About the ACR EPIRBABOUT the EPIRB and the ACR EPIRB Accuracy of the system improved from approximately 10 nm for 121.5/243 MHz units to 3 nm for a 406 MHz unit. Note that the 406 MHz units are far more effective at lower latitudes than the 121.5/243 MHz units, and the latter are being phased out. These were not useful in mid ocean and had a high false alarm rate so it was usual to wait for two separate satellite hits before activating SAR, there is no vessel specific identification, and error is around 20km. Aviation frequency is 121.5 kHz, and military 243 MHz. 121.5 kHz is now primarily used on personal locator beacons only. ABOUT the EPIRB and the ACR EPIRB The 406 MHz units have a unique identification code, and information is usually programmed at time of sale, with MMSI or registered serial numbers. Some units also have integral strobes and all incorporate 121.5 MHz for aircraft homing signal purposes. Accuracy is typically around 2-3 nm. 1. Category 1. These are float-free units and switch on automatically 2. Category 2. These are manual bracket units that are manually deployed and automatically switch on ABOUT the EPIRB and the ACR EPIRB If you buy and EPIRB or acquire a vessel with a 406 MHz EPIRB, you must register the EPIRB unit properly and provide all of the appropriate data, including its Unique Identification Number (or MMSI). This is mandatory. Registration should be done immediately upon purchase. Failure to do this can cause absolute havoc if you use it, because a vessel may be incorrectly identified or, worse still, not identified at all, which could seriously jeopardize your rescue. Bad information means very bad rescue problems for everyone. The process requires vessel details along with contact details which are used to authenticate distress transmissions. If you have not registered, contact the organizations listed: UNITED STATES NOAA/NESDIS Tel +1-301-457 5428. Additional information on registration Tel +1-302-763 4680 and 888-212-SAVE or www.sarsat.noaa.gov. Also visit www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov for online registration. United Kingdom EPIRB Registry, Marine Safety Agency, Tel +44-1326 211569 (www.msa.co.uk). Canada.Maritime Safety Authority Tel +61-2-6230 6811. (rrcaus@amsa.gov.au & www.amsa.com.au). New Zealand. CAA. Tel +64-4-5600400.
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