If a EPIRB deployed automatically following a total AC failure would that give rise to unintended deployment? Would a manual 'inhibit' switch, subject to a rigid cross check procedure for On and Off, operated during electrical change overs, prevent inadvertent deployment?
Would a system of sea water activated EPIRBs, with the activation switch inside the submarine, say forward, mid ships and aft, with a deliberate delay function for, say, 90 seconds after the switch becomes immersed, (to allow for a manageable situation to be initiated), be workable, delay function overridden if an AC failure occurs? With todays computer technology surely such an integrated system should be possible, still allowing for fully manual deployment availability, if required?
(Not at all familiar with the AC/DC distribution and operation in submarines!)