Make the Switch to 406MHz (if you have an emergency beacon)

If you have an emergency beacon that sends distress signals on the 121.5 and 243 MHz frequency, you are strongly urged to switch to the newer, more reliable digital 406 MHz distress beacon that can be detected by satellite.

As of February 1, 2009, distress signals on the 121.5 and 243 frequencies will not be processed by search and rescue agencies. According to NOAA, "the decision to stop satellite processing of 121.5 / 243 MHz signals is due to problems in this frequency band which inundate search and rescue authorities with poor accuracy and numerous false alerts, adversely impacting the effectiveness of lifesaving services. Although the 406 MHz beacons cost more at the moment, they provide search and rescue agencies with more reliable and complete information to do their job more efficiently and effectively." For more information, visit NOAA's SARSAT