ACR&Artex ThunderBird SSAS - Manual (Page 4)

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D 1
SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION AND PROGRAMMING YOUR 406 MHZ BEACONS
1.1
Programming
This SSAS beacon is programmed with a serialized Unique Identifier Number (UIN). In order for a security
alert to be routed properly, this beacon must be reprogrammed by an authorized ACR distributor before
installation or use can occur.
This beacon must be reprogrammed as follows:
With protocol code for SSAS
With the country code of the vessel’s flag state
With the vessel’s unique MMSI
1.2
Registration importance
It is imperative that the owner of this 406 MHz beacon registers it with the National Authorities*. All 406
MHz beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. For SSAS the UIN programmed
in the beacon
must be the vessel’s MMSI. Registration provides the security forces with up to date
emergency contact information, which will speed up the launch of a rescue operation. The national
authorities use the information to verify if an actual emergency exists. Valuable resources are wasted
every year responding to false alarms. For beacons that are not registered, the national authorities will not
know who you are, what type of vessel you have, your homeport, or who has a copy of your float plan. This
will delay the launch of the mission.
* National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for SSAS registration database
administration for the country the SSAS is programmed for.
1.3
Where to register
The owner of a 406 MHz beacon (SSAS) should register it with the national authority of the vessels flagged
state, regardless of where they operate. Each beacon must be programmed with the country code of the
vessels flag state, and will only be accepted for registration in that country. To verify the country for which
a beacon is programmed, see the label with the UIN on the back of the unit. Beacons purchased outside
the flagged state of the vessel MUST be reprogrammed by a properly equipped distributor for registration.
1.4
Registration in the United States
It is the o wner’s responsibility to register 406 MHz beacons that are programmed for and purchased in the
United States. The national authority that accepts registrations in the United States is the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The owner should complete the enclosed registration form (Do
not confuse this with the ACR Electronics warranty card) and mail with the pre-addressed; postage paid
envelope to:
SARSAT beacon Registration,
E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4
NOAA/NESDIS
5200 Auth Rd.
Suitland, MD 20746-4304
Online registration is now available. Please visit - www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
The information provided on the registration form is used only for rescue purposes. The registration form
should be filled out and mailed immediately. Registration can be expedited by registering online or by
faxing the registration form to Fax # (301) 568-8649. Registrations should be faxed in the event the beacon
is to be placed in immediate service and followed up with the mailing of the hard copy form.
All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration database within 48 hours of
receipt. A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-registration decal will be
mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive these documents, please check the information
carefully and place in the SSAS annex of your vessel security plan. Do not affix the registration label to the
beacon. This may compromise the covert nature of the beacon. (See page 1). If you do not receive
confirmation back from NOAA, please call toll free 1-888-212-7283 for assistance.