Switch to 406!

The International Cospas-Sarsat System will cease satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz beacons from 1 February 2009. All beacon owners and users should begin taking steps to replace their 121.5/243 MHz beacons with 406 MHz beacons as soon as possible. A good time to consider purchasing a 406 MHz beacon is when the battery on your 121.5/243 MHz beacon needs replacing. Typically, batteries need replacing about every five years. The sooner you upgrade, the better the service that the Cospas-Sarsat System can provide you if your beacon is activated in a distress event.

Beginning in 2009, only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This affects all maritime beacons (EPIRBs), all aviation beacons (ELTs) and all personal beacons (PLBs).

For more information, visit the Cospas-Sarsar Web Site.

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