UK 406 MHz beacon registration for operators based in the Falkland Islands
Submitted by J Brock (FINN)
The beacon registry, managed by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), confirms that all types of UK coded 406 MHz beacons carried on vessels or aircraft included in the shipping and aircraft registers of the Falkland Islands, or owned by individuals in the Falkland Islands, can be registered on the UK beacon database.
These include:
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) for ships and boats
- Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) for aircraft
- Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for personal use
To be accepted on the database, beacons must be programmed with the UK country mid code 232 and a serial number. Please note beacons coded using a different country code cannot be accepted.
Permissible serial coding methods for either GPS or non-GPS beacon models, can be found online: https://www.cospas-sarsat.int/images/stories/SystemDocs/Current/S.007-United%20Kingdom.pdf.
When programmed for the UK as described, beacon hex identification codes will start with either 1D or 9D. Internally programmed details can be verified by visiting: http://www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/seeing-information-programmed-in-your-beacon.
Anyone in the Falkland Islands wishing to register a 406 MHz beacon should contact the MCA for further guidance.
Address: The UK 406 MHz Beacon Registry, Falmouth MRCC, Castle Drive, Pendennis Point, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4WZ.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 381 72006
Email: ukbeacons@mcga.gov.uk
