MGN 665 (M+F) Registration of EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs used in the maritime environment
Updated 9 March 2022
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1. Introduction/background
1.1 This Marine Guidance Note is associated with The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB Registration) Regulations 2000. It draws attention to the requirements of those Regulations, namely the mandatory registration of all Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) carried on UK registered ships. The MCA also strongly recommends registration of all 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) used in the maritime environment.
1.2 The Regulations ensure that details held on the database are as accurate as possible for Search & Rescue (SAR).
2. Need for accurate and timely registration details
2.1 An effective SAR response to a 406 MHz beacon activation depends upon correct details being registered. If the information is inaccurate or out of date, there is the potential to jeopardise SAR operations, including looking for the wrong vessel, or stopping a search because it might appear that the vessel associated with that beacon registration is not in distress.
3. Procedure for Registration
3.1 406 MHz EPIRBs must be registered with the UK Beacon Registry, part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), by using the online customer self-service at: www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons.
3.2 Offline customers or those requiring assistance, can contact the Beacon Registry for advice and support.
3.3 There is no charge for registration.
3.4 406 MHz PLBs used in the maritime environment may be registered in the same way.
The UK 406 MHz Beacon Registry
Tel +44 (0)20 381 72006
Fax +44 (0)1326 319264
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays), or write to us at:
The UK 406 MHz Beacon Registry
Falmouth MRCC
Castle Drive,
Pendennis Point
Falmouth
Cornwall TR11 4WZ
4. Beacon Coding
4.1 The UK only accepts beacons coded with country codes (MID codes) 232, 233, 234, or 235, using protocols as listed in the UK section of S.007, Cospas-Sarsat Handbook of Beacon Regulations, downloadable at: https://www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/documents-pro/system-documents
UK Serialised – where the beacon has a unique serial number
UK Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) – allocated to the vessel
UK Location protocols – for GPS models
Further programming advice can be provided by the Beacon Registry or the beacon manufacturer.
5. Frequent transfer of a Beacon
5.1 For those who regularly transfer beacons from one vessel to another, such as beacon hire companies, yacht delivery companies, programmer’s spare service beacons and race competitors, changes to the registration details are to be made online as described in paragraph 3.1 by the beacon account holder as soon as practicable. Offline customers may use the procedure outlined in paragraph 3.2.
6. Proof of Registration
6.1 Once registration details have been entered onto the self-service system, the owner will be sent an automatic acknowledgement by email.
You will also be sent by post:
• Beacon registration certificate
• Waterproof registration ‘sticky’ labels to put onto your beacon
note: labels should not cover the battery housing that may be replaced during servicing
6.2 Existing customers must confirm their beacon details on the new service by logging in using the email with which they registered their beacon. If this registration occurred within the last eight years, the Beacon Registry will be in contact by email or letter with advice as to how to do this and how to manage your data in the future.
7. Change of Details
7.1 It is essential that any changes are registered as in paragraph 3.1. Offline customers or those requiring assistance may use the procedure outlined in paragraph 3.2.
8. Penalties for Offences
8.1 The penalties are[footnote 1] :
• a fine not exceeding £1,000 for contravention of Regulation 5(1); requirement that the owner and operator correctly register any EPIRB carried on a ship.
• a fine not exceeding £1,000 for contravention of Regulation 6; requirement that the owner and operator update the UK 406 MHz Beacon Registry of any changes to registered beacons as soon as practicable.
• a fine not exceeding £500 for contravention of Regulation 5(3); requirement that evidence of a correctly registered EPIRB carried on a ship is always available on board for inspection by a surveyor of ships.
More information
UK Technical Services - Navigation
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/25
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0)203 817 2000
Email: navigationsafety@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca
General enquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk
Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.