Sim card sold Separately 9555 Satellite Phone Anywhere is the new everywhere. Mobile communications can expand frontiers, create opportunities, and establish critical lifelines. But only when it works. From distant rigs to pitching decks, baking deserts to frozen ice packs, the Iridium 9555 satellite phone can handle any environment. It is small but determined, sleek but industrial grade, easy to use but powerful. It is every bit as rugged as our previous handsets - still resistant to water, dust and shock - but streamlined and packed with innovative new features. The Iridium 9555 is the evolution of trusted, reliable mobile communications. And it is connected to the only truly global mobile communications network. So anywhere on the planet you need to be, the Iridium 9555 is always connected and backed by unmatched network quality and world-class technical support. Compact Power The Iridium 9555 is not only the smallest phone Iridium has ever made, it's also the most powerful. With a significantly reduced footprint from our previous phone, more hand-friendly form factor, and aerodynamic features such as an internally stowed antenna, this sleek handset is designed to easily go wherever your customers do -including through your distribution channels. Rugged & Reliable Critical Lifelines The Iridium 9555 is the ultimate in dependable mobile communications. It is a ruggedly built tool, not a toy. It won't play games, take pictures, or play MP3s. What it will do is work. Everywhere. Without exception. It is engineered to withstand the world's toughest environments, so the world's toughest customers can depend on it as a critical lifeline whenever and wherever need takes them. Enhanced Features: In addition to all the features you and your customers have come to expect from our trusted satellite phones, the Iridium 9555 also incorporates innovations such as an integrated speakerphone, improved SMS and email messaging capabilities, and an upgraded Mini-USB data port. It continues the evolution of satellite phones, making communication more efficient and effective for end users. Intuitive Communications The Iridium 9555 features a dramatically redesigned and amazingly intuitive user interface - making reliable communication more efficient than ever. We make it so easy, your customers can start making calls right out of the box, skipping the traditional learning curve - and maybe even the need for a user manual. Unparalleled Reach, Unrivaled Coverage Iridium Satellite is the only mobile satellite service offering gap-free, pole-to-pole coverage over every square inch of the Earth's surface. Iridium's constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting, cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for regions not served by other communication networks. Voice and data are routed among the satellites withouth touching the ground, creating a highly secure and reliable connection. Features: Industrial-grade design for unparalleled durability Compact physical footprint for streamlined portability Intuitive user interface for out-of-the-box functionality Enhanced SMS and email messaging capability Integrated speakerphone Headset and hands-free capability Internally stowed antenna Mini-USB data port and support for phone as modem 21 supported menu languages Iridium 9555 is the latest evolution in the rugged and reliable satellite phones - and it works everywhere. Without exception. Prepaid Service Available Direct From Vendor At The Time Of Activation - No Activation Fee IRID-PP-75 - 75 min. e-voucher, Valid for 1 month $166.00 ($2.21 Per Minute) IRID-PP-200 - 200 min. e-voucher, Valid for 6 months $495.00($2.48 Per Minute) IRID-PP-500 - 500 min. e-voucher, Valid for 12 months $750.00($1.50 Per Minute) IRID-PP-750 - 750 min.*¹ e-voucher, Valid for 6 months $800.00($1.07 Per Minute) IRID-PP-3000 - 3000 min. e-voucher, Valid for 24 months $3,250.00($1.08 Per Minute) IRID-PP-5000 - 5000 min. e-voucher, Valid for 24 months $4,750.00)$0.95 Per Minute) IRID-PP-AFR - 300 min.*³ e-voucher, Valid for 12 Months $300.00($1.00 Per Minute) IRID-PP-CAN - 200 min.*â´ e-voucher, Valid for 6 months $249.50($1.25 Per Minute) IRID-PP-300-NR - 300 min.*âµ e-voucher, Valid for 12 months $575.00($1.91 Per Minute) IRID-PP-200-LAT - 200 min.*ⶠe-voucher, Valid for 6 months $249.00($1.24 Per Minute) IRID-PP-MENA - 200 Global Mins or 500 MENA zone mins.*â· e-voucher, Valid for 12 months $500.00($2.50 Per Minute Globally/$1.00 Per Minute within MENA) IRI-1MO-PP-EXT1 - Valid for 1 months $60.00 Prepaid airtime is non-refundable. Rates shown apply to GMPCS DP SIM cards only. Contact your GMPCS sales representative for rates applicable to non-GMPCS DP SIM cards. An FCC Regulatory Fee is applied to all airtime purchases for users located in the US. Due to a change in Iridium's Prepaid policy, effective December 17th, 2013, any unused prepaid minutes that you purchased more than three years ago will begin to expire from your account balance. Minutes purchased within the past three years will continue to remain available. *#185; 750 prepaid voucher cannot be recharged or extended & is for initial activation only. After use of a 750 prepaid voucher a SIM card can only be loaded with a Standard prepaid airtime voucher but any previous unused minutes at the time of voucher upload will be forfeited. *² Extends the expiration date for 30 days without adding minutes to the SIM card. Multiple extensions may be purchased at one time. For example: the purchaseof six (6) 30 day extensions will extend the expiration date 180 days. *³ Africa Plan - Valid only for calls originating in Africa to anywhere. *â´ Northern Lights Plan - Valid only for calls originating in Alaska or Canada to Alaska, Canada or the Continental US. Calls to any other worldwide location from Alaska or Canada are burned at $1.75 per minute. Standard $85.00 activation fee waived until Dec 31, 2013. Validity period not additive. *âµ 300 Prepaid voucher does not allow rollover of unused minutes. *ⶠ200-LAT Covers all of Latin America from Mexico to Cape Horn (and up to 12 nautical miles from the coast). It will not cover the Caribbean. This voucher does not allow rollover of unused minutes. *â· The MENA voucher offers 200 global prepaid minutes (when used outside of the MENA zone) or 500 prepaid minutes when used in any of the approved MENAcountries. This voucher does not allow rollover of unused minutes. Call GMPCS for the list of participating MENA countries. You will be notified at the email address above when 75% of the airtime you purchased has been used. At that time you may contact GMPCS to "top up" your SIM card with additional airtime. Please note that Prepaid airtime is non-refundable. From your Iridium phone dial or SMS the short code 2888 to review your minute balance or dial 8324 to contact GMPCS to add minutes. All SIM cards are sent active. If you have asked us not to upload a Prepaid voucher at the time of activation, you must add Prepaid airtime to your SIM within 90 days or your SIM card will automatically deactivate. It is also very important to note that at the end of the period of validity (from the table above) any unused airtime minutes will be lost and cannot be reclaimed. Additionally, if additional Prepaid minutes are not added within 90 days of expiration of the validity period, the SIM card will deactivate. If you have any questions about these two situations, please contact GMPCS Customer Care at +1-954-973-3100 and speak with a customer care representative to discuss your options. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Replacement Li-Ion Battery for 9555 The Iridium 9555 Li-ion Battery offers up to four hours of talk time for the Iridium 9555 satellite phone. It can be used as a spare for extended travel, or to replace the battery that came with your Iridium 9555 satellite phone. Features: Battery life: up to 4 hours of talk time; 30 hours standby Optimal charging temperature range: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) Charging time: 3.25 hours

Plug Kit for 9555 Includes US & International The International Plug Kit is designed to allow the Iridium Travel Charger to plug into various outlet formats depending on country standards. It provides five adapters and may be used with the Travel Charger (sold separately). It supports US, European, UK, Indian and Australian formats and is compatible with Iridium 9505A and Iridium 9555 satellite phones.  Features: US adapter Europe adapter India adapter UK adapter Australia adapter Input: 100 -240 V -/50 – 60 hz/150 mAh (with charger, country-dependent) Output: 6 V/850 mA (with charger, country-dependent) This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Sim card sold Separately Iridium Extreme Satellite Phone Part #: 9575 Iridium Extreme is the toughest handset ever from the only company that offers real global, real mobile, real reliable communications. Engineered with more features and more accessories than any other satellite phone on the market, Iridium Extreme puts more innovative capability - and more ways to connect than ever before - into the hands of people everywhere. Standardized: A highly capable handset needs a highly capable network to empower it. Iridium Extreme is built with the same reliable voice and data capability that Iridium users have come to trust, and backed by the world's only satellite network that commands real global coverage, pole to pole. Optimized:  From desert to mountain, jungle to tundra, Iridium Extreme puts more powerful capability into the hands of people, around the world. It has more features and accessories than any other satellite phone. It is the only one with real time tracking. It is the only one with GPS-enabled SOS. And it can connect with Iridium AxcessPoint to create a Wi-Fi hotspot to keep in touch on your trusted devices - everywhere. Ruggedized: No other phone in the world has more guts or grit than Iridium Extreme. It is the first phone with military-grade 810F durability. It is dust proof, shock and jet-water resistant. From emergency crews and paramedics to military personnel and government operations, Iridium Extreme is built for the world's toughest, highest usage customers to make the connections that matter under the harshest conditions, anywhere on the planet. Features: Compact physical footprint for streamlined portability Intuitive user interface for out-of-the-box ease of use Jet-water, shock and dust resistance for unparalleled durability Enhanced SMS and email messaging capability Integrated speakerphone Headset and hands-free capability Internally stowed antenna Mini-USB data port Accessories to create instant wi-fi hotspots anywhere Reliable two-way global coverage Enhanced Features: Toughest military-grade handset ever built Highest ingress protection (IP) rating in the industry (IP65) GPS-enabled location-based services Supports online tracking and Google Mapping services Programmable, GPS-enabled, one-touch SOS button Smallest Iridium phone ever Diamond treaded, tapered grip for in-hand ergonomics Rugged, high-gain antenna This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

CLR Marine will now be stocking portable satellite phones and accessories by Iridium and Inmarsat. Stay in touch and be connected anywhere, anytime! They are found at http://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/communication/satellite-telephone.html

Sim card sold Separately  Iridium GO!® Global Online Smartphone Access Iridium GO!™ creates the first ever reliable global connection for voice and data communications on your smartphone or up to 5 mobile devices. No worries. No roaming charges. Just connected and in touch wherever you are, whenever you need, with the devices you rely on everyday. Take Personal Communications Further Iridium GO!™ is unlike anything the world has seen before. Powered by the world's furthest reaching network, this compact, rugged and portable unit dramatically extends the capabilities of any smartphone, laptop or tablet by creating a satellite-backed Wi-Fi hotspot - anywhere on the planet. Transform Your Smartphone Iridium GO! instantly transforms your trusted device into a global communications powerhouse. For corporate climbers and weekend warriors, individuals, enterprises or governments, for anyone who is on the move, out of range or off the grid - by land or at sea - Iridium GO! enables reliable voice and data capabilities for your smartphone or up to 5 mobile devices. A Personal Communications Revolution Simple Iridium GO! enables satellite connectivity for your mobile devices where terrestrial networks cannot. Simply flip up the integrated antenna and the battery-powered unit connects quickly and automatically to the Iridium LEO satellite constellation to create an anywhere Wi-Fi hotspot within approximately a 30.5M (100') radius. You can easily connect and operate multiple devices within this area using the Iridium GO! application. Versatile Iridium GO! supports a full range of global communications, including: Voice calls Email access Applications Social networking Photo sharing SMS two-way GPS tracking SOS alert Mobile You can take Iridium GO! anywhere. It's small enough to fit in your pocket and, like other Iridium devices, tough enough to withstand rain, sand, dust and rough use. It can be carried, easily stowed in your backpack, or mounted in vehicles, aircraft and boats for mobile applications. Innovative Combining the best that both satellite and cellular phones offer, Iridium GO! is the first in a whole new category of personal satellite connectivity devices. It is also a powerful development platform optimized for Iridium partners to build applications, extending communication capabilities even further in remote locations. Affordable Iridium GO! is an affordable solution for truly global connectivity. It leverages and extends your existing trusted devices, is compatible with Apple® and Android™ operating systems, and eliminates roaming charges. It allows connections to be shared among multiple users and is supported by affordable plans that keep voice and data costs reasonable. Critical Connectivity For All No matter who you are, the ability to conduct business, connect with friends and family, access information, respond rapidly to any situation or simply stay in touch is critical, particularly beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. Iridium GO!™ Pilots, boaters and truckers Adventurers and explorers Remote residents and vacationers Emergency and first responders Global and business travelers Global enterprise Executives and diplomats Foreign missions Government and NGOs Military operations M2M applications Anyone out of cellular range This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Satellite Telephones

GO! exec® Portable Wireless Access Device Iridium GO! exec is a portable wireless access device for smartphones and laptops. Powered by the Iridium Certus® 100 midband service, it enables Wi-Fi connectivity for select messaging, email, social media, weather, and light web browsing apps, as well as simultaneous access to two high-quality voice lines for calls to friends, family, and co-workers. This light and compact product offers portable personal and office connectivity and combines the features of a battery-powered Wi-Fi access device with the built-in functionality of an Iridium® satellite phone. Users can make phone calls directly on Iridium GO! exec using the built-in speakerphone and microphone or connect wirelessly to the device within a range of up to 30 m (100 f) from their smartphone using an Iridium GO! exec app for phone calls and internet access. Features: Modern, compact, portable design with a color touchscreen Up to 22 Kbps transmit / Up to 88 Kbps receive  Built-in secure Wi-Fi connectivity Multi-user access for up to two voice calls or multiple data connections simultaneously Built-in speakerphone & microphone functionality Dual USB-C, Ethernet, and external antenna/GPS ports Standard apps with an open connection or app or web filtering Easy setup and use with no pointing required; power on and connect just by raising the antenna Operate from a fixed or mobile location with omnidirectional connectivity Quickly connect to the internet with a built-in connection manager for session controls and pre-configured filtering options to help manage airtime usage Register for 24/7 SOS monitoring and support from the 3rd-party emergency response coordination center (IERCC) Specifications Mechanical: Dimensions (L x W x H): 203 mm x 203 mm x 25 mm Weight: 1200g Environmental: Operating Temperature Range: -20ºC to + 50ºC Ingress Protection: IP65 (All Port Covers Closed) Military-grade ruggedness (MIL-STD-810H) Battery: Battery Life, Talk/Data Time: Up to 6 hours Battery Life, Standby: Up to 24 hours Services: Iridium Certus 100 (Voice & IP Data) Certifications: CE, FCC, ISED, RCM, UKCA Markets: Iridium GO! exec is ideal for users who require portable communications with voice and IP connectivity. It can be used in a stationary setup like an NGO campsite or mobile environment like a sailboat, allowing users flexibility in both work and personal situations. Iridium GO! exec extends communications to a wide variety of markets, including: Travel & Leisure Recreational Marine NGO & Humanitarian Scientific Research Remote Industry General Aviation Applications: Iridium works with partners to offer custom apps for purpose-built email, weather, or industry-specific requirements to provide more cost-effective and efficient use of the Iridium Certus 100 midband data connection. Recommended Standard Apps: These apps have been tested and verified to pair well with the Iridium GO! exec: Chat Apps: WhatsApp, Viber, Line, Signal, Telegram Email Apps: Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo Social Media: Twitter Browsing: Opera, Firefox Financial Apps: Venmo, Zelle Home Automation: Google Home Customized Apps: Iridium GO! exec Iridium Mail Tested and certified for compatibility In general, communication and transactional apps are suitable for use over the midband connection while entertainment apps that provide multimedia/video content will not operate on this product. Additional apps can be used, but may not be optimized for remote data connectivity, resulting in service degradation. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Replacement Li-Ion Battery for 9575 The Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone Battery is specifically made for the Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone. Whether used as a spare for extended travel, or a replacement for the battery that came with your satellite phone, it maintains the rugged watertight seal that the Iridium Extreme is known for. Features: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Battery life: up to 4 hours of talk time; 30 hours of standby 3.7 V, 2300 mAh *Please note this battery is not compatible with certain older versions of the Iridium Extreme.

International Charging Plug Kit Iridium's International Charging Plug Kit is used with the AC Charger for the Iridium 9505A, Iridium 9555, or Iridium Extreme. Includes four international plug adapters for use in Europe, India, the United Kingdom, and North America.

Post Paid SIM Card Activation Required - Orange Postpaid Iridium Service subscriptions are a great option if you use a satellite phone on a regular basis or for a prolonged span of time. You'll get detailed call records each month and the convenience of uninterrupted service without having to manage usage and airtime online. You'll pay a monthly or annual service fee and you'll get the option to choose from competitive airtime bundles and pooled minutes between multiple users. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Iridium Iridium Communications Inc. is the only satellite communications company that offers truly global voice and data communications coverage. A technology innovator and market leader, Iridium is advancing the way global enterprises conduct daily mission-critical activities through reliable, near real-time, communications services. Iridium's 66 low-Earth orbiting LEO cross-linked satellites - the world's largest commercial constellation - operate as a fully meshed network that is supported by multiple in-orbit spares.

TracPhone® Fleet One Compact Dome with 10M Cable Compact, low-cost, and reliable satellite Internet & phone for staying connected on the water. Enjoy the benefit of satellite Internet and phone connections while on the water even from small boats with theTracPhone Fleet One with Inmarsat airtime service. Measuring just 28cm (11") diameter and weighing only 4kg (9lbs), the TracPhoneFleet One will fit where larger systems never could. You'll alsoenjoy the peace of mind of knowing the TracPhone Fleet One supports the free '505' safety service, directing any emergency calls to a rescue center. Providing data speeds up to 100Kbps, the TracPhone Fleet One is a great choice for connectivity when cruising outside of cellular service. Along the coast, checking email, or surfing the web is always possible. Plus, voice coverage is truly global and that means boat owners can count on being able to stay in touch no matter what ocean they are crossing or where they are cruising. Fleet One provides simultaneous voice and data usage, and by adding a wireless router you can connect smart phones and tablets. The extremely compact size and minimal weight of the TracPhoneFleet One system makes it easy to handle so installation can be done quickly. Simple connections between the antenna unit and the belowdecks unit also contribute to the ease of use. The rugged antenna unit is designed to with stand even the harshest marine environment, ensuring reliable performance everywhere the boat may travel. With the affordable data plan and the global voice coverage - 5 MB data and 50 minutes of voice for just $49.99 per month - you canenjoy time on the boat even more with TracPhone Fleet One. Enjoy global satellite phone coverage to stay in touch so you can spend more time out on the water. Features: Most basic and compact marine satellite communications system on the water, just 28cm (11")diameter and 4kg (9lbs) Perfect for small cruising powerboats and sailboats Global voice services keep boaters in touch everywhere at sea Entry-level SATCOM, with 5 MB data and 50 minutes of voice for just $49.99 per month Uses Inmarsat's Fleet One airtime service Broadband data speeds up to 100 Kbps Provides Internet connectivity along the coast, worldwide Simultaneous voice and data usage Optional wireless router to connect mobile devices onboard '505' emergency calling World-class warranty coverage and support

Marine Communication Equipment and Components If you need new communication equipment for your boat, you have come to the right place. With a wide selection of communication supplies and marine communication equipment, we can help you find what you need and get back out on the water enjoying yourself. The right marine communication supplies and accessories are important, and we carry top brands such as Shakespeare, Standard Horizon, ICOM, Speco-Tech, ACR Marine, Raymarine, Furuno, and Cobra Electronics. Price ranges and options vary, so you can select the choice that fits your needs and budget.   Whether you need antenna mounts & accessories, a digital antenna, or related parts, we have the antennas and accessories for them that you are looking for. We also offer a number of CB radios, cellular amplifiers, loud hailers, hailer horns, and mobile broadband options, so you can stay connected in a number of ways. Having different options to reach out to people can bring peace of mind in a serious situation, and can also just help you have more fun while you are out enjoying the waterways. With single side band, VHF - fixed mount, and VHF - handheld options, along with satellite telephone brands to choose from, we give you what you need in order to stay connected.

In the last few years we have seen a major change in rescue devices using satellite beacons. The SPOT, is a device with some rescue beacon features and is affordable but should not replace an EPIRB or PLB, with their automatic global links to government-run satellite rescue system.  Then we have Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) which are getting smaller, smarter and less expensive with the introduction of the McMurdo FastFIND 210.  EPIRBs, the original beacons, are likewise getting smaller and adding features.   What the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon does? An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a critical piece of last-resort lifesaving gear on your boat when you are out of range of a VHF radio, cell phone or other means of communication. EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons are small radio transmitters, connected to a global government-run satellite network, which is used worldwide to alert Search and Rescue agencies in the event of a dire emergency. Used only when all other means of rescue or communication have failed, these emergency beacons can be activated if your boat is in danger of sinking, or if you have a life-threatening accident or medical emergency. Activating an EPIRB starts a chain of responses, beginning when your signal is received by the COSPAS-SARSAT international satellite system, relayed rapidly to ground stations, forwarded to a regional Rescue Coordination Center and ending when a helicopter, boat, rescue swimmer or other type of emergency response team makes contact with you. An EPIRB does not allow you to send or receive voice or text messages. If you can reach rescue agencies with an Iridium satellite phone, Single Sideband radio or cell phone, you can better communicate the important details of your emergency. EPIRBs work when all of these means have failed, such as if your boat is sinking on the high seas and you have no electrical power.   How EPIRBs Work EPIRBs transmit using internationally recognized distress frequencies, monitored by LEOSAR (low earth orbit) satellites moving from pole to pole above the earth's surface, and GEOSAR (geostationary) satellites in high stationary orbit.  LEOSAR satellites, because they are in motion, use Doppler shift processing (the perceived frequency change caused by the relative movement of the receiver and the source) to calculate the location of the distress beacon. They cover the entire globe, orbiting once about every 100 minutes.  GEOSAR provides instantaneous alerting, but no position locating. Signals from both types are relayed to automated Local User Terminal (LUT) ground stations worldwide, which forward them to Mission Control Centers (MCC). The MCC tracks the signal, attempts to identify the transmitting vessel using the database of registered EPIRBs, and notifies a regional Rescue Control Center (RCC), operated in the U.S. by the Coast Guard or the Air Force.   A Search and Rescue operation is launched, sometimes involving international communication, substantial costs, lots of planes, helicopters or ships, and rescuers who risk their lives.    Curious onboard guests may remove an EPIRB from its cradle, causing accidental activation.  Some false alarms are hoaxes, and deliberate misuse of emergency beacons may result in substantial fines, restitution and or prison.   If you accidentally trigger your EPIRB, call the U.S. Coast Guard HQ Command Center at 1–800–323–7233 immediately.   You will keep valuable resources from being mobilized, unable to deal with an actual emergency, and possibly prevent a SAR team from converging on your boat.       Around the world...around the clock...NOAA proudly stands watch.  As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, NOAA operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.   The SARSAT system uses NOAA satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits to detect and locate aviators, mariners, and land-based users in distress. The satellites relay distress signals from emergency beacons to a network of ground stations and ultimately to the U.S. Mission Control Center (USMCC) in Suitland, Maryland. The USMCC processes the distress signal and alerts the appropriate search and rescue authorities to who is in distress and, more importantly, where they are located.   SARSAT takes the "search" out of search and rescue!   NOAA-SARSAT is a part of the international Cospas-Sarsat Program to which 38 nations and two independent SAR organizations belong to     What should you look for 406 MHz EPIRBs: Modern EPIRBs transmit digitally on 406.025 and 406.028 MHz (so they are called “406 EPIRBs”). Their signal has an embedded code containing a unique identification number, allowing rescue agencies to look up your emergency information (including name, phone number, vessel type, emergency contact, etc.), in a database, but only if you have registered your EPIRB. When your EPIRB transmits, rescuers know who you are and can phone your emergency contacts to verify your itinerary. Satellites also can store and rebroadcast your 406 emergency message, so the LEOSAR satellite does not need to be in direct contact between you and a ground station. A 406 MHz signal also allows the satellite to calculate the position of the sender to less than a 2-nm radius, resulting in the fastest and least costly rescue response. 406 EPIRBs transmit with 5W of power, adequate even in poor weather conditions. The average time to notification of RCCs via 406 MHz EPIRBs is approximately one hour worldwide.   The difference between a Category I and II: By rule, all EPIRBs must be able to activate and transmit when they are removed from their brackets and immersed. Category I brackets will automatically deploy the beacon when submerged between 3' and 14', while Category II brackets need to have the beacon released manually. Both types can be manually activated either in or out of their brackets.   GPS/EPIRB Combinations: Three types of EPIRBs now include the ability to transmit GPS coordinates along with the rest of the digital distress message. Some units can interface with an external GPS and if the receiver is turned on will transmit coordinates within seconds of activation. Other EPIRBs contain their own receiver and take longer to acquire their location, but keep transmitting while the EPIRB is operating, without remaining connected to an external GPS with an interface cable. Using the stationary GEOSAR satellites, these transmitters do not need to wait for a LEOSAR to pass overhead and fix a Doppler bearing, and reduce the time–to–notification to as little as four minutes. Like other GPS receivers, their position accuracy is 100yd. (instead of 2nm without GPS). A third type includes the GlobalFix iPRO, which combines features of both receiver types with Dual GPS Technology. It interfaces with your onboard GPS to ensure that your LAT/LON is stored inside, allowing your precise coordinatesto transmit in the first data burst. Then its internal GPS takes over and continues transmitting.   Personal Locator Beacons:   EPIRBS are intended strictly for marine use, but Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), their smaller cousins, can be carried with you just about anywhere. They provide the same worldwide coverage as EPIRBs, and can rescue hikers, kayakers, backpackers, climbers, pilots, river rafters and hunters (among others) as well as boaters. PLBs are different from EPIRBs in some important ways. Their battery life (24hr. minimum transmit time) is often half that of an EPIRB. PLBs are not required to float or have a strobe light (but most do), and are manually deployed and activated. Like 406 EPIRBS, PLBs have an additional 121.5MHz homing signal to help planes, helicopters and other searchers find you. They also have a Morse code encryption for PLB attached to their digital signal. We believe, as do the safety experts, that EPIRBs are for your boat, and a PLB is a “personal” beacon. A PLB is great insurance while exploring away from the mothership in your dinghy, and is a less-bulky EPIRB alternative for any small boat. The ability to be carried with you and used anywhere—with a group of hikers, on a snowmobile or in a canoe—makes a PLB a valuable and versatile lifesaving tool.   SPOT:   An updated version of SPOT, 30% smaller and 30% lighter than the original, SPOT II is equipped with better controls and an improved GPS. SPOT II has rescue beacon features, and SPOT has created a popular niche with its added communication features and lower initial cost.  SPOT should not replace an EPIRB or PLB, with their automatic global links to government-run satellite rescue system.  The COSPAS/SARSAT system is a result of international cooperation with an established network of satellites, ground stations, rescue agencies, etc.  The system works, and has been proven during countless rescues.   Testing a EPIRBs 406 MHz EPIRBs can be tested through its self-test function, which is an integral part of the device.  406 MHz EPIRBs can also be tested inside a container designed to prevent its reception by the satellite.  Testing a 406 MHz EPIRB by allowing it to radiate outside such a container is illegal. Battery Replacement 406 MHz EPIRBs use a special type of lithium battery designed for long-term low-power consumption operation. Batteries must be replaced by the date indicated on the EPIRB label using the model specified by the manufacturer. It should be replaced by a dealer approved by the manufacturer. If the replacement battery is not the proper type, the EPIRB will not operate for the duration specified in a distress.   Register your 406 EPIRB or PLB! It is mandatory that you register your 406 EPIRB/PLB with NOAA SARSAT, yet only 80% of our customers register their new beacons. In the U.S. you can register online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov . U.S. registration can also be completed by mail or by downloading the registration form and faxing it to NOAA SARSAT at 301–568–8649.  It is free, no license is required and it is critical in making your EPIRB perform as intended. When filling out the registration form, carefully select the emergency contacts NOAA or the Coast Guard should call in case your beacon goes off. These should be individuals who are familiar with your plans, and who are most likely to be available. Failure to properly register your beacon will most likely delay the launch of a rescue mission. Also, the Coast Guard says that 94% of EPIRBs alerts are false and that registration data has enabled them to resolve 65% of the alerts prior to launching SAR operations.     International Beacon Registration Database: https://www.406registration.com/     What happens to your registration form?   The registration sheet you fill out and send in is entered into the U.S. 406 Beacon Registration Database maintained by NOAA/NESDIS. If your EPIRB is activated, your registration information will be sent automatically to the appropriate USCG SAR Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) for response. One of the first things the RCC watchstanders do is attempt to contact the owner/operator at the phone number listed in the database to determine if the vessel is underway (thus ruling out the possibility of a false alarm due to accidental activation or EPIRB malfunction), the intended route of the vessel if underway, the number of people on board, etc., from a family member. If there is no answer at this number, or no information, the other numbers listed in the database will be called to attempt to get the information described above needed to assist the RCC in responding appropriately to the EPIRB alert.   When RCC personnel contact the emergency phone numbers you provide, they will have all the information you have provided on the registration form. You should let these contacts know as much about your intended voyage as possible (i.e., intended route, stops, area you normally sail/fish/recreate, duration of trip, number of people going, etc.).  The more information these contacts have, the better prepared our SAR personnel will be to react. The contacts can ask the RCC personnel contacting them to be kept informed of any developments, if they so desire.   Registration regulations   You may be fined for false activation of an unregistered EPIRB. The U.S. Coast Guard routinely refers cases involving the non-distress activation of an EPIRB (e.g., as a hoax, through gross negligence, carelessness or improper storage and handling) to the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC will prosecute cases based upon evidence provided by the Coast Guard, and will issue warning letters or notices of apparent liability for fines up to $10,000.   However, the Coast Guard has suspended forwarding non-distress activations of properly registered 406 MHz EPIRBs to the FCC, unless activation was due to hoax or gross negligence, since these search and rescue cases are less costly to prosecute.   If you purchase a new or a used 406 MHz EPIRB, you MUST register it with NOAA. If you change your boat, your address, or your primary phone number, you MUST re-register your EPIRB with NOAA. If you sell your EPIRB, make sure the purchaser re-registers the EPIRB, or you may be called by the Coast Guard if it later becomes activated.   An FCC ship station license is no longer required to purchase or carry an EPIRB.   If you lend your EPRIB to someone, they MUST register it with NOAA   The online registration site contains a section for “Additional Information.” Use this section like a float plan, and let rescuers know how many passengers are aboard and your plans for the trip.  This information can be updated on a daily basis.   You can also fax another registration form documenting the new information, and the approximate time that this will be in effect, to the MCC at 1-301-568-8649. How to register You may register by visiting the SARSAT Beacon Registration page.   There is no charge for this service. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE.   For more information see the NOAA SARSAT Homepage.   A 406 EPIRB will dramatically improve your chances and your boat's chances of survival in an emergency.  A Personal Locator Beacon provides almost the same level of protection, in a pocket-sized package, to an individual on land or water.   If you still own an older Class A or B EPIRB, which, as of February 1, 2009, is no longer monitored by COSPAS/SARSAT, you should upgrade to a Category I or II 406MHz EPIRB.  Linked to an internal or interfaced GPS receiver, 406 EPIRBs and PLBs allow instant notification of your identity and an accurate fix on your position, speeding the launch of a full-scale search and rescue effort. One thing is for sure, however: You must do your part in registering your EPIRB/PLB and keeping the emergency contact information up to date, so rescuers can validate the authenticity of the distress signal.     Alert***   FEBRUARY 1, 2009 Cospas-Sarsat ceased coverage of 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz Emergency Beacons - Click here for more information   -Pilots are reminded and encouraged to monitor 121.5 MHz from their cockpit  to listen for other aircraft that may be in distress.