User Manual

Y1-03-0180 Rev. T1
3
SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ BEACONS
1.1 Registration Importance
It is imperative that the owner of this 406 MHz Beacon registers it with the National Authorities*.
All 406 MHz Beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is
programmed in the Beacon based on the country in which the Beacon was purchased. Registration
provides the security forces with up to date emergency contact information, which will speed up
the launch of a rescue operation. The National Authorities use the information to verify if an
actual emergency exists. Valuable resources are wasted every year responding to false alarms. For
Beacons that are not registered, the National Authorities will not know who you are, what type of
vessel you have, your homeport, or who has a copy of your float plan. This will delay the launch
of a rescue operation.
* National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for S.S.A.S Registration
Database administration for the country the S.S.A.S is programmed for.
1.2 Where to register
The owner of a 406 MHz Beacon (S.S.A.S) should register it with the National Authority of the
vessels flagged state, regardless of where they operate. Each Beacon is programmed with a 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 specified on the UIN label are programmed
for the United States. Beacons purchased outside the flagged state of the vessel can be
reprogrammed by a properly equipped distributor for registration.
1.3 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 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 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
Online registration is now available. Please visit - 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
registering online or by faxing the registration form to Fax # [phone]. Registrations should
be faxed in the event the Beacon is to be placed in immediate service and followed up with the
mailing of the hard copy form.