Standard Location Protocol Coded Beacons with a Cospas-Sarsat Type Approval Number and a Unique Beacon Serial Number - (bits 41 to 50 and 51 to 64)

For this option bits 41 to 50 are coded with the beacon model Cospas-Sarsat certificate type approval number which is assigned by the Cospas-Sarsat Programme. Bits 51 to 64 are coded with a serial number.

The serial number (bits 51 - 64) to be used may be directly assigned by the competent administration. Alternatively, the number can be assigned by the beacon manufacturer in accordance with the specific requirements adopted by the administration for controlling the allocation of serial numbers (e.g. the series of sequential numbers allocated to each manufacturer model approved by the administration).

Ultimately Administrations are responsible for ensuring that each beacon is coded in accordance with their own and Cospas-Sarsat requirements and has a unique 15 hexadecimal identification (bits 26 - 85). In view of this, Administrations must exercise great care to implement regulations which prevent duplication of the serial number provided in bits 51 to 64*.

*Note: To minimise the possibility of a duplication of serial numbers individual competent administrations should provide a single policy on this issue (e.g. EITHER require the manufacturer to allocate the serial number for beacons coded with the administration's country code, OR require the administration to allocate the serial number directly). Administrations should not allow both these policies to exist at the same time.