Y1-03-0244E
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12. Preventing false alerts
A false alert is any activation of the beacon, intentional or otherwise, that does
not result from a situation of grave and imminent danger.
Be sure to do the following to help minimize false alerts:
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Register your beacon.
This does not reduce false alert rates;
however, when the beacon is properly registered, the situation can usually be
resolved with a phone call.
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Be careful with whom you leave your beacon.
Make sure that they
know how to use it, and that they understand the ramifications of causing a
false alert. A lot of false alerts are generated by curious individuals. If you
notice the beacon is flashing the red or green LED and “beeping” periodically
on its own, this likely means it has accidentally been activated and needs to be
shut off and reported.
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Do not stow beacon while other gear is in contact with the keypad.
The Cospas-Sarsat satellites detect distress beacon transmissions immediately
and locate the transmission within a few minutes of beacon activation.
NOTE:
If you report a false alert and the authorities have not received the
signal, do not be concerned. This may mean that you were able to deactivate
the beacon before transmitting the signal.
13. False alert
A false alert
must
be reported to the search and rescue authorities.
False alerts in the USA that are rectified must be reported to the US Air Force
Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) to let them know that the situation has
been corrected and everything is fine. Responsibly reporting these events to
the AFRCC or your proper authority will not incur a penalty, but deliberate
misuse or not notifying the proper authority may incur a severe penalty.
Reporting
Should there be a false alert for any reason, it
must
be reported to the nearest
search and rescue authorities. The information that should be reported
includes:
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The PLB 15-digit Unique Identifier Number (UIN)
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Time and date
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Duration and cause of activation
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Location of beacon at the time of activation