406-Megahertz Beacons

You should consider your options when you choose a distress alerting beacon.

What are 406-MHz distress beacons

A 406-megahertz (MHz) distress beacon transmits its location by satellite to search and rescue (SAR) authorities when it is set off.

Ships and aircraft are required to have beacons that both automatically and manually activate when in distress. Personal locator beacons, which are activated manually, can be carried by people on land and in small boats or planes.

These distress beacons are specially designed to work on the COSPAS-SARSAT dedicated 406-MHz distress frequency.

The signal transmits directly to the Canadian Mission Control Centre who can act immediately to help
All 406-MHz distress beacons use the same type of signal, so the right beacon for you depends on your planned activities
They are free to register and don't require a subscription
Works worldwide
Built tough and tested to strict standards, to ensure they will work when you need them.

Types of 406-MHz Distress Beacons

Personal locator beacons

Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are for people to carry when they go into remote or hard to reach areas that may have spotty cellular service, like back-country campers or isolated maintenance crews.

Emergency positioning indicating radio beacons

Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) are built for use on ships, vessels of a certain size or commercial use. They are activated both manually and by contact with water.

Requirements for the use of most EPIRBs

Emergency locator transmitters

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) beacons are for aircraft. They can be activated automatically by the force of an impact or can be activated manually.

Requirements for the use of most ELTs

About personal locator beacons

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and venture into hard to reach areas or tricky terrain, consider buying a satellite-enabled device, such as a 406-MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), in case of an emergency.

406-MHz PLBs are a direct line to search and rescue and could be your lifeline for survival.

Advantages

Beacons connect to the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system
The Canadian Mission Control Centre receives the distress alert within minutes
Some beacons have three ways to help locate you in an emergency
- Global Navigation Satellite System coordinates sent from your beacon
- location determined via COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, and
- a homing signal for use by nearby rescue personnel
Non-rechargeable batteries are maintenance free and are made to last a minimum of five years, if not activated, before needing replacement
Beacons are drop tested, dust and water-resistant, and some units float
Once purchased, beacons are completely free to use and do not require any subscription
If used in an emergency, some manufacturers may replace them for free
Distress alerts go directly to SAR authorities and Canadian authorities, no matter where you are on the planet
Carry your 406-MHz PLB in your backpack or attached to your lifejacket. You may never need it but if the worst happens, it will help save your life

Buying considerations

Choose Canadian-coded and approved for use in Canada

Beacons approved for use in Canada have been tested to last in the rigours of our climate. Make sure your beacon is approved for use in Canada and has met all the Canadian safety standards for use, regardless of where you are travelling.

Every emergency beacon is encoded with a unique identification number and country code
- A beacon code that begins with A78, A79, 278 or 279 is coded for Canada, which appears on a sticker on the unit
Buy your beacon in Canada and you are much more likely to get one that is Canadian coded and approved.
- If you buy from a local dealer, it is easier to access maintenance and after care
If you are not sure, whether your beacon is coded for use in Canada, look for the approval certification on the manufacturer's website
Register your Canadian-coded beacon with the Canadian Beacon Registry.
- By registering your beacon, it gives SAR authorities access to your emergency contact information, and your basic medical alert information if you choose to provide it
- Personal information is protected and only used in the event the beacon is activated
When your Canadian-coded PLB is activated, a satellite transmission alerts local SAR authorities, no matter where you are in the world
- The distress alert signal's country code will automatically send a copy of the alert to Canadian SAR authorities
- Canadian SAR authorities can access the emergency contacts and any other details that you provided to the Canadian Beacon Registry when you registered your beacon

Buy smart

Find authorized retailers and dealers through manufacturer websites
You can often find beacons sold by big-box adventure, marine and aviation shops
Some online retailers service all of North America, so make sure you are purchasing a product that is Canadian coded and approved for use in Canada. Consider buying from physical stores or established online retailers
At a minimum, your beacon should say it uses 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz
A retailer may reduce the price if it has less battery life due to being on the shelf for an extended period. The beacon will still work but is reduced to offset the cost of early battery replacement, based on the expiry date sticker provided by the manufacturer. This is different from a unit that may have been activated, and the battery used up. PLBs used in an emergency should be replaced.
PLBs can be expensive but some deals are not worth it. Here are some risks to consider if you purchase online, used, on a marketplace or reseller site:
- Not coded properly
- Expired or drained batteries
- Old technology that is no longer used
- Damaged, not working, intermittent or poor reception
- False tags/labels, such as a new sticker on an old battery
- Manufacturer warranty issues
- Fraudulent websites

Buying used

It is always recommended to buy PLBs new, as you don't know the history of the device, or if it was damaged in any way
Buy from a trusted source, such as someone you know or a recognized retailer
Have the beacon serviced by an authorized dealer to make sure it is functioning properly
Make sure the technology works on the 406-MHz frequency and that the beacon has the features you may want, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Return Link Service (RLS), or Automatic Identification System (AIS)
Test according to the manufacturer's directions
Contact the Canadian Beacon Registry to update your emergency contacts
Do not replace the battery yourself, bring it to an authorized dealer
Responsibly dispose of beacons that only transmit on 121.5-MHz and/or only 243-MHz frequencies (see section on Responsible disposal)
- They could cause interference with low-flying aircraft and are not suitable for use

Shop for what you need

Think about how you will use the beacon to ensure you are buying the right one.

For example, if you are camping remotely, you could be near lakes or streams, or in very cold overnight conditions, consider a PLB that floats.

Temperature

Match your beacon's operating temperature to your activity. Windchill is not a factor.

Classes in the NSS PLB Performance

Waterproof

Most units are waterproof for a brief period to a specific depth, but not all of them float.

Flotation

If a unit does not float, consider buying a float pouch specific to the model of beacon.

Categories in the NSS PLB Performance

Return link service (RLS)

Some models have a 'message received' option, a return link service, when successfully activated.

Automatic identification system (AIS)

All new 406-MHz PLBs can be located three ways:

GPS
geolocation
homing

AIS is a digital positional awareness system operating in the very high frequency (VHF) maritime band.

Automatic identification system

Summary: Know what to look for

Date of manufacture sticker
Battery date: unused batteries are good for at least five years
Temperature class: confirm the class of beacon that best suits your needs
Proper stickers: make sure it has a Unique Identification Number (UIN) (also known as a HEX ID) sticker or label with an alphanumeric 15-digit code
Canadian coded: check for a UIN sticker starting with A78, A79, 278, 279
Complete box includes instructions and a Canadian Beacon Registry form

Responsible beacon disposal

Old beacons can still activate in landfills and low flying aircraft can still detect old technology beacons. These alerts can cause issues with local SAR authorities, even when the batteries are long expired.

Do not throw beacons away in the garbage or landfill!

Follow these steps to properly dispose of your beacon:

Remove the batteries carefully without activating the unit
Take note of the UIN or HEX ID on the unit
Contact the Canadian Beacon Registry to close your file
Bring it to a local recycling centre
In case of accidental activation, Canadian Mission Control (CMCC) must be advised by calling 1-800-211-8107

How to use a 406-MHz PLB

Use this check list after you buy your 406-MHz beacon and are getting ready to use it:

Check the battery to make sure it is not expired
Find the unique identifier or HEX ID code on your beacon.
- In Canada, your HEX ID code should start with the number 278, 279, A78 or A79 and will have 15 characters
Use your HEX ID code to register your beacon at no cost with the Canadian Beacon Registry
- If you have already registered your beacon, update the information with your trip details as often as necessary
- This ensures the SAR authorities have the most up to date information to help you. But no worries, if you forget, your beacon will always provide at least your position
Check your beacon for any damage to the unit or antenna
Test your beacon according to the manufacturer's instructions
If you are carrying your beacon in or around water, consider using a float case if your beacon does not float on its own
Make sure you keep your beacon on you as you head out
If you are in a group, let everyone know you have a 406-MHz PLB, where it is located and how to use it

When to use a 406-MHz PLB to signal for help

Use your beacon in remote areas when there is serious and/or imminent danger to life. When you activate your PLB, it almost immediately mobilizes SAR authorities to respond.

You should use your 406-MHz beacon if you, or someone with you, are:

Lost or stuck and cannot find your way back without help or rescue
Sick and cannot recover or get back on their own
Injured or risks a life-threatening infection
In danger and need emergency help, for example:
- during a natural disaster
- in extreme weather, or
- other risks in the environment

Activate your beacon anytime you cannot get out of a serious situation by yourself, and you may be out of cell range or in tricky terrain. There is no fee to being rescued in Canada so when in need alert SAR authorities.

Once you activate a 406-MHz beacon

Being in a situation where you need to activate your 406-MHz beacon is stressful; read and understand your specific beacon's instructions before you go.

Get the best results from your beacon when you need it:

Get as clear a view to sky as you can
Fully extend the antenna and push the activation button, or as instructed in your PLB manual
The first burst is delayed by 50 seconds to give you time to deactivate a false alert
Once fully activated, do not turn off your beacon
Your beacon only transmits a homing signal when it is activated
If you are waiting for rescue during the day, make yourself visible with:
- smoke
- flares
- reflectors, or
- bright coloured clothing or objects
If you are waiting for rescue at night, use a light to make yourself more visible
If your beacon is equipped with Return Link Service (RLS), you will know that SAR authorities received your alert
Keep the activated beacon with you

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