Register a UK 406 MHz beacon

A UK 406 megahertz (MHz) beacon sends a distress signal to alert search and rescue authorities to your location.

Use this service to:

  • register a UK 406 MHz beacon
  • update your beacon registration details
  • update your vessel or aircraft details

You can register the following types of UK 406 MHz beacon:

  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), for any use
  • Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Simplified Voyage-Data Recorder, for maritime use
  • Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) or ELT dongle, for aircraft use

Registering is free and takes around 15 minutes.

Start now

Before you start

You’ll need:

  • the beacon Hexadecimal Identification (HEX ID) or Unique Identifying Number (UIN), manufacturer serial number and model
  • an emergency contact for search and rescue authorities

  • if you have a vessel - your vessel name, number, call sign, Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, and details of the radio communications equipment you use
  • if you have an aircraft - your aircraft make, model, registration mark, and details of the radio communications equipment you use

Other ways to apply

Contact the UK Beacon Registry team to:

  • get help registering online
  • register multiple beacons at once
  • register by post

The UK Beacon Registry
ukbeacons@mcga.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3817 2006
Fax: +44 (0)1326 319264
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)
Find out about call charges

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