Public Advisory on EPIRBS

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a public advisory reminding boaters to properly dispose of old Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS).

EPIRBS transmit a boater’s location to rescuers. Improper disposal can lead to non-distress activation and unneeded rescue attempts, costing time and taxpayer dollars. False reports are reported to the Federal Communications Commission, which can prosecute cases and levy fines up to $10,000.

The Coast Guard and International Maritime Organization recommend removing batteries from old EPIRBS and shipping units back to manufacturers or simply destroying them. Once it is disposed of it should be unregistered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For more information on EPIRBS visit http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html.