New digital emergency beacon registry goes live
13th October 2021
The MCA has launched a new 24/7 online self-service registry for emergency beacons such as the emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and personal locator beacons (PLBs).
The agency says the new digital portal will make it easier and more convenient for emergency beacon users to securely provide and update their ownership information.
The new online registration platform here means that beacon owners are no longer required to submit ownership documentation in paper form.
New beacon owners are advised to create an online account and register at the earliest opportunity.
Existing owners 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 on how to do this, and how to manage your data in the future.
More recent beacon registrations and amendments may not yet be listed on the new self-service platform. Those wishing to register a new beacon can set up an account and register their beacon on the new portal.
In the interim period, whilst existing beacon owners confirm their details on the new digital system, SAR responders will continue to have access to all information previously registered and held by the beacon registry.
Peter Davies, maritime commander for HM Coastguard, said: “Right from receiving automated confirmation of registration, the beacon registry self- service portal is simple to use, and importantly is a secure environment for new customers, those who have already registered, and manufacturers of beacons.
“The effectiveness of emergency 406 MHz beacons, whether it be an EPIRB, PLB or ELT (for aircraft), depends on the correct information being available to search and rescue authorities, which can ultimately help save more lives in emergency situations.”
You can contact the UK Beacon Registry at: ukbeacons@mcga.gov.uk or on: +44 (0)20 3817 2006.
This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here.
