Technical data

Y1-03-0175 Rev. E 2
SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHz P-ELTS
1.1 Registration Importance
It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz P-ELT registers it with the National Authorities*.
All 406 MHz P-ELTs transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is
programmed in the P-ELT based on the country in which the P-ELT was purchased. Registration
provides the Search and Rescue (SAR) forces with emergency contact information, and will speed the
launch of a rescue operation. The National Authorities use the information to verify if an actual
emergency exists. Valuable Search and Rescue resources are wasted every year responding to false
alarms. For P-ELTs that are not registered, SAR authorities will not know who you are, or who to
contact regarding additional information of your current situation. This could delay the launch of a
rescue operation.
*A National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for P-ELT Registration Database
administration for the country for which the P-ELT is programmed.
1.2 Where to register
The owner of a 406 MHz P-ELT should register it with the National Authority of which the P-ELT
was programmed, (typically the country where purchased), regardless of where you use your P-ELT.
Each P-ELT is programmed with a UIN for the country where the unit is shipped, and will only be
accepted for registration in that country. To verify the country, for which a P-ELT is programmed,
see the label with the UIN on the back of the unit. Units that do not have a country specified on the
UIN label are programmed for the United States. For a list of the national authorities in your area,
please view them at http://www.cospas-sarsat.com/Management/listOfParticipants.htm
1.3 Registration in the United States
It is the Owner’s responsibility and required by law to Register 406 MHz P-ELTs that are
programmed for and purchased in the United States. The National Authority that accepts registrations
in the United States is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The owner
should complete the enclosed registration form (Do not confuse this with the ACR Electronics
Warranty Card) and mail it with the pre-addressed; postage paid envelope to:
SARSAT Beacon Registration,
E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4
NOAA/NESDIS
5200 Auth Rd.
Suitland, MD 20746-4304
P-ELT registration is also available online at: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
The information provided on the Registration Form is used only for rescue purposes. The
Registration Form should be filled out and mailed immediately. Registration can be expedited by
faxing the registration form or by completing the form online in the event the P-ELT is to be placed
in immediate use.
Typically, registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz P-ELT Registration Database within 48
hours of receipt. A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-registration
decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive these documents, please check the
information carefully and affix the decal to your P-ELT in the area marked “Beacon Decal here”. If
you do not receive confirmation, contact NOAA for additional information at: [phone].