Online registration for EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs is now live

The UK Beacon Registry has created an online portal for the registration of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). The site is now live and has received positive feedback from users. The offline registration process is however, still available.

The update has been introduced to ensure that the details held on the database are as accurate as possible for Search & Rescue (SAR) teams. If the information is inaccurate or out of date, there is the potential to jeopardise SAR operations, including looking for the wrong vessel, or stopping a search because it might appear that the vessel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.

The portal covers 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

The MCA strongly recommends the registration of all 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) used in the maritime environment.

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.

There is no charge for registration and should take approximately 15 minutes. 

To register a UK 406 MHz beacon, please visit the MCA website.

You can learn more about 406 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs on the RYA Safety hub.