DISCONTINUANCE OF 121.5 & 243 MHz
FOR SATELLITE DISTRESS ALERTS
The Cospas-Sarsat Program has announced plans to terminate satellite
processing of distress signals from 121.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons
on February 1, 2009. Users of the system will have to switch to
emergency beacons operating at 406 MHz, which are more reliable and
provide search and rescue agencies complete information that they need
to do their job, in order to be detected by satellites.

Reasons for the Cospas-Sarsat program to discontinue use are driven by
guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These two agencies
are responsible for regulating the safety of ships and aircraft on
international transits and handle international standards for maritime
and aeronautical search and rescue missions. In addition, 121.5 MHz
false alerts inundate search and rescue resources which impact the
effectiveness of lifesaving services.

Individuals who plan on buying a new distress beacon may wish to take
the Cospas-Sarsat decision into account. For further information please
see www.sarsat.noaa.gov.