What information EPIRB distress message contain?

The distress message transmitted by a 406 beacon contains the information such as:

  • 406 MHz beacons transmit for a quarter of a second immediately when turned on, and then transmit a digital burst once every 50 seconds
  • Which country the beacon originates from.
  • A unique 15-digit hexadecimal beacon identification code (a “15-hex ID”).
  • The encoded identification of the vessel or aircraft in distress, either as an MMSI value, or as, in the case of an ELT, either the aircraft’s registration or its ICAO 24-bit address(from its Mode-S transponder).
  • When equipped, a GPS position.
  • Whether or not the beacon contains a 121.5 MHz homing transmitter.

ANUBHAV GAUTAM