ABCs of EPIRBs

This pictorial shows how the components of the rescue system interact with each other.

COSPAS: Cosmicheskaya Systyema Polska Aariynyich Sudov (Russian)

SARSAT: Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking

Founded in 1982 by USA, Canada, Russia, and France. Currently 38 nations are participating. The system only receives 406 MHz signals.

The COSPAS-SARSAT system is comprised of two completely independent satellite systems

In addition to the satellites, there are ground-based components:

For more information on the satellite systems, visit the link below.

http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/

ALERT: As of Feb. 1, 2009 Cospas-Sarsat ceased coverage of 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz Emergency Beacons

For more information on the NOAA Satellite and Information Service, click on the link below.

http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/

For sailors, the rescue all starts on water.  Several leading emergency beacon suppliers are listed below:

EPIRBs are designed and intended for use by vessels.

PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) are designed and intended to be used by individuals (up to 40 hrs. at -4 deg. F, 8 hrs. min. at -40 deg. F).  These products usually incur a monthly fee for the service and are used for personal tracking, messaging, or emergency location.

EPIRBs and PLBs characteristics:

•  406 MHz primary digital frequency (50x more powerful than old analog system)
•  121.5 MHz SAR homing frequency
•  Can be GPS enabled
•  Must meet stringent COSPAS-SARSAT specs
•  Must approved by FCC in USA
•  5-year battery service  life

Make sure that the EPIRB is registered.  Each EPIRB has a unique ID number (country coded by the manufacturer for country of registration).  A radio license is not required for registration in the USA (may be required for registration in other countries).  Each owner of the EPIRB must register the unit either by mail, FAX or on-line.  The registration decal must be attached to the beacon. For on-line registration, the link is shown below below.  There is no cost for registration.

http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/

Test the EPIRB but follow guidelines:

• Test the beacon accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Use the dedicated TEST button/switch for the unit
• Test only for designated duration set by the vendor
• Not more than once per month, not more than 60X in five years
• False alarms can result in severe penalties
• If accidentally activated, deactivate immediately and call the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at 800-851-3051

Amver, sponsored by the US Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea.  Details at link below:

http://www.amver.com/