EPRIB Information

Please note this is information about a requirement for AUX Facilities to carry an EPIRB after 01 June 2004.  More information will be added here as it becomes available.

R 172044Z DEC 02 ZUI ASN-A00351000209 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-O//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N10470//
ALCOAST 572/02
COMDTNOTE 10470
SUBJ: PEPIRB/EPIRB CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR CG AUXILIARY BOATS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC R 091744Z MAY 02 ALCOAST 239/02

1. TO PARALLEL REFERENCE A, BUT WITH CONSIDERATION OF THE OPERATIONAL DIFFERENCES AND LIMITATIONS BETWEEN THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AND COAST GUARD, A REQUIREMENT FOR AUXILIARY VESSELS TO CARRY AN EPIRB (EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON) OR A PEPIRB (PERSONAL EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON) IS ESTABLISHED.

2. EFFECTIVE 01 JUNE 2004 ALL AUXILIARY SURFACE FACILITIES, INCLUDING PERSONAL WATER CRAFT (PWC) WHILE UNDERWAY ON ORDERS SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM OF ONE CREWMEMBER PER VESSEL CARRYING A MCMURDO FASTFIND 406 PEPIRB AS NOTED IN PARAGRAPH 3 BELOW IF THE VESSEL IS NOT OUTFITTED WITH A CATEGORY I OR II, 406 MHZ EPIRB.

3. MCMURDO LIMITED OF PORTSMOUTH, HAMPSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT FOR THE FASTFIND MODEL, 406 MHZ PEPIRB. DISTRICT DIRECTORS OF AUXILIARY (DIRAUX) WILL PURCHASE PEPIRBS VIA CG CONTRACTING OFFICERS AS PER REFERENCE A, AND COORDINATE ISSUANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

4. G-OCX INITIAL STARTUP FUNDING PENDS APPROVAL OF THE CG FY 03 BUDGET. DIRAUXS SHALL MAKE INITIAL ISSUANCE DETERMINATION WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS AND COORDINATE REGISTRATION, TRAINING, AND MAINTENANCE AS PER REFERENCE A, PARAGRAPHS 3H, I, J, AND K.

5. IF SERVICE OF THE PEPIRB REQUIRES CG FUNDS FOR REPAIRS, THE FUNDING SOURCE WILL BE COORDINATED BY THE ISSUING AUTHORITY (DIRAUX).

6. ATTACHMENT OF THE PEPIRB TO THE SAR VEST OR PFD, SHALL BE AS PER REFERENCE A, PARAGRAPHS 3E, F, AND G.

7. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

8. RELEASED BY RADM DAVID S. BELZ, ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS.

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More information...this time on PEPRIBs

Date Posted: March 14, 2005
To:    ALAUX
Frm: CHDIRAUX (G-OCX-1)
Subj: McMurdo Personal EPIRB (PEPIRB) Configuration Change -004/05

References:
a. Maintenance Procedure Card 583041.0
b. Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10E

1. The following is provided in response to concerns about the subject PEPIRBs that have been distributed throughout Auxiliary operational communities.

2. Make the following configuration change to all in-service and in-stock PEPIRBs and new PEPIRBs received from the manufacturer: Attach a 2-inch by 2-inch piece of velcro hook tape to the PEPIRB battery. Do not cover the battery expiration date. Self-adhesive velcro hook tape is available from numerous sources including Burch Fabrics, 4200 Brockton Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49572, telephone (800) 543-0441.

A. Maintenance Card:
http://www.cgaux.info/g_ocx/cginfo/pepirb.pdf

3. It has been brought to our attention that water intrusion into the antenna storage well may lead to signal degradation under certain conditions. In order to mitigate this, after activation, boat crew members shall make every effort to keep the PEPIRB out of the water, the antenna and antenna storage well as dry as possible, and the PEPIRB oriented so that the antenna has an unobstructed view of the sky. This is achieved by attaching the PEPIRB to the helmet, hood or survival vest/PFD and routinely checking to ensure water has not collected in the antenna well.

4. Correct PEPIRB registration with NOAA in accordance with reference (a) is critical. PEPIRB registration can now be done on line at:
http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov.

5. A copy of this message shall be retained in the front of reference (b) pending promulgation of the next change. The accompanying PDF file Maintenance Procedure Card is also applicable.

6. Questions can be directed to the Coast Guard Rescue and Survival Systems Manager, CWO Tom Dardis at (202) 267-1585 or tdardis@comdt.uscg.mil.

7. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc.  All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and information.

8. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

9. G-OCX-1, SENDS