Section 161.011-5 - ClassesEPIRB's are classed as follows:
(a) Class A-an EPIRB that has been type approved or type accepted by the FCC as a Class A EPIRB. These EPIRB's are capable of floating free of a vessel and activating automatically if the vessel sinks.(b) Class C-An EPIRB that has been type approved or type accepted by the FCC as a Class C EPIRB. These EPIRB's are manually activated and are not required to be Coast Guard approved.39 FR 10139, Mar. 18, 1974, as amended by CGD 80-024, 49 FR 40409, Oct. 16, 1984