Search and rescue switch to digital on Feb. 1

Starting Feb. 1 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard and other rescue agencies will only receive distress alerts broadcasting the digital 406 MHz signal, according to a USCG notice issued yesterday.

The 121.5/243 MHz satellite system will be shut down and the U.S. Coast Guard will no longer receive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons that broadcast on Class A, B, and S 121.5/243 MHz.

EPIRBs are portable radio beacons designed to alert the Coast Guard of a vessel’s or aircraft’s position in the event of an emergency. They have helped to save 24,500 lives worldwide since 1982.

One of the main benefits of using the 406 MHz EPIRB is that it is 50 times more powerful than the legacy analog 121.5/243 MHz beacon that boaters have been using for many years. Also, 406 MHz EPIRBs broadcast a unique code that identifies each vessel.

In general, U.S. commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels that carry six or more people, and uninspected commercial vessels are required to carry an EPIRB. To determine whether one needs to carry an EPIRB, consult the specific requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations.

“Regardless of whether you need one or not the Coast Guard strongly encourages you to have a 406 registered EPRIB if you operate a vessel or aircraft in a remote area such as the waters off of Guam,” said the Coast Guard.

To prevent false activations, the old 121.5/243 MHz beacons should be made inoperable, either by removing their batteries 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 National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration/United States Mission Control Center if you sell or dispose of a registered 406 MHz beacon,” said the Coast Guard.

Proper registration of an EPIRB will make it much more effective during an emergency. When a 406 MHz beacon signal is received, search and rescue personnel can retrieve information from a registration database. This includes the beacon owner’s contact information, emergency contact information, and the vessel’s identifying characteristics.

EPIRBs fall into two categories: Category I units are designed to float free from a sinking boat and will automatically activate themselves; Category II units must be manually activated by someone on the vessel. There are new units on the market that now include built-in Global Positioning System receivers. The GPS-EPIRBs broadcast more accurate position information about the vessel.

NOAA maintains a database for EPRIB registrations. In the event a beacon is triggered, the contact information is used to call the owner’s home or business. This information is critical for search and rescue coordinators to find those in distress as quickly as possible. Properly registered EPIRBs can significantly take the search out of search and rescue.

“Mariners can greatly increase their chances of being rescued by having a 406 MHz beacon with current contact information on the beacon registration web site,” said Lee Putnam Search and Rescue Specialist at CG Sector Guam.

To register an EPIRB, visit: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or call 1-888-212-SAVE. Registrations must be updated at least every two years or when contact information changes.

The Coast Guard strongly urges all who work and play on the water to keep proper safety equipment onboard their vessels at all times. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a VHF-FM radio are just a few examples of life-saving equipment every boater should own. [B][I](USCG)[/I][/B]