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7.13
RLS system
This EPIRB sends a Return Link Service status together with the distress
signal on 406 MHz when it is activated. When this message is received by
the ground station, an acknowledge signal is returned to the EPIRB through
the Galileo position system. The EPIRB receives this acknowledge signal
through its GNSS module. In this way the user can be informed that the
distress signal has been received and localized.
To enable the RLS feature the EPIRB needs to be configured with a Cospas-
Sarsat RLS protocol. You can check your 15 HEX code on this webpage
http://www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/pro
and look for the link “Beacon
Message Decode Program” to check if you have an RLS protocol coded in
your EPIRB.
The RLS feature is designed to send an acknowledgment to the user in
less than 30 minutes from EPIRB activation. Alerting of the distress to
SAR authorities is independent of (and may occur before) the RLS
acknowledgment indication on the EPIRB. This specification is described
in the Galileo SAR Service Definition Document:
https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-
RLS is an optional function and may not be permitted in all countries or
for all EPIRB types. You may visit the web page “Countries Allowing RLS
Beacons” to learn the most recent information about national support
for RLS:
https://cospas-sarsat.int/en/beacon-ownership/rls-enabled-beacon-
