User's Manual

Y1-03-0241, rev.T2
5
SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE
A Personal Locator Beacon is a distress signaling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-
rescue have been exhausted; where the situation is grave and imminent, and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or
valuable property will occur without assistance. Deliberate misuse may incur a severe penalty.
2.1 Prevention of False Alerts
A false alert is any activation of the beacon, intentional or otherwise, that does not result from a situation of
grave and imminent danger.
Be sure to do the following:
• Register your beacon. This does not reduce false alert rates; however, it does have a dramatic effect
on the impact of a false alert. When the beacon is properly registered, the situation can be resolved
with a phone call.
• Be careful who you leave your beacon with. Make sure that they how to use it, and that they
understand the ramifications of causing a false alert. A lot of false alerts are generated by curious
individuals. If you notice the beacon is flashing the red or green LED and BEEPING periodically on its
own, this likely means it has accidentally been activated and needs to be shut off and reported.
The COSPAS- SARSAT satellites detect distress beacon transmissions immediately. These satellites will
locate the transmission within a few minutes of the beacon activation. This is good if you are in distress, but if
you are not, you just generated a false alert.
NOTE: If you report a false alert and the authorities have not received the signal, don’t worry. This may mean
the beacon was deactivated before transmitting the signal.
2.2 Reporting of False Alerts
A false alert must be reported to the nearest search and rescue authorities. The information reported must
include the beacon Unique Identifier Number (UIN), date, time, duration and cause of activation, as well as
location of beacon at the time of activation. If the beacon is registered outside of the United States, contact
your national authority.
United States Air Force Rescue Tel: [phone]
Coordination Center (AFRCC)
False alerts that are rectified must be reported to the AFRCC to let them know that the situation has been
corrected and everything is fine. Responsibly reporting these events to the AFRCC or your proper authority will
not incur a penalty, but deliberate misuse or not notifying the proper authority may incur a severe penalty.
TO REPORT FALSE ALERTS WORLDWIDE, CONTACT THE NATIONAL AUTHORITY WHERE YOUR
BEACON IS REGISTERED.