EPIRB Notes

EPIRB : EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON
406 MHz SATELLITE EPIRB

SOLAS reg IV / 7.6 subject to the provisions of regulation 8.3, a satellite emergency position-indicating
radio beacon (satellite EPIRB)i which shall be:
.6.1 capable of transmitting a distress alert through the polar orbiting satellite service operating in
the 406 MHz band.
.6.2 installed in an easily accessible position.
.6.3 ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival
Craft.
.6.4.capable of floating free if the ship sinks and of being automatically activated when afloat; and
.6.5.capable of being activated manually.
SOLAS reg IV/15.9 Satellite EPIRBs shall be:

'1 annually tested for all aspects of operational efficiency,.with special emphasis on checking the
emission on operational frequencies, coding and registration, at intervals as specified below.
.1.1 on passenger ships, within 3 months before the expiry date of the passenger ship Safety
Certificate; and
.1.2 on cargo ships, within 3 months before the expiry date, or 3 months before or after the
anniversary date, of the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
The test may be conductecl on board the ship or at an approved testing station; and
.2 subject to maintenance at intervals not exceeding five years, to be performed at an approved
shore-based maintenance facil ity.
What is a Hex ID or UIN number?
The Hex ID or Unique Identity Number (UIN) is the unique code programmed into each 406 MHz distress
beacon and is transmitted when the beacon is activated.
When registering a distress beacon, this code must be included on the registration form as it is the only
code that links the individual distress beacon to the registration database. Without a Hex ID or UIN the
beacon cannot be registered.
The Hex ID or UIN is 15 characters long and is made up of hexadecimal numbers (0-9) and letters (A-
F). The code can normally be found on the label of the 406 MHz distress beacon, although the position
of the code on the beacon will vary depending on which model you have.
Ensure that you know where the Hex ID or UIN is located on your 406 MHz distress beacon
when you purchase it.
Being able to identify the beacon means that the rescue authorities can access your registration
details. This means they can phone the contacts you have listed which enables the rescue authority to
determine if the alert is real or false and can greatly speed up the time it takes to locate your position
and effect a rescue.
Top
What is a Check Sum Number (CSN)?

From the 1st July 2012 all new 406 MHz distress beacons manufactured will also carry a Check Sum
number.
This number is additional to the Hex ID or UIN. The purpose of this number is to reduce the errors
made by entering the wrong Hex ID or UIN into the beacon registration database when the beacon is
registered. The number is simply used to verify that the Hex ID or UIN has been entered correctly.
If the beacon has a check sum number this will normally be listed on the sticker directly after the Hex ID
or UIN number. Note when registering your beacon if you are unable to locate a check sum number
leave this section blank on the registration form
4.4. Lamps -mcmurdo
4.4.1. Strobe
The strobe is the visual means of locating the EPIRB. When activated, the strobe flashes 23 times
per minute, with a pause during the time when the EPIRB is transmitting.
The strobe is also used to indicate the result of a self test (see section 10.1.).
4.4.2. Red lamp

The red lamp is used to indicate transmissions by the EPIRB. When activated, it flashes
alternately with the strobe to indicate a good transmission on 121.5 MHz. Every 50 seconds it
illuminates for 2 seconds to indicate a good transmission on 406 MHz.
When the EPIRB is first activated the red lamp is illuminated continuously until the EPIRB
begins to transmit, when it begins to flash.
The red lamp is also used to indicate the result of a self test (see section 10.1.).
Tron 40 S
1. Break the seal and pull the locking pin holding the main activator switch.
2. Push slider to move switch to ON/EMERGENCY position.
3. The switch is spring loaded and will automatically go to the ON/EMERGENCY position.
4. The LED indicator, located at the top of the EPIRB, will start flashing indicating that the EPIRB is
operating. In addition the strobe light will start to operate.The LED indicator will turn off after a few
seconds.
5. If possible keep the EPIRB in an open area, away from any metal objects (ship construction etc.)
that may limit the satellite coverage.
6. Transmission can be stopped by turning the switch to READY position
If your beacon is activated in a non-distress situation or a distress situation which

has been resolved and you no longer require assistance, contact the nearest search
and rescue authorities via the most expeditious means available with the following
information:
Beacon ID number (15 character UIN):
Position (At time of activation):
Date of Activation:
Time of Activation (Time zone):
Duration of Activation:
Beacon marke and model:
Vessel Name/lD:
Circumstances/cause (if known):
The United States search and rescue authority is the U.S. Coast Guard. The
primary points of contact are:
VHF DSC EPIRB
SOLAS reg IV/8.3 : .Ships engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area 41 may carry, in lieu of the
satellite EPIRB required by regulation 7.1.6, an EPIRB which shall be:
.1 capable of transmitting a distress alert using DSC on VHF channel 70 and providing for locating by
means of a radar transponder operating in the 9 GHz band;
.2 / .3/.4/.5-Same as 406MHz EPIRB above.

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EPIRB : EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON

406 MHz SATELLITE EPIRB

SOLAS reg IV/15.9 Satellite EPIRBs shall be:

What is a Check Sum Number (CSN)?

4.4.2. Red lamp

If your beacon is activated in a non-distress situation or a distress situation which

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