Q: What do PLBs do?
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are distress radio beacons which transmit location information about individuals directly to Search and Rescue forces letting them know that the owner is in grave and imminent danger.
Q: When do you use a Beacon?
Most Search-and-Rescue (SAR) organizations instruct that beacons are satellite signalling devices of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted, where the situation is grave with imminent danger and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance.
Q: What is a UIN and where do I find it on the beacon so I can register my beacon?
A UIN is a Unique Identifier Number that is programmed into each beacon at the factory. The UIN number consists of 15 digit series of letters and numbers that make up the unique identity of the beacon. The UIN is on a white label on the exterior of the beacon. The UIN is also referred to as the Hex ID.
Q: Do I need a radio license?
For the latest information, in the United States you may contact the Federal Communication Commission at toll-free 1-888-CALLFCC or visit the website of the FCC. Outside of the United States, contact your local authority for the requirements.
Q: How do I register my beacon?
406 MHz Beacons must be registered with the National Authority of the country you live in.
Step 1. Visit the Registration database to find the appropriate National Authority
Step 2. Register with your countries National Authority via Mail, Fax or for the fastest service register online.
Registration outside of the United States
In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz beacons are registered with that country's national authority at the time of purchase. The sales agent should have assisted you in filling out the forms and sending them to the country's national authority. Alternatively, visit our Registration database or many countries allow online registration in the International 406MHz Beacon Registration Database (IBRD) at www.406registration.com.
To verify that the unit is properly programmed for your country, view the UIN label on the back of the unit. In the event that the beacon is not programmed for your country, the sales agent (if properly equipped) can reprogram the unit for the correct country.
Q: What are my obligations with regard to registering and re-registering my beacon?
A beacon should be registered at the time of purchase or installation. The registration of a beacon is valid for 2 (two) years. The owner should re-register the beacon every two years. If change of ownership occurs, the original owner must notify the authorities and de-register the beacon before the new owner can register.
Q: Why is it so important for me to register my beacon?
Registering the EPIRB, ELT or Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in the United States and in most countries. Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.
Q: I tried to register my beacon but the authorities tell me that it needs a different ID number programmed in. Do I need to send this back to you?
This can be done by any Certified Battery/Service Centre. Please have your registration form and beacon available when contacting a Certified Battery Replacement Centre for assistance.
Q: Can 406 MHz beacons be used anywhere in the world?
Yes, 406 MHz beacons can be used anywhere in the world, including the Poles.
Q: Is there a subscription fee for beacon registration or rescue service?
Beacon registration is free, should you ever have to activate your beacon, rescue is free in most parts of the world.
Q: Is it true that certain emergency beacons no longer work?
The 121.5MHz and 243 MHz beacons are no longer satellite detectable. The beacons may still function but the emergency satellite system will no longer detect the emergency signals from these frequencies. Please read the explanation of the phase out of the 121.5/243 MHz frequency from Cospas-Sarsat at http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/phaseout.html.
If you have a 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz beacon, you should upgrade to a new 406 MHz beacon.
Q: Can I take my beacon with me on an aircraft?
You may wish to check with the airline about any restrictions or documentation that you may need to carry with the unit. We suggest that you print a copy of the MSDS and bring it with you. We also recommend that you carry the Product Support Manual to explain what the unit is (MSDS sheets and Manuals can be found on the product web page).