The 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz distress frequencies ceased to be monitored by satellite on 1 Fevruary 2009. If you have a 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz beacon you need to make the switch to 406 MHz now – its speed, reliability and accuracy could help in saving your life.

What is 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz?

Older, analogue distress beacons transmit their signal on 121.5 Megahertz (MHz) or on 243 MHz. These beacons are no longer monitored by satellite, as of 1 February 2009.

What is a distress beacon?

A distress beacon is a small electronic device that, on activation, broadcasts a signal to a satellite. This signal alerts the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre that you are in distress.

Why did they stop monitoring 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz?

121.5 MHz and 243 MHz beacons are now obsolete, unreliable technology. Rather than waste resources monitoring the old frequency, worldwide efforts are being concentrated on the superior 406 MHz system. COSPAS-SARSAT made the decision to cease satellite processing of 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz in response to guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization.

These United Nations organisations mandate safety requirements for aircraft and maritime vessels and have recognised the limitations of the 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz beacons and the superior capabilities of the 406 MHz alerting system, which is faster, more reliable and more accurate.

The decision was also made to reduce the extremely high false alarm rate from analogue distress beacons. Previously 91% of distress beacon signals were false alarms.

Who is RCCNZ?

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) manages all category II search and rescue missions in the New Zealand search and rescue region. When you activate your distress beacon, a satellite will detect your signal and send information to RCCNZ, which will then begin a search and rescue mission for you. RCCNZ is based in Lower Hutt, Wellington . It is part of Maritime New Zealand, which is a Crown entity. For further information, visit www.maritimenz.govt.nz/.

What do I do with my old 121.5 MHz beacon?

Contacting RCCNZ on 0800 406 111 to find out where your nearest beacon disposal centre is, send it to RCCNZ by courier, hand it in to your nearest Police station, or hand it in to the retailer from where you purchase your 406 MHz beacon. DO NOT THROW IT AWAY (this may lead to a helicopter search of your nearest landfill).

Where do I buy a distress beacon?

Click here to find your local beacon supplier.

What is 406 MHz?

Modern distress beacons transmit on 406 Megahertz (MHz). It is a digital system that is fast, reliable and accurate. As well as helping rescuers find your position, 406 MHz beacons transmit an identification code. When the beacon is registered with the RCCNZ, this reduces the number of false alarms and provides rescuers with additional information about you, so they can locate you faster and better prepare for the rescue.

What is an operational test?

A test of a 406 MHz beacon that requires confirmation of correct processing by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.

What is the ground segment?

The COSPAS-SARSAT ground segment consists of local user terminals (LUTs) which receive beacon signals relayed by the satellites and process them, to determine the beacon location and mission control centres (MCCs) which accept the output from the LUTs, convey alert and location data to appropriate search and rescue authorities and exchange system information messages with other MCCs.

What is a HEX ID?

The unique identity of each and every 406 MHz distress beacon, made up of 15 alpha-numeric hexadecimal characters.

What is a Local User Terminal (LUT)?

An earth receiving station that receives beacon signals relayed by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, processes them to determine the location of beacons, and forwards the signals to a mission control centre (MCC). The MCC servicing New Zealand is the Australian Rescue Coordination Centre, located in Canberra.

Why shouldn't I buy a beacon from overseas or over the Internet?

Each country has an individual 406 MHz code. Usually a beacon from overseas will be coded for another country and has to be registered in that country. When it is activated, the satellite will notify the wrong rescue coordination centre, which could mean a long, potentially life-threatening delay. Beacons bought overseas cannot be registered in New Zealand, unless the beacon coding is changed to the New Zealand country code (512).

Are 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz distress beacons being monitored now?

No, not by satellite. On 1 February 2009 the worldwide satellite system monitoring 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz distress beacons was turned off. This means RCCNZ will not receive an alert and they will not be given an approximate location of the beacon by satellite if someone triggers this type of beacon.

Aircraft will continue to monitor 121.5 MHz BUT being heard is dependent on an aircraft flying nearby the beacon and no location will be given. From a SAR point of view this is next to useless as even if the alarm was raised by an aircraft the potential search area may be enormous.

When should I use a distress beacon?

Distress beacons are only for use in life-threatening situations. In the event of an emergency, you should first signal other people in your area using radios or other methods of attracting attention. Mobile phones can be used too, but don't rely on them, as they may be out of range, have limited battery power, or become water-damaged. The procedure to set off a distress beacon varies from device to device. Make sure you read the instructions on how to operate your particular beacon before you have to use it. The instructions are on the beacon label. EPIRBs work best when floating in the water, but make sure the beacon is attached to something so that it does not float away. On land, ensure that the PLB is placed in the open away from overhangs so that it has the greatest view of the sky and therefore the best opportunity to be detected by orbiting satellites and over flying aircraft.

What are the different types of beacons?

EPIRBs – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons are distress beacons designed for maritime environments. These devices are designed to float in water.

PLBs–Personal Locator Beacons are designed for personal use, mainly by bushwalkers, cross-country vehicle clubs, mountaineers and other adventurers on land. They’re also used in gliders. They're small and lightweight and designed to fit into pockets. They are manually operated.

ELTs– Emergency Location Transmitters are designed for aviation use. They are hard-wired into the aircraft. They are fitted to activate on impact or can be activated manually.

All beacon types are available as standard models or with the addition of GPS.

What if I accidentally set my beacon off?

Immediately turn it off and let RCCNZ know as soon as you can by phoning 0508 472 269. If you are flying, contact Air Traffic Control and ask that they notify RCCNZ of the inadvertent activation. Likewise, if you are on a boat, get a message to RCCNZ through the local Coastguard or Coast Radio Station. There is no penalty for accidentally setting off your beacon. If you use your beacon, or it is accidentally activated, have it serviced to ensure the battery still has enough life to power the beacon for the required 48 hours continuous operation.

I have heard that there may be other safety products that could be better than 406 MHz beacons. Is this true and do search and rescue services endorse other products?

The primary aim of the New Zealand search and rescue services is to enable the successful search and rescue of people in emergency situations. In principle, we support any system or product that assists in this goal, but we are largely reliant on other bodies (such as the Civil Aviation Authority, Maritime New Zealand, and the international satellite monitoring service, COSPAS-SARSAT), to recommend appropriate safety devices. The 406 MHz distress beacon is now the international standard for distress beacons. Remember, no safety device is a substitute for exercising good judgment and following sensible safety procedures. Any alternative technology should be submitted to the relevant body for appraisal.

What are the problems caused by false alarms?

Every beacon alert in and around New Zealand is treated as a genuine emergency until proven otherwise. False alarms tie up scarce search and rescue time and assets, while genuine emergencies may receive undersized search and rescue responses. While this situation will not be totally eliminated with the use of 406 MHz beacons, the ability to phone the registered owners will reduce this occurance.

How do the 406 MHz beacons prevent false alarms?

The digital beacons transmit an identity code on the 406 MHz frequency that can be cross-referenced with a database of registered 406 MHz beacon owners at the RCCNZ. This confidential database includes phone numbers, next of kin contacts, vessel type (if applicable), how many people usually carried, (if applicable) and other vital information, to provide the right response to the emergency. On false alarms, it enables the RCCNZ to make a call to the registered beacon owner to see if he/she is in genuine distress or just has a beacon transmitting by accident. Many false alarms occur because the switch on the distress beacon has been bumped on.

How much better are the 406 MHz beacons?

406 MHz beacons are more accurate (to within approximately 5 kilometres, compared to about 20 kilometres for the analogue beacons). 406 MHz beacons are also faster – depending on the location they may be detected within minutes, compared to the average 1 hour and 30 minutes it takes to get confirmed satellite detection from a 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz analogue beacon. With the addition of GPS, your location can be determined to within 120 metres in a matter of minutes.

Do distress beacons always work?

No safety equipment can be 100% guaranteed, as they are dependent on variables such as correct usage and the circumstance of the emergency, but the new generation of 406 MHz distress beacons are superior to previous models and, when used correctly, will provide speedy notification of an emergency. Distress beacons are not the only safety equipment that should be used in outdoor recreation and are not intended to replace essential safety equipment such as VHF radios or lifejackets. The 406 MHz distress beacons are the new international standard and the only frequency monitored by international satellites. As such they will remain a critical part of New Zealand’s search and rescue operations.

What happens when I activate my 406 MHz beacon?

When you activate your 406 MHz distress beacon a satellite will detect your signal and send information to the RCCNZ, which will then begin a search and rescue mission for you. All beacon activations are investigated to the source. RCCNZ is charged with identifying all distress beacon signals. There is no cost to the beacon owner/user for this service. Reducing the cost of false activations is one of the key benefits of 406 MHz beacons. Their unique identification codes are referenced against a registration database, so that owners can be contacted to determine if an activation is real or false, and appropriate action can be taken quickly and efficiently.

Why are beacons with built-in GPS better?

With the addition of GPS authorities will not only know you are in distress, but also your exact location. This removes any need to ‘search’ for you and enables them to launch immediately into your rescue operation, saving even more valuable time. Beacons with built-in GPS are strongly recommended.

How do I use a distress beacon?

The procedure to set off a distress beacon varies from device to device. Make sure you read the instructions on how to operate your particular beacon before you have to use it. The instructions are on the beacon label. EPIRBs work best when floating in the water, but make sure the beacon is attached to something so that it does not float away. On land, ensure that the PLB is placed in the open away from overhangs so that it has the greatest view of the sky and therefore the best opportunity to be detected by orbiting satellites and over flying aircraft.

I’ve never used a 121 MHz or 243 MHz beacon before – why should I use a 406 MHz beacon now?

We believe that it is good safety practice to carry a 406 MHz beacon when going into remote and hazardous areas within New Zealand. It is an inexpensive insurance that, in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, you can seek search and rescue assistance. In many cases tramping clubs and other organisations have distress beacons available for hire at very reasonable rates.However a distress beacon is no substitute for good judgment and following accepted safety procedures.

Will 406 MHz distress beacons work on the West Coast of the South Island?

Yes. Beacons must have line-of-sight contact with satellites to communicate. Deep narrow gorges and large overhangs can affect beacon communications with the geostationary satellites, but the low orbit satellites will be able to pick up the 406 MHz signal – it just might take a little longer to raise an alert.

Will my 406 MHz beacon work overseas?

Yes. The Cospas-Sarsat system operates worldwide. However, your beacon MUST BE REGISERED here in New Zealand to ensure you receive an effective response to your emergency in the rest of the world.

Can I travel on aircraft with my 406 MHz beacon?

Yes. But you should declare it to your airlines. If you try and take it as cabin baggage you risk it being confiscated due to the nature of the batteries in the beacon. This depends on the airline. You are advised to put it into your hold baggage. Airline notification and securing the switch in the off position are essential.

406 MHz beacons reduce the search area by 97%