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Owners of 121.5 mhz Emergency Postion Indicating Radio Beacons will need to replace their units with 406 mhz EPIRBS as of Dec. 31, 2007 according to new FCC regulations.
The International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization have planned to remove all EPIRBS operating on the 121.5 mhz frequency by February 1, 2009 when satellite processing of these distress signals will be terminated worldwide. Until that time, 121.5 mhz devices will be authorized only for use with Emergency Locating Transmitters (ELT) carried on aircraft or to man overboard devices that operate on this frequency.
The Coast Guard will continue to respond to emergency signals from 121.5 mhz EPIRBS after Dec. 31, but recommends that all mariners make the necessary switch to the category I or category II 406 mhz devices. These units have numerous advantages over the 121.5 mhz units including: quicker notification, more accurate position, and registration information. Aviators are also encouraged to purchase 406 mhz ELTs for their aircraft prior to the Feb. 1, 2009 deadline. The Coast Guard does not expect to penalize boat owners whose 121.5 mhz beacons activate in emergency situations, but may fine owners whose devices activate in accidental or false emergency situations.
Beacon owners are required by law to register their 406 mhz beacons in the national database operated by NOAA at: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE. Registration information includes owner contact information, emergency contact information, and characteristics of the boat or aircraft. If a beacon is other than U.S. coded, owners should register their beacons in their country's database or the international beacon registration database at www.406registration.com/. Beacon owners must update their information every two years or whenever it changes.
Additional information concerning EPIRBS can be found at: www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/EmergencyBeacons/SARSAT%20121.5%20MHZ.html.
Contact information for D13 Coast Guard:
Seattle 220-217-6001
Port Angeles 360-417-5840
Astoria 503-861-6211
Portland 503-240-9301
North Bend 541-756-9210
Source: Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District
December 28, 2006 Press Release
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