Y1-03-0157-2 Rev. G
4
3.2
Reporting of False Alarms
Should there be, for any reason, an inadvertent activation or false alarm,
it must be reported to the nearest
search and rescue authorities
. The information that should be reported includes the EPIRB 15-digit Unique
Identifier Number (UIN), date, time, duration and cause of activation, as well as location of beacon at the time
of activation.
To Report False Alarms in the United States Contact any of the Following
:
Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico
USCG Atlantic Area Command Center
Tel: (757) 398-6390
Pacific Ocean Area /
USCG Area Command Center
Tel: (510) 437-3700
USCG HQ Command Center
Tel:
(800)
323-7233
To Report False Alarms Worldwide contact the national authority where your beacon is registered.
SECTION 4 – INSTALLATION
4.1 Mounting
Location
The location selected must be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the total installation and at the same
time consider vibration, exposure to the elements, exposure to surrounding hazards, such as equipment
movement, doors being opened, accidental covering, personnel traffic, etc., and yet be readily accessible at all
times in the event of an emergency.
Also to be considered in selecting a location for installation is the harmful effect that certain corrosive vapors
might have on the beacon. Under no circumstances should a beacon be jeopardized by any foreign articles
being temporarily or permanently positioned during “at sea” or “in port” activities.
The beacon should face inboard on rail mount applications and should not be subjected to breaking waves.
CAUTION:
Care must be taken to prevent any lanyard, line, or other emergency equipment that may be
attached to the beacon from becoming entangled or fouled which could prevent the beacon from being
removed in an emergency.
Do not attach the beacon lanyard to the vessel or mounting bracket.
Do not mount the beacon in the vicinity 3.3 ft/1 m of strong magnetic or electrical fields, such as loud speakers,
radar or high power radio transmitter. The beacon should not be mounted closer than 3.3 ft/1 m. to a magnetic
navigation compass.
Mount the beacon in a vertical (antenna upward) position. In certain circumstances, such as medical
emergencies or disabled vessels, manual activation of the beacon for location and homing purposes is
sometimes requested. Mounting in this orientation provides the best homing signal.
The Category 1 float-free mounting bracket should be mounted securely to a
vertical or horizontal surface
(the
mount has predrilled holes for attachment to a flat surface) where there are no overhead obstructions. Location
aboard a vessel must be chosen to allow the beacon to float free of sinking craft and as high as possible,
especially on small vessels. This will help ensure operation of the hydrostatic release unit in the event the
vessel capsizes without sinking. See section 4.3 on removing the HRU.
The Category 1 float-free mounting bracket should be securely attached to the vessel. The use of #10
stainless steel hardware (not included) is recommended.
4.2 Visual
Inspection
Visually inspect the area surrounding the mounting bracket installation site for hidden hazards, obstacles, etc.,
that may have been overlooked during location selection. If there is any doubt as to the ready accessibility to
the beacon at all times or if any condition may appear to be questionable, make a complete and thorough
investigation before making final approval of the installation.
