OK Bill, perhaps I missed something, I often do, but why this position?

What would you communicate to the responders?

Realize that you are now talking about full two-way coms, which require more than a little integration and common frequency/equipment between parties. Sat radios can do this, but pose numerous other problems and shortcomings.

Again the PLB signal is not for 2-way coms but for an emergency locating beacon signal; for a life or death rescue. In essence, “Here I am, come save my life”.

One point. It is very tough to “accidentally” activate my ACR Micro PLB. In fact is impossible unless you unslot the antenna, raise it 90 degrees to expose the send button and then depress it. But some ‘accidents’ are on purpose..

Below is FYI from NOAA website:

“Who has to register a 406 MHz emergency beacon?

All 406 MHz emergency beacon owners/operators are required to register their 406 MHz emergency beacon (ELTs and EPIRBs) with NOAA’s SARSAT program. This is a requirement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The following web site contains more information on the regulation http://www.access.gpo.gov., look under Title 47 – Telecommunication”

And,

“What happens if I do not register my 406 MHz emergency beacon?

The System will still work but rescue could be delayed. The Cospas-Sarsat System is designed to provide both identification and location information. Identification information can be provided two ways: (1) information such as the radio call sign or aircraft tail number can be encoded into the 406 MHz emergency beacon and/or (2) the 406 MHz emergency beacon can be registered in a national registration database such as the one NOAA maintains.

As long as the System is able to obtain a position (either using Doppler processing or through the use of new beacons that can transmit their position as part of the 406 MHz message) search and rescue personnel can respond to a distress signal. However, when a position is not available the search and rescue personnel have to rely on registration information. It’s in these cases that rescue could be delayed until the System can obtain a position. Even with a position, the response may be delayed until the search and rescue personnel try to determine the nature of the distress, and their capability to respond to the location of the distress. The response would also vary country by country. NOAA recommends that you try to list two contacts, one of which, the search and rescue personnel would be able to reach at any time of the day.”

Thanks for the comment Jonathan. I’m planning on buying a PLB so I haven’t had the opportunity to try the registration process yet. I don’t see why registration isn’t mandatory on these devices, especially with the cost of SAR.

Cheers,

Mark