11.3 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS)

11.3 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS)

Figure from page 174

Emergency Procedures

There is one model of Distress Beacon - the ‘406 MHz’.

406 beacon This is a digital signal and covers the entire globe. 406 beacons have a unique identification code which is part of its signal. When properly registered, the unique code provides information about the boat carrying the beacon. This includes the owner’s emergency contact and the country of registration. The 406 signal may be received within seconds by geostationary satellites.

False alarms from digital 406 MHz beacons can be resolved with a phone call as these devices transmit an identity code that can be crossreferenced with an ownership database.

NOTE: See section 1.2.12.1 for further information regarding EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). A PLB is a personal life-saving appliance that can be attached to or form part of your personal flotation device. It operates similarly to an EPIRB by sending a message to the Search and Rescue (SAR) emergency services via satellite.

The registration of an EPIRB may be completed online on the Irish Maritime Radio Licence System (IMRAD). The IMRAD website contains guidance information, Frequently Asked Questions and other useful documents. See www. irishmaritimeradiolicencesystem.gov. ie.