EPIRBs - The Robin Storm/gCaptain Investigation Continues…
seanseamour on May 23 2008 at 11:19 am | Filed under: Sean Seamour II, The Tale of Two EPIRBS
I am reposting the joint notice to mariners from gCaptain.com and Robin storm, I encourage all to read and and check their EPIRB, the data covers all countries:
“We are recommending that all mariners who own GPIRB/EPIRBs make sure that they are properly registered with the Nation State that the vessel is registered with. If you own one that is not registered please take the time and register it. Registration is free.
We are also recommending that all mariners check the hexadecimal code with that Nation State.
If you are foreign registered https://www.406registration.com/ is the place they go to for checking the information on internationally registered EPIRBS
If you are US registered there are a couple of ways to achieve this.
1. You can write the NOAA registry at COSPAS-SARSAT, NSOF, E/SP3, 4231 Suitland Road, Suitland, MD
2. You can call COSPAS-SARSAT at 301.817.4515 or toll free: at 888.212.7283.
3. Fax them at 301.817.4565. Provide them with all the information on the GPIRB/EPIRB including the boat/vessel/aircraft and owners identification which the devise is registered to.
4. You can check on-line if the GPIRB/EPIRB is already registered by clicking on the link below…
Cospas Sarsat
Once again check and make sure that your GPRIB/EPIRB’s certification and maintenance is in order and was done properly by which ever service company was used. Even if this means calling them. Lastly, we ask all mariners who’s GPIRB/EPIRBs are no longer operational to contact their respective Nation State registries and cancel out the registration.
DO NOT ACTIVATE THE GPIRB/EPIRB TO TEST IT! Talk about all hell breaking out….
While your checking this equipment why not check the rest of your life safety equipment, such as all flotation devises, beacons, rafts, radio’s, flare guns etc…. Do it now and do not wait until your underway. Remember also filing a “Float Plan” is not a bad idea. Who knows it just might be your life it saves one day. The idea is to make it easy for rescue agencies to locate you. No matter if your sailing transatlantic or floating on a lake or bay.
I will also add that it appears that the other Nation States that are partnered with NOAACOSPAT-SARSAT seem to have the same problems that we are covering here. It just might be something that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) may have to get involved with.
We will keep you posted as our investigation continues. If any of our readers have heard or know of a reported GPIRB/EPIRB failure(s) just contact me here at Robin Storm http://robinstorm.blogspot.com
NASCAS Member
http://www.chasingstorms.com/
or
Captain John Konrad at gCaptain.com
Messing About In Ships
http://messingaboutinships.com/
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