Does the vessel need to be equipped with an EPIRB?

The rule for EPIRBs (current at time of writing) is that any vessel that is operating outside of partially smooth waters or more than 2nm from land in open water must carry a 406MHz digital EPIRB. GPS and float-free is best. Be aware that requirements from DCV’s changed on January 1^st 2021 and some vessels require GPS and /or float-free EPIRBs.