User's Manual

5
Y1-03-0233 Rev. T2
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 Identier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is
programmed in the beacon based on the country in which the beacon was purchased. Reg-
istration 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
NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration
NSOF, E/SP3
4231 Suitland Road
Suitland, MD 20746
For Faster Service, Register Online!
In the United States:
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
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 data-
base 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 Identication Num-
ber (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 specied 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 Unit-
ed 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
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov. If internet is not accessible then the owner should com-
plete the enclosed registration form (Do not confuse this with the ACR Electronics warranty
card) and mail with the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope to:
The information provided on the registration form is used only for rescue purposes. Com-
plete and send the registration immediately! Registration can be expedited by registering
online or by faxing the registration form to Fax # [phone]. 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 conrmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-reg-
istration decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive these documents,
please check the information carefully and afx the decal to your beacon in the area marked
“BEACON DECAL HERE.” If you do not receive conrmation back from NOAA, call toll free
1-888-212-7283 for assistance.