{"id":32263,"date":"2022-11-14T17:30:44","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T22:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acrartex.com\/?post_type=product&p=32263"},"modified":"2026-10-08T06:19:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T11:19:51","slug":"globalfix-v6-epirb","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.acrartex.com\/uk\/products\/globalfix-v6-epirb\/","title":{"rendered":"ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB with Return Link Service and Mobile App"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"GlobalFix<\/p>\n

Coastal cruising \u2022 Offshore fishing \u2022 Ocean passages<\/div>\n

Your Boat. Your Crew.
\nA Lifeline Beyond the Horizon.<\/h2>\n

GlobalFix V6 EPIRB<\/h3>\n

The ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB<\/strong> is an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon for your boat, available with Category 1 automatic float-free release<\/strong> or Category 2 manual release<\/strong>. It sends a 406 MHz satellite distress alert<\/strong> through Cospas-Sarsat, with GNSS positioning, Return Link Service confirmation and NFC diagnostics. No subscription or cellular connection is required for emergency alerting.<\/p>\n

Cat 1 automatic \/ Cat 2 manual release<\/span>48-hour minimum operation at \u221220\u00b0C<\/span>No subscription<\/span><\/div>\n

Choose Your Bracket & Country Programming<\/a>Compare EPIRB Options<\/a><\/p>\n

Choose Category 1 for automatic float-free deployment or Category 2 for manual release, then select your country programming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"GlobalFix<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n
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Position \u2022 Alert \u2022 Locate<\/div>\n

How Does the GlobalFix V6 EPIRB Work?<\/h2>\n
\"ACR<\/figure>\n
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01 \/ Find Your Position<\/h3>\n

The GNSS receiver uses GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite constellations to establish the beacon\u2019s location for the distress message.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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02 \/ Send the Alert<\/h3>\n

A 406 MHz distress message travels through Cospas-Sarsat satellites to the ground network and onward to rescue authorities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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03 \/ Help Rescuers Locate You<\/h3>\n

121.5 MHz homing and white and infrared strobes support the final search as equipped rescuers approach.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Explore ACR\u2019s guide to EPIRBs and satellite rescue<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Return Link Service<\/div>\n

Reassurance That Your Alert Has Been Received.<\/h2>\n
\"Front<\/figure>\n

When the return message reaches your beacon through Galileo, a flashing blue light confirms that the distress alert has been received, located and forwarded to the appropriate authorities. That acknowledgment can help you stay focused while you wait.<\/p>\n

RLS is an acknowledgment, not a rescue ETA.<\/strong> It does not confirm that a rescue has been launched and does not provide two-way messaging.<\/p>\n

Understand Return Link Service and what the blue light means<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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GlobalFix V6 \u2022 Real-world rescue \u2022 Louisiana, USA<\/div>\n

A Sudden Storm. A Father and Son.
\nA Lifeline on Lake Pontchartrain.<\/h2>\n
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\"Photograph<\/figure>\n
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Douglas Ducote and his son were returning across Lake Pontchartrain when a storm overtook their boat. Winds exceeded 40 mph, waves built around them and darkness made navigation even harder.<\/p>\n

Fearing for their lives, Douglas activated his GlobalFix V6 EPIRB and made a Mayday call over the radio. In his account, the EPIRB helped the Coast Guard pinpoint their position and send rescue.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoating without the ACR Globalfix V6 is not an option!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Douglas Ducote \u2022 Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana<\/p>\n

Read Douglas\u2019s Rescue Story<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Published September 12, 2025. This account identifies the GlobalFix V6; the bracket category is not specified. ACR Survivor Club participants receive replacement beacons in exchange for sharing their stories; terms apply<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\"ACR<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Community Behind the Rescues<\/div>\n

What Is the 406 Survivor Club?<\/h3>\n

The ACR 406 Survivor Club<\/strong>
\nbrings together people whose lives were saved after activating
\nan ACR or ARTEX 406 MHz EPIRB, Personal Locator Beacon or ELT in
\na genuine emergency. Survivors can submit their rescue story
\nand, once the rescue is verified and programme terms<\/a> are met,
\nACR replaces the used beacon with a new beacon of equal or
\ngreater technology. Their first-hand accounts show how
\nregistered 406 MHz beacons help connect people in distress with
\nsearch and rescue.<\/p>\n


\nExplore the 406 Survivor Club \u00a0\u2192
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Ready for the water<\/div>\n

The Features That Matter When You Need Help.<\/h2>\n
\"ACR<\/figure>\n
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48 Hours Minimum<\/h3>\n

Operating life at \u22124\u00b0F (\u221220\u00b0C).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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10-Year Battery Replacement Interval<\/h3>\n

Replace by the battery\u2019s expiry date, 10 years from manufacture, or after activation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Buoyant Design<\/h3>\n

Floats upright to support transmission in the water. Follow the deployment instructions and keep the antenna clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Two Bracket Options<\/h3>\n

Category 1 automatic float-free or Category 2 manual-release bracket, with mounting hardware included.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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RLS + NFC<\/h3>\n

Alert acknowledgment and access to stored diagnostic information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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5-Year Warranty<\/h3>\n

Covered against manufacturing defects under ACR\u2019s warranty terms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Model RLB-43. Category 1 part numbers: 2853 (USA), 2853.63 (Canada), 2853.62 (UK\/EU)<\/strong>. Category 2 part numbers: 2854 (USA), 2854.63 (Canada), 2854.62 (UK\/EU)<\/strong>. See full specifications and product downloads<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is included?<\/strong> GlobalFix V6 EPIRB, your selected Category 1 automatic-release or Category 2 manual-release bracket, and mounting hardware. Register the beacon after purchase; ditch bags and additional safety equipment are sold separately or in kits.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Ownership made simple<\/div>\n

No Subscriptions. Ever.<\/h2>\n
\"Boater<\/figure>\n

The emergency satellite service does not require a monthly or annual plan. Register your beacon, maintain it and take it with you when you head out.<\/p>\n

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No Airtime Plan<\/h3>\n

Cospas-Sarsat provides the satellite distress-alert pathway without a required subscription.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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No Phone Connection<\/h3>\n

The EPIRB sends its emergency transmission independently. NFC is for checking stored beacon information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Keep It Ready<\/h3>\n

Registration, routine testing and battery servicing remain part of responsible ownership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Learn about EPIRB ownership and subscription-free alerting<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Before you cast off<\/div>\n

NFC Diagnostics: Check Your Beacon Before You Go.<\/h2>\n
\"ACR<\/figure>\n

Use a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone and the free ACR Product App to review the beacon\u2019s stored battery-status information, self-test and GNSS-test records, and activation history. It is a practical addition to your pre-departure routine.<\/p>\n

Follow the owner\u2019s manual for testing and maintenance. Download and familiarize yourself with the app before your trip; the phone is not required to send a distress alert.<\/p>\n

Watch ACR\u2019s NFC Overview<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Choose your deployment option<\/div>\n

Automatic or Manual Release. The Choice Is Yours.<\/h2>\n

Both variants offer the same GlobalFix V6 satellite alerting, RLS and NFC features. The difference is how the beacon leaves its bracket.<\/p>\n

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Category 1: Automatic Float-Free Release<\/h3>\n
\"GlobalFix<\/figure>\n

If the vessel sinks, the hydrostatic release lets the beacon float free. Once out of its bracket and in water, the standard water-activated beacon activates automatically. You can also remove and activate it manually.<\/p>\n

Choose Cat 1 for automatic deployment.<\/strong> Install the housing where the beacon can float clear, following the mounting instructions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Category 2: Manual Release<\/h3>\n
\"GlobalFix<\/figure>\n

Release the beacon from its bracket yourself and activate it manually, or place the standard water-activated beacon in water after removal. Category 2 does not float free automatically if the vessel sinks.<\/p>\n

Choose Cat 2 for manual deployment.<\/strong> Mount it in a protected, readily accessible position and show your crew where it is.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Release and activation are different.<\/strong> Both brackets prevent water activation while the beacon is stowed. Regional Class 3 versions are manual-activation-only; follow the instructions for your exact beacon.<\/p>\n

Select your bracket and country programming<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Choose your rescue protection<\/div>\n

Which GlobalFix EPIRB Is Right for Your Boat?<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nV6 Category 2<\/th>\nV6 Category 1<\/th>\nV5 Category 2<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Deployment<\/th>\nManual release<\/td>\nAutomatic float-free release<\/td>\nManual release<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
406 MHz satellite SOS + GNSS<\/th>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RLS + NFC diagnostics<\/th>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
121.5 MHz + white\/IR strobes<\/th>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AIS locating signal<\/th>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Choose when\u2026<\/th>\nYou want to release the beacon yourself<\/td>\nYou need automatic deployment<\/td>\nYou also want an AIS signal for nearby equipped vessels<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The GlobalFix V6 does not transmit AIS<\/strong>. The GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB<\/a> adds a local AIS locating signal that compatible equipment on nearby vessels can display, alongside satellite alerting.<\/p>\n

Choose Your Bracket & Country Programming<\/a>Explore GlobalFix V5 AIS<\/a><\/p>\n

Your vessel\u2019s flag, use and applicable carriage requirements determine which equipment is suitable. Review ACR\u2019s EPIRB guidance<\/a> before selecting a bracket and programming option.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Build your onboard safety setup<\/div>\n

An EPIRB for the Vessel. A PLB for the Person.<\/h2>\n
\"ACR
Safety equipment shown for illustration. Kit contents vary; accessories are not included with the standalone EPIRB.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A vessel-mounted EPIRB and a personal locator beacon serve different roles. A PLB carried on your person can remain accessible if you become separated from the boat. Consider both as part of your crew\u2019s emergency plan.<\/p>\n

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Equip the Boat<\/h3>\n

Explore GlobalFix V6 Boating Safety Kits<\/a> for bundle options built around the Category 2 V6.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Equip Yourself<\/h3>\n

Explore the ResQLink 400 PLB<\/a> for a compact personal beacon to carry with you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Compare EPIRBs and personal locator beacons<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Before your first trip<\/div>\n

Register Your EPIRB. Give Rescuers the Full Picture.<\/h2>\n

Beacon registration connects its unique identity to your vessel and emergency contacts. Select the appropriate country programming when ordering, then register the beacon with the relevant national authority. Buying or programming a beacon does not complete owner registration.<\/p>\n

Keep your vessel details and contacts up to date, including after a change of ownership. Follow your authority\u2019s renewal requirements.<\/p>\n

Find Your Beacon Registration Authority<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Your questions answered<\/div>\n

GlobalFix V6 EPIRB FAQs<\/h2>\n
\nDoes the GlobalFix V6 have AIS?<\/summary>\n

No. Choose the GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB<\/a> if you want AIS locating capability alongside satellite alerting.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhat is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2?<\/summary>\n

Category 1 uses a float-free release system; Category 2 requires manual removal from its bracket. The category describes deployment, not satellite coverage.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nDoes the V6 work without a phone or cellular signal?<\/summary>\n

Yes. Its distress alert uses the satellite rescue system. A compatible smartphone is used separately for NFC diagnostics, not to transmit the SOS.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nDoes the blue RLS light mean rescuers are on their way?<\/summary>\n

It confirms that your alert has been received and routed to the relevant authorities. It does not confirm dispatch or an arrival time. Read the RLS explanation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nCan a personal locator beacon replace my boat\u2019s EPIRB?<\/summary>\n

A PLB is designed to stay with a person, while an EPIRB supports vessel emergencies. They complement one another, and a PLB may not meet your vessel\u2019s EPIRB carriage requirements. Explore the differences<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhat should I do before taking the beacon aboard?<\/summary>\n

Choose the correct country programming, complete owner registration, read the manual, install the bracket correctly, and brief your crew. Follow the prescribed testing schedule and battery-expiry date.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nIs there a monthly subscription?<\/summary>\n

No subscription is required for emergency satellite alerting or RLS. Battery servicing and any applicable local licensing requirements are separate.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhere can I find the manual and full specifications?<\/summary>\n

Open the GlobalFix V6 product page<\/a> and select Downloads for the manual and mounting template, or Specification for technical details.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nHow long does the GlobalFix V6 battery last?<\/summary>\n

The battery replacement interval is 10 years from manufacture, or after activation. This is different from emergency operating life: at least 48 hours at \u221220\u00b0C. Follow the expiry date marked on the beacon and applicable servicing requirements.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nDoes a Category 2 EPIRB activate in water?<\/summary>\n

On the standard water-activated GlobalFix V6, water activation is available once the beacon is out of its bracket. Category 2 still requires you to remove it manually; it does not float free. Regional Class 3 versions are manual-activation-only.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nDoes the V6 have worldwide coverage?<\/summary>\n

Its 406 MHz distress alert uses the global Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. Deploy the beacon with a clear view of the sky and follow the manual. Satellite coverage does not guarantee a particular rescue response time.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhat comes with the GlobalFix V6?<\/summary>\n

The package includes the EPIRB, your selected Category 1 automatic-release or Category 2 manual-release bracket, and mounting hardware. Select the appropriate country programming and complete beacon registration before use.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Customer Reviews<\/div>\n

What Customers Say About the GlobalFix V6<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n