Must I register my EPIRB or PLB?
If you own a 406 MHz EPIRB or PLB then it must be registered
with the appropriate authorities. Registration of your 406
MHz beacon is critical, without it your beacon is anonymous.
In addition to the distress signals, 406 MHz beacons transmit
a unique identity code. This ID can be cross-referenced with a
database of registered 406 MHz beacon owners by Search and
Rescue authorities. The database includes phone numbers, next
of kin details, information on the type of vessel and how many
people it usually carries. This will help in the right response to
the emergency to be provided.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). EPIRBS are for use in maritime applications. There are two types of EPIRB. One type transmits an analog signal on 121.5 MHz. The other type transmits a digital identification code on 406 MHz and a low-power "homing" signal on 121.5 MHz. Satellite processing of 121.5MHz analogue signals will cease in January 2009, so buyers should only consider EPIRBs transmitting on 406MHz. 121.5MHz will continue to be used for final homing only
The 406 MHz EPIRBs are divided into two categories. Category I EPIRBs are activated either manually or automatically. The automatic activation is triggered when the EPIRB is released from its bracket. Category I EPIRBs are housed in a special bracket equipped with a hydrostatic release. This mechanism releases the EPIRB at a water depth of 3-10 feet. The bouyant EPIRB then floats to the surface and begins transmitting. If you own a Category I EPIRB, it's very important that you mount it outside your vessel's cabin where it will be able to "float free" of the sinking vessel.
Category II EPIRBs are manual activation only units. If you own one of these, it should be stored in the most accessible location on board where it can be quickly accessed in an emergency.
If you have a 406 MHz EPIRB their signal can be instantly detected by geostationary satellites. This means that even a brief inadvertant signal can generate a false alert. To avoid getting a call from the Coast Guard make sure that when you test your EPIRB you follow the manufacturer's recommendations carefully.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). PLBs are portable units that operate much the same as EPIRBs . These beacons are designed to be carried by an individual person instead of on a boat or aircraft. Unlike some EPIRBs, they can only be activated manually and operate exclusively on 406 MHz. And like EPIRBs and ELTs all PLBs also have a built-in, low-power homing beacon that transmits on 121.5 MHz. This allows rescue forces to home in on a beacon once the 406 MHz satellite system (about 2-3 miles).Some newer PLBs also allow GPS units to be integrated into the distress signal.This GPS-encoded position dramatically improves the location accuracy down to the 100-meter level…that’s roughly the size of a football field! |
