Ensuring your safety on the water requires essential equipment, and one piece that cannot be compromised is the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). At Revere Survival, we firmly believe that every boat must carry an EPIRB, and it is equally crucial for all crew members to be well-versed in its operation.
However, before embarking on your journey, there is a vital step to undertake: registering your EPIRB. The significance of accurate and up-to-date information cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the efficiency of Search and Rescue agencies in responding to emergencies. It is also important to note that beacon registration is required by Federal Regulations (Title 47 of the CFR). Failure to register the beacon, or to notify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of a change in beacon ownership, could result in penalties and/or fines issued to the owner by the Federal Communications Commission.
To register your EPIRB, you should turn to the appropriate national authority associated with the country code in the 15 Hex ID of your beacon. In the United States, this authority is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is of utmost importance that you complete the registration promptly upon receiving your new EPIRB.
The Hex ID is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code that serves as the distinctive identifier for your EPIRB. This code is programmed into the message transmitted by your beacon to Search and Rescue services in the event of activation.
To locate your EPIRB’s Hex ID, you can find it on a label attached to the beacon or in the manufacturer-provided EPIRB documentation.
In the United States, you can register your EPIRB with the NOAA’s National Beacon Registration Database. To get started, visit their website and provide the required information, including your EPIRB’s Hex ID and an emergency contact for search and rescue authorities. If you have a vessel, you will also need to provide details such as the vessel name, registration number, and information about the radio communications equipment in use.
Registering your EPIRB incurs no charges and should take only a few minutes to complete. Once you finish the registration process, you can expect to receive confirmation of your EPIRB’s successful registration.
Remember, you can modify your emergency contact details at any time, and if you sell your vessel or transfer the EPIRB to another vessel, it is imperative to update the registration accordingly.
At Revere Survival, we prioritize your safety above all else. Registering your EPIRB is a critical step toward safeguarding yourself and your crew, empowering Search and Rescue agencies with the information they need to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis. Trust in Revere Survival and take the necessary measures to protect yourself on the water.