FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The governments of Canada, France, Russia and the United States have signed an agreement to provide for the long-term operation of the system and to support the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concerning search and rescue. In addition, more than 29 other countries have associated themselves with the Program by providing ground equipment or formally declaring themselves as users of the System.

Cospas is a Russian acronym for “Space System for Search of Vessels in Distress”

The web site www.cospas-sarsat.org contains more information on the program.

What is the Cospas-Sarsat Secretariat?

The Cospas-Sarsat Secretariat is the permanent administrative organ of the international program responsible for assisting the Cospas-Sarsat Council in implementing the Program. The Secretariat contains a small, specialized and dedicated staff that assists in organizing meetings, administering the international budget, and providing technical and operational assistance.

When was the Cospas-Sarsat formed?

The first Cospas satellite launch was in 1982, during the same year the first rescue using the system was recorded. The system was declared operational in 1985. At this time the four member agencies of Cospas-Sarsat were working under a Memorandum of Agreement. As the program matured, it was decided to have an intergovernmental agreement between the Governments of Canada, France, United States, and at that time the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic. This intergovernmental agreement was signed in 1988 and established the Cospas-Sarsat Council and the Secretariat.

Why is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) involved in Search and Rescue?

Text Box:

NOAA operates the nation’s civil environmental satellites. These satellites are used to monitor the weather. These satellites also carry instruments that detect emergency beacons. As NOAA operates the satellites that carry search and rescue instruments and operates the equipment to receive and process distress signals, it is the lead agency in the United States for the Cospas-Sarsat Program. NOAA also represents the United States to the international Cospas-Sarsat Program.

Who are the other agencies involved with Cospas-Sarsat in the United States?

Besides NOAA, the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base (http://www2.acc.af.mil/afrcc/) is responsible for inland search and rescue coordination, the U.S. Coast Guard responsible for maritime search and rescue (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/sar.htm), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (http://searchandrescue.gsfc.nasa.gov) responsible for research and development are partners in the national Cospas-Sarsat program.

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... about Beacons

What is an EPIRB?

An EPIRB is an emergency position-indicating radio beacon. It is a device that can be automatically or manually activated to transmit a distress signal to a satellite. EPIRBs that activate automatically typically have a hydro-static release mechanism that allows the beacon to release from its bracket, float to the surface and start transmitting. The beacon, along with the bracket, has to sink to approximately 3 meters before it can activate. This should be taken into account when mounting an automatic type EPIRB.

EPIRBs transmit at either 121.5 MHz or 406 MHz. More information on both frequencies is available under the “Phase Out of 121.5 MHz Satellite Alerting” section below. 121.5 MHz EPIRBs can either be Class A or Class B. Class A EPIRBs can be activated either manually or automatically, Class B EPIRBs can only be activated manually. 406 MHz EPIRBs can either be Category I or Category II EPIRBs. Category I EPIRBs can be activated either manually or automatically, Category II EPIRBs can only be activated manually.

Use of Class A and B EPIRBs will be discontinued in the near future. Please refer to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Search and Rescue homepage (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/sar.htm) for more information.

What are the differences in EPIRB Categories?

A Category I EPIRB is one that is designed to be automatically activated when the beacon sinks to a certain depth (anywhere from 12 – 15 feet below the surface) or it can be manually activated. A Category II EPIRB is one that can only be activated manually.

What is an ELT?

An ELT is an emergency locator transmitter. It is a device that can be automatically or manually activated to transmit a distress signal to a satellite. ELTs that activate automatically typically have a “G” or gravity switch that triggers the ELT when it senses that a crash has occurred. There are several types of ELTs:

$ Automatic Fixed ELTs are intended to be permanently attached to the aircraft before and after a crash and are designed to aid search and rescue teams in locating a crash site.

$ Automatic Portable ELTs are intended to be rigidly attached to the aircraft before the crash but readily removable from the aircraft after a crash

$ Survival ELTs do not activate automatically and are intended to be removed from the aircraft

$ Automatic Deployable ELTs are intended to be rigidly attached to the aircraft before the crash and automatically deployed after crash force sensor has determined that a crash has occurred.

ELTs can transmit at either 121.5 MHz or 406 MHz, however satellite alerting of 121.5 MHz distress signals will be discontinued starting in February, 2009. More information on both frequencies, and on the phase-out of satellite alerting for 121.5 MHz ELTs is available under the “Phase-Out of 121.5 MHz Satellite Alerting” section below.

Text Box: What is a PLB?

A PLB is a personal locator beacon designed to be carried by an individual. They can only be activated manually. PLBs can be used by hikers, canoers, and other people operating in remote areas.

What are the differences in beacon classes?

The only difference is the operating temperatures. A Class 1 406 MHz emergency beacon is designed to operate between -40°C to +55°C and a Class 2 406 MHz emergency beacon is designed to operate between -20°C to +55°C.

How can I get in touch with my 406 MHz beacon manufacturer?

A complete list of Cospas-Sarsat approved manufacturers is provided at

http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/Beacons/beaconManufactureList.htm

Are 406 MHz PLBs legal for use in the United States?

406 MHz PLBs have been authorized for use by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) starting July 1, 2003.

What is the difference between emergency beacons that operate at 121.5 MHz and those that operate at 406 MHz?

121.5 MHz beacons transmit an analog signal that can only be detected by low-earth, or polar orbiting satellites. The analog signal does not contain any information about the beacon or its user. Alternatively, 406 MHz beacons transmit a digital signal that contains information on the type of beacon and owner. Additionally, 406 MHz beacons can be linked to registration information that can provide search and rescue forces valuable information when responding to a distress signal. More information on the difference between 121.5 and 406 MHz beacons is available under the “Phase-Out of 121.5 MHz Satellite Alerting” section below.

Click here to see a 121.5 MHz vs. 406 MHz Comparison Chart

What is the beacon identification code and where can I find it on the beacon?

The beacon ID, also referred to as the Unique Identification Number (UIN) is comprised of 15 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are made of numbers (0 through 9) and the letters A, B, C, D, E and F. Please note that the letter “O” as in “Oscar” and the letter “I” as in “India” are not allowed.

What is the Unique Identifier Number (UIN)?

The UIN is the same as the beacon ID, see above.

How do I test my emergency beacon?

That depends on the type of beacon you own. You can test your 121.5 MHz ELTs only during the first five (5) minutes after any hour and you may only activate the ELT for three audible sweeps. If operational tests must be made outside of this period, they should be coordinated with the nearest FAA Control Tower or FSS. If the antenna is removable, a dummy load should be substituted during test procedures. In any case airborne tests are not allowed.

406 MHz emergency beacons should never be activated unless you are in grave and eminent danger. 406 MHz emergency beacons should only be tested using the “self-test” feature of the beacon or the beacon should be taken to an authorized dealer or test facility. A list of U.S. Coast Guard units that can test your 406 MHz beacon can be found at www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/cfvs. Look under EPIRB information.

The International Maritime Organization has published guidelines for annual testing of 406 MHz EPIRBs that might be of use of beacon owners in general. Some of the relevant guidelines state that an examination of an installed 406 MHz beacon should include:

$ checking the position and mounting of automatically activated EPIRBs and ELTs;

$ carrying out a visual inspection for defects;

$ carrying out the self-test routine;

$ ensuring that the beacon ID is clearly marked on the outside of the beacon;

$ checking the battery expiry date; and

$ checking the hydrostatic release and its expiry date for automatically activated EPIRBs.

Do I need to inspect my ELTs, and how often?

Yes, you must inspect your ELT once a year. Each ELT must be inspected for proper installation, battery corrosion, operation of the controls and crash sensor, and the presence of a sufficient signal radiated from its antenna.

Why can’t I register a 121.5 MHz emergency beacon?

406 MHz emergency beacons have a unique identifier that allows us to link the emergency beacon to registration information. A 121.5 MHz emergency beacon transmits an analog signal that does not contain any information. Therefore, there is no way to register the beacon.

Who is required to carry an ELT?

In general, all U.S. registered civil airplanes must have an automatic type ELT attached to the aircraft. The ELT may be a 121.5 MHz or 406 MHz ELT. More details on the carriage requirements may be found at www.access.gpo.gov under Title 14 CFR Part 91.

Who is required to carry a 406 MHz EPIRB?

In general, U.S. commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels which carry six or more people, and uninspected commercial vessels are required to carry an EPIRB. You should look at the specific requirements to determine whether you need to carry an EPIRB. The requirements are available in the Code of Federal Regulations which can be found at www.access.gpo.gov under Title 46 - Shipping. Regardless of the requirements, if you operate a vessel outside of radio range it would be a good idea to carry an EPIRB.

Is there any guidance on how to use 406 MHz EPIRBs?

You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using or testing your EPIRB. In general an EPIRB should be placed in the water and tethered to the survival craft. EPIRBs which are not meant to float in water should be placed in the survival craft in a vertical position with the antenna clear of all obstacles, including your self and others in the survival craft. If your EPIRB has a GPS interface you should ensure that the EPIRB is outside enclosures, such as a carbon-fiber vessel hull, which could prevent acquisition of navigational satellite signals by the GPS.

What is a false alert?

A false alert is an activation of an emergency beacon in a non-distress situation. Examples of false alerts include accidentally turning on an emergency beacon, improperly testing a beacon or incorrectly mounting an emergency beacon so that it falls out of its bracket and activates.

What can I do to reduce false alerts?

You have the primary responsibility to prevent false alerts. You should ensure that you only activate an emergency beacon in situations of grave and imminent danger. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing your beacon. Lastly you should ensure that automatically activated beacons are properly mounted so that a simple “bump” will not cause them to fall out of their bracket and activate.

ELTs

Caution should be exercised to prevent the inadvertent activation of ELT's in the air or while they are being handled on the ground. Accidental or unauthorized activation will generate an emergency signal that cannot be distinguished from the real thing, leading to expensive and frustrating searches. A false ELT signal could also interfere with genuine emergency transmissions and hinder or prevent the timely location of crash sites. Frequent false alarms could also result in complacency and decrease the vigorous reaction that must be attached to all ELT signals.

Numerous cases of inadvertent activation have occurred as a result of aerobatics, hard landings, movement by ground crews and aircraft maintenance. These false alarms can be minimized by monitoring 121.5 MHz and/or 243.0 MHz as follows:

(a) In flight when a receiver is available.

(b) Before engine shut down at the end of each flight.

(d) When maintenance is being performed near the ELT.

(e) When a ground crew moves the aircraft.

(f) If an ELT signal is heard (sounds like a siren), turn off the aircraft's ELT to determine if it is transmitting. Newer ELTs have a cockpit mounted switch; however you will need access to the unit itself if it’s an older model. If it has been activated, maintenance might be required before the unit is returned to the "ARMED" position. You should contact the nearest Air Traffic facility or Flight Service Station (FSS) 1-800-WXBRIEF and notify them of the inadvertent activation.

Maintain your ELT regularly. Low batteries can cause erroneous signals and generate false alarms. Conversely, false alarms can cause low batteries. So, make sure you've got strong batteries in your ELT.

EPIRBs

Always test your EPIRB in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most EPIRB activation switches have a test position. This test position allows the entire unit (electronics, battery, and antenna) to be tested without generating a false alarm. Ensure that your beacon is registered with NOAA. This does nothing to reduce false alarm rates, but does have a dramatic effect on the impact of a false alarm. If the EPIRB is properly registered, the situation will be resolved with a phone call. It will also help speed rescue in an actual distress.

Affix your proof-of-registration decal on the EPIRB so it can be easily read without taking the EPIRB out of its bracket. A surprising amount of false alarms are generated by people (sometimes Coast Guard safety inspectors) doing so to check the decal. Never remove the EPIRB from its bracket without first switching it to the "OFF" position (unless of course, you're actually in distress). Also, never allow it to be removed by others. A lot of false alarms are generated by curious passengers. Another common source of false alarms is from crew members removing the EPIRB to paint behind it.

Maintain your EPIRB. Ensure that the batteries are within their expiration date and that all manufacturer recommendations are followed. Any time that the EPIRB is not on the vessel, it should be switched “OFF.”

Finally, realize that the Cospas-Sarsat satellites are very good at what they do...detecting emergency beacons. Activation of any 406 MHz beacon, even for just a few seconds, will usually be detected.

What should I do if I have accidentally activated my emergency beacon?

If for any reason your beacon is activated accidentally you should contact the appropriate rescue coordination center, Air Traffic facility or Flight Service Station (FSS) 1-800-WXBRIEF . In the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico you should contact the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Command Center at (212) 668-7055. In the Pacific Ocean region you should contact the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Command Center at (510) 437-3700. On land, you should contact the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at (757) 764-8112. If you cannot contact these organizations directly, you should use any means available to inform the appropriate authorities that a false alert has been transmitted and should be cancelled.

How can I dispose of my emergency beacon?

You should ensure that when your beacon needs to be disposed of (for example when its damaged or when a ship is sold for scrap) it should be made inoperable, either by removing its battery and, if possible, returning it to the manufacturer, or by demolishing it. If a beacon is to be returned to the manufacturer with the battery still installed, it should be wrapped in tin foil to prevent transmission of signals during shipment. Please inform the NOAA/USMCC if you sell or dispose of a registered 406 MHz beacon.

If I’m a pilot should I monitor for 121.5 MHz signals?

Yes. Pilots are encouraged to monitor 121.5 MHz and/or 243.0 MHz while in flight to assist in identifying possible emergency ELT transmissions. On receiving a signal, report the following information to the nearest air traffic facility:

(a) Your position at the time the signal was first heard.

(b) Your position at the time the signal was last heard.

(d) Your flight altitudes and frequency on which the emergency signal was heard: 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz. If possible, positions should be given relative to a navigation aid. If the aircraft has homing equipment, provide the bearing to the emergency signal with each reported position.

How do I maintain my beacon?

All beacons need to be tested and serviced for water tightness, the battery, external damage and signal strength. Beacons should be serviced whenever the battery needs replacing. Usually the manufacturer or distributor services the beacon.

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… about Beacon Registration

Who has to register a 406 MHz emergency beacon?

All 406 MHz emergency beacon owners/operators are required to register their 406 MHz emergency beacon (ELTs and EPIRBs) with NOAA’s SARSAT program. This is a requirement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The following web site contains more information on the regulation www.access.gpo.gov., look under Title 47 - Telecommunication.

How can I register my 406 MHz EPIRB, ELT or PLB or update my information?

There are several ways to register you 406 MHz beacon with NOAA. You may send the registration card or information to the address below or fax it to (301) 568-8649:

Beacon Registration

NOA/NESDIS, E/SP3, Rm 3320, FB4

5200 Auth Road

Suitland, MD 20746

Alternatively, you can save time and money, and improve the accuracy of the information you provide by registering your beacon via the Internet at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov

How do I update my beacon registration information?

You can now go to www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov and make the update. If you have not previously accessed your beacon registration using the internet, you need to choose the 2^nd option (Access Beacon Previously Registered By Mail).

Does NOAA automatically send of Proof-of-Registration decals and Text Box: confirmation reports?

Yes. You should receive a Proof-of-Registration decal when you initially register your beacon and when you confirm your registration information every two years. In either case, the decal is sent to the postal address listed on the registration.

Are there times when I will receive a Proof-of-Registration decal even though it hasn’t been two years since I registered, or last updated my information?

Yes, this can happen when you change or update your information. Depending on the type of beacon you have, a new proof-of-registration decal will be sent in the following cases:

EPIRB: When you update the vessel name

When you select the renew registration option

ELT: When the tail number on the aircraft has changed

When you select the renew registration option

PLB: When the owner name changes

When you select the renew registration option

Or, you’ll receive a new decal when you select the “Replace Decal” option on the web-based registration system.

How long is my registration information valid in the NOAA registry?

The registration information, and the corresponding proof-of-registration decal, is valid for two years. The FCC requires that you renew your registration every two years. However, you are encouraged to provide updates to your registration anytime it’s required.

Do I need a ship station license or a documentation number to register an EPIRB?

You do not need a ship station license or a documentation number to register an EPIRB.

Text Box: How can I contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?

They can be reached at (888) 225-5322 or at www.fcc.gov.

To whom is my 406 MHz emergency beacon registration information released?

The registration information is only released to search and rescue authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force. In certain cases NOAA may release your registration information to beacon manufacturers or service agents so that they may send you urgent service announcements.

NOAA, under the Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended), is required to adopt minimum standards for the collection and processing of personal information and to publish detailed descriptions of these procedures. The Privacy Act also limits the making of such records available to other public and private agencies or parties. Lastly, it requires agencies to make records on individuals available to them upon request, subject to certain conditions and exclusions.

The Privacy Act has four basic policy objectives:

$ to restrict disclosures of personally identifiable records;

$ to grant individuals more rights to access records agencies maintain on them;

$ to grant individuals the right to seek amendments to agency records maintained on themselves; and

$ to establish a code of "fair information practices" which requires agencies to comply with statutory norms for collection, maintenance, and dissemination of records.

What happens if I do not register my 406 MHz emergency beacon?

The System will still work but rescue could be delayed. The Cospas-Sarsat System is designed to provide both identification and location information. Identification information can be provided two ways: (1) information such as the radio call sign or aircraft tail number can be encoded into the 406 MHz emergency beacon and/or (2) the 406 MHz emergency beacon can be registered in a national registration database such as the one NOAA maintains.

As long as the System is able to obtain a position (either using Doppler processing or through the use of new beacons that can transmit their position as part of the 406 MHz message) search and rescue personnel can respond to a distress signal. However, when a position is not available the search and rescue personnel have to rely on registration information. It’s in these cases that rescue could be delayed until the System can obtain a position. Even with a position, the response may be delayed until the search and rescue personnel try to determine the nature of the distress, and their capability to respond to the location of the distress. The response would also vary country by country. NOAA recommends that you try to list two contacts, one of which, the search and rescue personnel would be able to reach at any time of the day.

What can I do if I have a 406 MHz emergency beacon coded for a country that does not maintain a 406 MHz emergency beacon registration database?

You will have to register your beacon in the International Beacon Registration Database which will be maintained by Cospas-Sarsat. Cospas-Sarsat is in the process of establishing an international 406 MHz emergency beacon registration database that would be available to all beacon owners that have no place to register their beacon. This database is expected to be available via the Internet in December 2005.

Who should I list as an emergency point of contact on my 406 MHz emergency beacon registration form?

You should list family and/or friends that can be easily contacted (e.g., carry a cell phone, or are usually available at work or at home) and would have knowledge about where you sail or fly.

Why do I have to re-new my registration every two years?

The registration information you provide is used to help you in case of an emergency. Therefore, the information has to be current and accurate. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommends that registration information be updated periodically. Nationally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that 406 MHz EPIRB owners “advise NOAA in writing upon change of vessel or EPIRB ownership, transfer of EPIRB to another vessel, or any other change in registration information.” Furthermore, the FCC requires that “aircraft owners shall advise NOAA in writing upon change of aircraft or ELT ownership, or any other change in registration information. Fleet operators must notify NOAA upon transfer of ELT to another aircraft outside of the owners control, or an other change in registration information.” More importantly, accurate registration information could help save your life.

What do I do if I lend my emergency beacon to someone?

That depends on how frequently you lend your beacon and for how long you lend your beacon. If you frequently lend your beacon to someone else or its used on another vessel you may wish to note this fact under the “ADDITIONAL DATA” section of the registration form. The same holds true if you lend you beacon to someone for an extended period. If this occurs infrequently or only for a short time you should update your registration via the web-based registration database (www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). In these cases, adding an email address is important so that you are immediately notified when the registration is updated.