Registration - ACR Electronics TerraFix 406 GPS I PLB Product Support Manual

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 Authorities*.
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 emergency contact information, and will speed 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, or who to contact
regarding additional information of your current situation. This will delay the launch of a rescue
operation.
*A National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for PLB Registration Database
administration for the country for which the PLB is programmed.
1.2 Where to register
The owner of a 406 MHz Beacon (PLB) should register it with the National Authority of which the
Beacon was programmed, (typically the country where purchased), regardless of where you use your
beacon. Each Beacon is programmed with a UIN for the country where the unit is shipped, 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 and required by law 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 it with the pre-addressed; postage paid envelope to:
Beacon registration is also available online at:
SARSAT Beacon Registration,
E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4
NOAA/NESDIS
5200 Auth Rd.
Suitland, MD 20746-4304
2
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
Y1-03-0174 Rev. A Draft