MHz 50 mW plus or minus 3 dB
AIS
Yes, AIS safety message for local alerting
Return Link Service
Yes, confirmation directly on the beacon
NFC and mobile app
Yes, readable with the free ACR app
Strobe
White light and infrared
Dimensions (antenna up)
470 x 109 x 111 mm
Weight (beacon only)
810 g
Battery
Lithium Li/FeS2
Battery replacement
After 10 years or after activation
GNSS receiver
72 channels, GPS, Galileo, and Glonass
Activation
Outside the bracket and wet, or manually in or out of the bracket
Waterproof
10 meters for 5 minutes
Floating
Yes
Operating life
Minimum 48 hours at -20 degrees Celsius
Temperature range
Storage -30 to +70 degrees, use -20 to +55 degrees
Mounting
Cat II, manual bracket included
Warranty
5 years
Brand
ACR
Additional features
AIS alerting
Vessels with AIS within VHF range see a safety message with MMSI identification
Return Link Service
Confirmation via Galileo, visible as a blue flashing light
NFC diagnostics
Battery status, self-tests, GNSS tests, and activation duration via the ACR app
Included
Mounting material 9657 and Cat II bracket 9656
Optional/Matching
Cat I housing 2832 and HydroFix HRU 9490.1
Approvals
Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, MED, MER, and Canada ISED
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is an EPIRB?
An EPIRB is an emergency beacon mounted on board a vessel. As soon as you activate it, it transmits a digital emergency signal on 406 MHz to the global Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, containing your position and your vessel's identification. Rescue services immediately know who you are and where you are.
Do I have to register my beacon?
Yes, that is mandatory. In the Netherlands, you register an EPIRB with the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI). You will then receive an MMSI number that must be programmed into the beacon; your supplier can do this for you. Using an EPIRB requires at least a Marcom-B certificate.
What is the difference between Cat I and Cat II?
The difference lies in how the beacon is released from its holder. A Cat I beacon is in a hydrostatic housing and releases automatically if the ship sinks, at a depth between 1.5 and 4 meters. A Cat II beacon is one you remove from the bracket yourself. Both types can also be activated manually.
How long does the beacon continue to transmit?
The beacon continues to transmit for at least 48 hours at -20 degrees Celsius. This is the international requirement for EPIRBs.
How do I know if my beacon is still working correctly?
Perform a self-test monthly. If the test passes, the beacon is working. With this model, you can also view the test results using the free ACR app by holding your phone against the beacon.
What does AIS add to a regular EPIRB?
A regular EPIRB alerts official rescue services via satellite. An AIS EPIRB does this too, but also transmits a local signal that every vessel and aircraft with AIS nearby will see immediately. They can then offer help immediately, possibly even before the rescue service arrives.
Ultimate UpgradeUp to €600 extra off Simrad and B&G
On top of our regular price, Simrad and B&G add an extra discount on chartplotters, HALO radar, autopilots, VHF radios and sailing instruments. Already deducted, no code needed.
