Selecting a 406 MHz Beacon Model

It is the responsibility of States to select which 406 MHz beacons models and which beacon message protocols are authorised for use within their jurisdiction . To assist Administrations ensure that beacons would be compatible with the Cospas-Sarsat System, Cospas-Sarsat has developed 406 MHz beacon technical specifications and type approval standards. A Cospas-Sarsat beacon model Type Approval Certificate is provided by the Cospas-Sarsat Secretariat to manufacturers for beacon models which have been successfully tested in accordance with the requirements detailed in document C/S T.007 "Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard". The Cospas-Sarsat type approval procedure only covers the beacon electrical characteristics. A Cospas-Sarsat type approval certificate DOES NOT indicate that the beacon model has been authorised by a particular administration, this decision is the sole responsibility of the national administration. In view of the above the following steps are recommended when selecting a 406 MHz distress beacon.

Step 1

Contact your Administration to obtain guidance regarding which beacons are approved for use in your country, which beacon message protocols are authorised for each approved beacon model, any restrictions on the use of beacon models (e.g. a given model may be authorised for use on land but not for maritime use etc.), and beacon registration procedures.

Step 2

From the list of beacon models authorised for use by your Administration select the model which best satisfies your requirements. An interactive tutorial is available to assist with this decision. Some points to be considered include:

whether the beacon supports location protocols. Location protocol beacons provide a significant benefit in terms of SAR response, since these beacons enable the Cospas-Sarsat GEOSAR System to provide location information (a description of the capabilities of the Cospas-Sarsat LEOSAR and GEOSAR System is provided here). Location information can be derived from Non-location protocol beacons (i.e. user protocol beacons) but only when detected by the Cospas-Sarsat LEOSAR satellites.
the intended use of the beacon (e.g. if the beacon is to be used for hiking where small size and light weight are important factors then a personal locator beacon (PLB) might be required; however, if the beacon is to be used on a maritime vessel then an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) would be more suitable).
any special beacon activation requirements (e.g. for a maritime and aviation applications it may be useful to procure a beacon that would be activated automatically during a distress event).
the operating temperatures (Cospas-Sarsat Classes: Class 1: -40°C to +55°C; Class 2: -20°C to +55°C).

Step 3

Procure beacon and have it encoded in accordance with national regulations.

Selecting a 406 MHz Beacon Model

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4