Guidance

MGN 665 (M+F) Registration of EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs used in the maritime environment

The UK Beacon Registry has created an online portal for registration of EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs which is now live and very user friendly. Offline registration is still available.

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 3 March 2022
• Last updated: 9 March 2022 — See all updates

Documents

MGN 665 (M+F) Registration of EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs used in the maritime environment

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Details

Notice to all Owners, Masters, Skippers and Operators of vessels that carry EPIRBs.

This notice should be read with SI 2000 No. 1850 - The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB Registration) Regulations and replaces MSN 1816.

Mandatory registration of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and registration of 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) used in the maritime environment. This note draws attention to and gives guidance on The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB Registration) Regulations 2000.

Key Points –

• 406 MHz beacons (EPIRBs) fitted to a United Kingdom flagged vessel must be registered with the UK 406 MHz Beacon Registry.

• Changes to registered beacons must be notified promptly using the online, customer self-service or for offline users or where accessibility assistance is required, via the Beacon Registry.

• It is an offence by the Owner and/or the Operator not to follow these requirements.

• MCA strongly recommends all 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) used in the maritime environment are registered and the registered information kept up to date.

Published 3 March 2022
Last updated 9 March 2022 + show all updates

1. 9 March 2022

   Wording and punctuation amended

2. 3 March 2022

   First published.