User Protocols

There are 8 different options for coding User Protocols as identified below. The applicable user protocol type is selected by setting bits 37 to 39 according to the appropriate pattern. Most of the user protocols are available only in the short message format, selected by setting bit 25 (format flag) to "0". Click on the protocol of interest for additional information.

In addition to the User Protocols described below the Cospas-Sarsat System also provides an Orbitography User Protocol. This message protocol is used for special System test beacons and cannot be used for programming actual distress beacons.

The User Location Protocol, which is described in conjunction with the location protocols, uses the long message format, but has the same definition as the user protocols for the first protected data field (PDF-1).

Note: All User Protocols in the long message format (except for Orbitography, Test and National User) are User Location Protocols.