About beacons (EPIRBs) | Search and Rescue - Maritime NZ

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› Home › Search & Rescue › About Beacons			About Beacons 121.5 Mhz & 406Mhz Frequencies 3 types of beacons used Why switch to 406? Beacon registration & maintenance Beacon registration How to register your 406 Maintaining your beacon Accidental beacon activation How to prevent false alerts Disposing of old beacons Beware of buying beacons overseas
	What is a Distress Beacon?
	Distress beacons are used by people when they are in trouble at sea, in the air, or on land, and need help. Once a beacon is activated in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region a satellite detects the signal and relays the information to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ). RCCNZ then coordinates a search and rescue mission. Special Note for Commercial Vessels For some classes of vessels, it will be compulsary to carry registered 406MHz EPIRBS from 1 July 2008. To determin if that applies to you, please contact your nearest Maritime New Zealand advisor or click here to view the related Rule amendment on our web site.

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