Register a UK 406 megahertz (MHz) beacon
A UK 406 MHz beacon sends a distress signal to alert search and rescue authorities to your location.
Use this service to:
- register a UK 406 MHz beacon
- update your beacon registration details
- update your vessel or aircraft details
You can register the following types of UK 406 MHz beacon:
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), for any use
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Simplified Voyage-Data Recorder, for maritime use
- Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) or ELT dongle, for aircraft use
Registering is free and takes around 15 minutes.
Start nowBefore you start
You’ll need:
- the beacon Hexadecimal Identification (HEX ID) or Unique Identifying Number (UIN), manufacturer serial number and model
- an emergency contact for search and rescue authorities
- if you have a vessel - your vessel name, number, call sign, Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, and details of the radio communications equipment you use
- if you have an aircraft - your aircraft make, model, registration mark, and details of the radio communications equipment you use
Other ways to apply
Contact the UK Beacon Registry team to:
- get help registering online
- register multiple beacons at once
- register by post
The UK Beacon Registry
- ukbeacons@mcga.gov.uk: this is the quickest way to contact us
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 3817 2006
- Fax: +44 (0)1326 319264
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)
- Find out about call charges
Data protection regulations
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) collect and retain the personal information provided when you register a UK programmed 406 MHz beacon. Processing your information allows the MCA to exercise its official duty and to identify persons in distress and helps save lives.
We will retain your information until we are advised that the beacon is no longer active, for example it has been removed from the vessel, replaced or destroyed.
We will share your information with global Search and Rescue authorities and those delegated authorities, such as RNLI, Police or Rescue helicopter crew, that are directly involved with investigations relating to a beacon activation.
Further details on Beacon Registration privacy policy can be found at 406 MHz beacons privacy information notice.
To find out more about how the MCA looks after personal data, your rights, and how to contact our data protection officer, please go to personal information charter.