3 Prevention of false distress alerts
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.1039 – Guidelines for Shore-Based Maintenance of Satellite EPIRBs – (Adopted on 28 May 2002) - Annex – Guidelines for Shore-Based Maintenance of Satellite EPIRBs - - 3 Prevention of false distress alerts

3 Prevention of false distress alerts

  3.1 Throughout the testing and maintenance process, great care must be taken to avoid the transmission of false distress alerts. The transmissions may be picked up by aircraft as well as satellites.

  3.2 A radio-frequency-screened room or enclosure should be used for all maintenance procedures involving, or likely to involve, any transmission from an EPIRB.

  3.3 Provision of a 121.5 MHz monitor receiver is required; this will pick up the homing transmitter and give a warning if the EPIRB is accidentally activated outside the screened enclosure.

  3.4 If a distress signal is transmitted accidentally, the local RCC should be contacted immediately and informed of the co-ordinates of the test site.


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