If the authorities know who you are, what type of boat you operate, and have contact numbers for people close to you, your chances of rescue via the use of a beacon increase to even better than they are as a result of the technology built-in to the beacons themselves. So, whether you just purchased a 406 MHz rescue beacon for the first time, or you are replacing an older unit, or need to have a unit reassigned to you (for instance, if a beacon came with a used boat you purchased) you must register the beacon with the national authority of the country you live in. We deem the following 406Mhx beacon registration information from ACR to be excellent.
406 MHz Beacons must be registered with the National Authority of the country you live in.
Step 1 Visit our Registration database to find the appropriate National Authority
Step 2 Register with your countries National Authority via Mail, Fax or for the fastest service register online.
Registration in the United States
The national authority that accepts beacon registrations in the United States is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Here are three easy ways to register:
1.) The fastest and easiest way to register is online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov. Recommended method. Verify and validate information before submitting.
2.) Mail the registration form with the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope to:
SARSAT BEACON REGISTRATION
NOAA NSOF, E/SPO53 1315 East West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910
Please print legibly.
3.) Faxing a registration is also acceptable. Fax the registration form to the Fax number on the bottom of the registration form. To reduce the possibility of erroneous entry please verify legibility of information and validate information on form to UIN on beacon before faxing. Please print legibly and in BLACK ink.
All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration database within 48 hours of receipt. The information you provide on the registration form is used for rescue purposes only.
A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-registration decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive these documents, please check the information carefully to ensure that the information provided on the label agrees with the information on the beacon and then affix the decal to your beacon in the area marked “BEACON DECAL HERE.” If you do not receive confirmation from NOAA in the expected timeframe, or if the information on the label is incorrect call toll free 1-888-212-7283 for assistance.
Registration Outside of the United States
In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz beacons are registered with that country’s national authority at the time of purchase. The sales agent should have assisted you in filling out the forms and sending them to the country’s national authority. Alternatively, visit our Registration database or many countries allow online registration in the International 406MHz Beacon Registration Database (IBRD) at www.406registration.com.
To verify that the unit is properly programmed for your country, view the UIN label on the back of the unit. In the event that the beacon is not programmed for your country, the sales agent (if properly equipped) can reprogram the unit for the correct country.
Disclaimer: The opinions, findings, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the United States Coast Guard. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Coast Guard.
