Public Information Statement
Statement as of 4:14 am EDT on May 20, 2013
... Use of epirbs...
The following is a safe boating message from the National safe
boating Council and the National Weather Service for this year's
National safe boating week.
The cospas-sarsat system is an international satellite-based
search and Rescue system used to locate emergency radio beacons
transmitting on a frequency of 406 mhz. Since 1982... the
cospas-sarsat system has been instrumental in the Rescue of over
30,000 individuals worldwide and more than 6,700 individuals in
the United States. Within the United States... the National oceanic
and atmospheric administration (noaa) is the lead representative
to the cospas-sarsat organization.
Emergency position indicating radio beacons or epirbs are a type
of emergency radio Beacon developed for use in marine environments.
Other types of emergency radio beacons such as personal locator
beacons or plbs are available for different applications; however
their effectiveness can be compromised when used in the marine
environment. 406 mhz epirbs are divided into two categories.
Category I epirbs are activated automatically or may be activated
manually. Category ii epirbs can only be activated manually.
Either of these two types of epirbs may be equipped with GPS which
will help Rescue forces locate you more quickly. As proven by
experience... an epirb often serves as the last line of defense
when disaster strikes. All types of epirbs are becoming
increasingly affordable and all mariners should investigate
procuring one... especially those operating in harsh environments
or offshore areas.
Once your Purchase is made... make certain that you Register your
epirb which is mandatory. The information you provide on your
registration may help Rescue forces find you faster in an
emergency. This information also allows Rescue coordination center
personnel to determine if a distress alert is real or false and
prevent the needless dispatch of Rescue forces to locate a false
alert. You may Register online at www.Beaconregistration.NOAA.Gov.
For any registration questions, please call 888-212-7283.
For more information on cospas-sarsat or epirbs visit:
www.Sarsat.NOAA.Gov
This message was brought to you by the National Weather Service
and the National safe boating Council. Visit the National Weather
Service on the web at www.Weather.Gov and the National safe
boating Council at www.Safeboatingcouncil.Org
