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SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ BEACONS
1.1
Registration Importance
It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz beacon registers it with the National Authority.* All 406 MHz
beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed in the beacon
based on the country in which the beacon was purchased. Registration provides the search and rescue forces
with up to date emergency contact information, which will speed up the launch of a rescue operation. The
National Authorities use the information to verify if an actual emergency exists. Valuable search and rescue
resources are wasted every year responding to false alarms. For beacons that are not registered, SAR forces
will not know who you are, what type of vessel you have, your homeport, or who to contact that might know of
your current situation. This will delay the launch of a rescue operation. 406 MHz beacons are required to have
their registration updated every two years.
*The National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for EPIRB registration database
administration for the country for which the EPIRB is programmed.
1.2
Where to Register
The owner of a 406 MHz beacon (EPIRB) should register it with the National Authority for which the beacon
was programmed, (typically the country where purchased), regardless of where they do their boating. Each
beacon is programmed with a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for the country that the unit is shipped to,
and will only be accepted for registration in that country. To verify the country, for which a beacon is
programmed, see the label with the UIN on the side of the unit. Units that do not have a country specified on
the UIN label are programmed for the United States.
1.3
Registration in the United States
It is the owner's responsibility to register 406 MHz beacons that are programmed for and purchased in the
United States. The National Authority that accepts registrations in the United States is the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The owner should complete the enclosed registration form (Do not
confuse this with the ACR Electronics warranty card) and mail with the pre-addressed; postage paid envelope
to:
Suitland, MD 20746-4304
The information provided on the registration form is used only for rescue purposes. The registration form
should be filled out and mailed immediately. Registration can be expedited by faxing the registration form to
Fax # (301) 568-8649 or register online. Registrations should be completed online or faxed in the event the
beacon is to be placed in immediate service.
All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration database within 48 hours of receipt. A
confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-registration decal will be mailed to you
within two weeks. When you receive these documents, please check the information carefully and affix the
decal to your beacon in the area marked "BEACON DECAL HERE." If you do not receive confirmation back
from NOAA, please call toll free 1-888-212-7283 for assistance.
1.4
Commercial Vessels in the United States
In the United States, commercial vessels that are required to have a radio station license are required to
modify that license when an EPIRB is added to the vessel. Please use the enclosed FCC FORM 506 to modify
your radio station license. For information on whether you need a radio station license, call toll free
1-888-CALLFCC (225-5322).
1.5
Commercial Vessels World Wide
406 MHz beacons that are carried on commercial vessels world wide, should be registered with the country
where the vessel is flagged regardless of where the vessel operates. When a commercial vessel acquires a
406 MHz beacon from outside of its home country; the beacon should be reprogrammed for the home country
and registered there.
SARSAT Beacon
Registration,
E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4
NOAA/NESDIS
5200 Auth Rd.
For Faster Service, Register Online!
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
1
Y1-03-0157 Rev. F
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