Rules of the Road · Distress Signals

An EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) signal transmitted on 406 MHz or 121.5 MHz is recognized as a distress signal under Annex IV. This is referenced in which paragraph?

Explanation

Annex IV paragraph 1(n) covers 'signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons,' encompassing EPIRBs and PLBs on 406 MHz (satellite-detected) and 121.5 MHz (homing). The 1981 amendments added this signal to keep Annex IV aligned with advancing search-and-rescue technology.

Authority: 72 COLREGS Annex IV, paragraph 1(n)

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