121.5 MHZ EPIRB PHASE OUT BEGINS
SEATTLE, Wa. - Owners of 121.5 mhz Emergency Postion Indicating Radio
Beacons will need to replace their units with 406 mhz EPIRBS as of Dec.
31 according to new FCC regulations.

The International Maritime Organization and the International Civil
Aviation Organization have planned to remove all EPIRBS operating on
the 121.5 mhz frequency by February 1, 2009 when satellite processing
of these distress signals will be terminated worldwide. Until that
time, 121.5 mhz devices will be authorized only for use with Emergency
Locating Transmitters (ELT) carried on aircraft or to man overboard
devices that operate on this frequency.

The Coast Guard will continue to respond to emergency signals from
121.5 mhz EPIRBS after Dec. 31, but recommends that all mariners make
the necessary switch to the category I or category II 406 mhz devices.
These units have numerous advantages over the 121.5 mhz units
including: quicker notification, more accurate position, and
registration information. Aviators are also encouraged to purchase 406
mhz ELTs for their aircraft prior to the Feb. 1, 2009 deadline. The
Coast Guard does not expect to penalize boat owners whose 121.5 mhz
beacons activate in emergency situations, but may fine owners whose
devices activate in accidental or false emergency situations.

Beacon owners are required by law to register their 406 mhz beacons in
the national database operated by NOAA at:
http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE.
Registration information includes owner contact information, emergency
contact information, and characteristics of the boat or aircraft. If a
beacon is other than U.S. coded, owners should register their beacons
in thier country's database or the international beacon registration
database at http://www.406registration.com/. Beacon owners must update
their information every two years or whenever it changes.

Additional information concerning EPIRBS can be found at:
http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/G-O/G-OPR/Eme...cy_beacons.htm


Contact information for D13 Coast Guard:
Seattle 220-217-6001
Port Angeles 360-417-5840
Astoria 503-861-6211
Portland 503-240-9301
North Bend 541-756-9210

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U.S. Coast Guard - 13th District
13th District Public Information Site
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