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SECTION 2 – REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ BEACONS
2.1
Registration Importance
It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz beacon register 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 (SAR) 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. SAR forces will know who you are, what type of vessel you have, your homeport, and who
to contact that might know of your current situation ONLY if your beacon has been properly registered. This will help
expedite the launch of a rescue operation. All 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration updated every
two years.
*The national authority is the governmental body responsible for EPIRB registration database administration for the
country for which the EPIRB is programmed.
2.2
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. However, the beacon
must be reprogrammed if the boat or its owner moves or sails under a different national authority than the one for
which the beacon was previously programmed. 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.
2.3
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 fastest and easiest way to register your beacon with NOAA is to use the online registration
database at http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov. If internet is not accessible then 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:
NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration
The information provided on the registration form is used only for rescue purposes. Complete and send the registration
immediately! Registration can be expedited by registering online or by faxing the registration form to Fax # (301) 817-
4565. If the beacon is going to be placed into immediate service, register online or by fax.
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, call toll-free
1-888-212-7283 for assistance.
2.4
Leisure Vessels in the United States
In the United States, leisure vessels are sometimes required to have a radio station license. Leisure vessels that are
required to have a radio station license are required to modify that license when an EPIRB is added to the vessel. For
information on whether you need a radio station license, see section 2.6 (below).
2.5
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. For information on whether you need a radio station license, see
section 2.6.
Y1-03-0148-2 Rev. K
NSOF, E/SP3
4231 Suitland Road
Suitland, MD 20746
For Faster Service, Register Online!
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
2
In the United States:
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