Full disclosure: I own several beacons, both PLB and EPIRB and know that my crew is safer as a result. I would no sooner leave the dock without a beacon, then head out without lifejackets, spares, flares, a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit. Whether you own a beacon now, or will be buying one soon, this post should serve as a guide to registering, maintaining and choosing a beacon. These are the reasons 406 Day is important.
For Beacon Owners Today is the Day to
Check for an expired battery.
Make sure your beacon is properly mounted.
For Florida Residents: You may qualify for the Beacon Bill discount
For Prospective Beacon Buyers, Today is the day to:
Learn how beacons work in general
Learn the difference between a PLB and an EPIRB
How To Register a PLB or EPIRB
406 Day
For All Boaters
406 Day is a day to Celebrate the Lives of those Saved by Beacons at the ACR Artex 406 Survivor Club, you can learn about the real life rescue stories told first hand, by those who were saved by beacons.
It’s also a great day to celebrate the bravery and willingness of first responders, including the United States Coast Guard, the myriad agencies belonging to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.( NASBLA).
Rent A Beacon?
Beacons can be rented from organizations such as Sea Tow Foundation and Boat US. This is a great option if you have not yet purchased your own beacon, or are renting a boat, or will be bringing new/ more crew aboard for an upcoming trip.
Takeaway In 2017, within the United States and its surrounding waters, 275 people owe their rescue to the use of 406 MHz EPIRBs and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites, which are part of the international search and rescue satellite-aided tracking system. This system uses a sprawling network of spacecraft to detect and locate distress signals quickly from emergency beacons aboard boats, aircraft and handheld personal locator beacons.
