Marking Vessel Name; Registration; Overview - mcmurdo 406 EPIRB User Manual

8.5. Marking vessel name

In most countries it is usual to have your EPIRB programmed by your supplier with the
vessel´s existing „callsign" (see registration section below). Your supplier will then mark all
the EPIRB labels accordingly. However, if you EPIRB was purchased in the USA, Canada or
UK then your EPIRB will have all the necessary markings except for vessel name. In these
countries it is left to the customer to mark the vessel name during installation.
The name must be marked on the rear of the EPIRB itself and also on the enclosure, if you
have one. Use the alpha-numeric stickers provided to mark the vessel name (or its
abbreviation) on the top line of the EPIRB´s rear label and again on the enclosure label.
Protect the markings with a section of the clear sticky label provided.
You must register you EPIRB with the appropriate authorities.
Failure to register may slow the rescue and lead to loss of life.
In the USA failure to register leads to monetary forfeit.
In the UK you are legally required to register your EPIRB.
IMPORTANT: The United States registration system has changed.
Refer to Page 30 for information.

9. REGISTRATION

9.1. Overview

Every EPIRB is pre-programmed with a unique identity before it reaches the customer. This
is done by the manufacturer or in some cases the distributor. The identity includes a 3 digit
country code. This is the country that takes responsibility for storing that particular EPIRB´s
registration details. In most cases this is the country to which the vessel is flagged. The
country programmed into your EPIRB can be found from its rear identity label. You must
register with this country.
When you activate your EPIRB in an emergency, the nearest maritime search and rescue
coordination centre (MRCC) will receive the message and decode the country code (eg 232)
They will then access the registration database for that country and expect to find details of
your vessel, its radio equipment and who to contact. If they fail to find this information, this
may slow down any rescue.
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