APRIL 6, 2025 — In recognition of 406 Day on April 6, a national campaign led by NOAA to spread awareness of the importance of emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), the Coast Guard is urging mariners to properly register and dispose of their emergency beacons.
Each 406 Day (April 6) we celebrate a technology that embodies the very essence of safety and security on the vast expanse of the U.S. Maritime Domain: The Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System.
Since 1982, these 406 MHz distress beacons have served as silent guardians, transforming fear into hope with the push of a button. They are a testament to the power of innovation in safeguarding those who venture out to sea, and a lifeline for the brave men and women of the Coast Guard, DoD, and state, local and federal brethren who dedicate their lives to protecting our waters.
EPIRBs transmit a globally recognized distress signal via satellite, alerting search and rescue (SAR) teams within minutes. But their effectiveness relies on proper use, testing, registration, and disposal.
In 2024, the Fifth Coast Guard District received 830 EPIRB alerts of which 18 were actual distress, 386 were confirmed false alerts, 426 were unknown or suspected false alerts. These accounted for over 40 hours of surface searches, more than 45 hours of air searches and over 2,550 hours of command center man-hours.
“False alerts can delay or distract from responses to real emergencies,” said Matthew Brooks, Fifth Coast Guard District search and rescue program manager. “Proper registration and responsible handling of EPIRBs help us save lives and protect our crews.”
Federal law requires emergency beacons to be registered in the NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration Database. Owners can register and update information, including when switching the beacon to a new owner, for their emergency beacons for free online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov or by contacting the NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration Database at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283).
According to NOAA, 98% of all 406 EPIRB, emergency locater transmitter, and personal locator beacon activations are false alerts.
To properly dispose of an EPIRB, remove the battery, label the device as deactivated, and update the registration to indicate it has been deactivated and properly disposed of.
406 Day is a reminder that a well-maintained, registered EPIRB isn’t just a tool—it’s a life-saving signal that must be respected.
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