1.3.1 Nautical charts and publications

The wearing of a PLB by seafarers, particularly those boating alone, is recommended.

It is recommended that PLBs carried on Irish vessels be the 406 MHz satellite type. It is also recommended that PLBs have an integrated GPS receiver. This is to enable greater position accuracy, hence a quicker response time in the event of activation. PLBs should be type approved by Cospas-Sarsat and certified in accordance with the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/ EU.

Legislation

A PLB does not require a ship radio licence but all PLBs must be correctly registered with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). A PLB has a unique identification code which is part of its signal. Correct registration of PLBs is essential to ensure that the SAR authorities have accurate, reliable and up to date information and contacts in the event of an emergency.

Note: Compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/ EU is indicated by a “CE Mark of Conformity”.

ComReg has an online registration facility for PLB devices in Ireland – See Marine Notice No. 25 of 2010 as amended. As PLBs are not exclusively for use in the maritime environment, registration is completed with ComReg. PLB owners should register their PLB at https://www.comreg.ie/industry/ licensing/personal-locator-beacons/ Only PLBs that are programmed with the correct Irish Country Code (250) may be registered with ComReg. Any queries relating to PLB registration may be addressed to:

1.3 Legislation applicable to recreational craft greater than 12 metres in length

1.3.1 Nautical charts and publications

Applicable Legislation:

▪Merchant Shipping (Carriage of

Nautical Charts and Publications) Regulations 2021, S.I. No. 149 of 2021.

These regulations require that all recreational craft of 12 metres in length and greater must carry:

Commission for Communications Regulation One Dockland Central Guild Street North Dock Dublin 1 D01 E4XO. Website: www.comreg.ie Email: licensing@comreg.ie Phone: (01) 804 9668 (Consumer) (01) 804 9707 (Industry)

1. Correct charts for vessels that proceed to sea.

2. For craft that proceed to sea beyond a distance of 5 nautical miles from any coastline, one copy of each of the following publications as is appropriate for the voyage, carried on board in a readily accessible location: