MARINE GUIDANCE NOTE
MGN 361 (M+F)

GMDSS: Termination of the 121.5 / 243MHz Initial Emergency Alerting Service

Notice to all  Shipowners, Masters, Operators, Fishermen, Small craft operators and Leisure vessel users.

This notice should be read with MSN 1816.

PLEASE NOTE:-  

Where this document provides guidance on the law it should not be regarded as definitive.   The way the law applies to any particular case can vary according to circumstances - for example, from vessel to vessel and you should consider seeking independent legal advice if you are unsure of your own legal position.

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Summary

  • The processing of the satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) 121.5 / 243MHz frequency in the GMDSS will cease on 1 February 2009.
  • Such beacons should not be used as an Initial Emergency Alerting device.
  • Unwanted beacons should be disposed of safely.

1.    Introduction

1.1    COSPAS-SARSAT is a joint international satellite-aided Search and Rescue (SAR) system. Over 40 countries and organisations contribute to the operation and management of the system.

1.2    At its 37th session in October 2006, the COSPAS-SARSAT Council reaffirmed its earlier decision (in conjunction with IMO & ICAO) taken at the 25th General Session (October 2000), that satellite processing of 121.5/243MHz transmissions would terminate on 1 February 2009.

1.3    From 1 February 2009, only 406MHz beacons will be processed within the COSPAS-SARSAT system. This affects all maritime beacons (EPIRBs), all aviation emergency locator transponders (ELTs) and all personal locator beacons (PLBs) operating on the 121.5/243MHz bands. Users should start taking steps to ensure they have an Initial Emergency Alerting Facility alternative. Suitable replacement would be the 406MHz beacon system.

2.    Termination of 121.5/243 MHz Initial Emergency Alerting Facility in the GMDSS

2.1    121.5 / 243MHz beacons should not be used as an Initial Emergency Alerting device after 1 February 2009.

2.2    The primary method for electronic Initial Emergency Alerting will now be the 406MHz beacon system.

2.3    A 121.5 / 243MHz beacon may still be used as a homing device for suitably equipped SAR services, once an alert by other means has identified the vessel’s approximate position.

3.    Disposal of Unwanted 121.5/243 MHz Beacons

3.1    The beacons in use are fitted with a Lithium battery. Batteries should be removed from unwanted beacons so that they can be disposed of in the correct manner, thus avoiding accidental activation; this can be carried out in various ways. The MCA encourages the following methods of disposal that comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, Article 2.1:

  • Disposal at a Local Authority Designated Collection Facility (DCF).
    Local authority waste disposal sites where batteries and electrical goods waste can be disposed of for recycling.
  • Disposal through a Distributor Take Back Scheme (DTBS).
    Some manufacturers are offering incentives to take back the 121.5 / 243MHz beacon and trade-in for a 406MHz variant.

More Information

Navigation Safety Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/29
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Tel :    +44 (0) 23 8032 9356
Fax :     +44 (0) 23 8032 9204
e-mail:    navigationsafety@mcga.gov.uk

General Inquiries:         24 Hour Infoline
                                    infoline@mcga.gov.uk

                                    0870 600 6505

General Inquiries:24 Hour Infoline

infoline@mcga.gov.uk

File Ref:MNA 134/006/0058

Published:March 2008

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing

© Crown Copyright 2008

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