Consultation on the Merchant Shipping (EPIRB and PLB Registration) (Radiocommunications) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Consultation description
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This consultation seeks your views on the draft of The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB and PLB Registration) (Radiocommunications) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (“the new regulations”).
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The new regulations have six aims. These are:
a) To update the governing legislation by replacing the existing instrument: The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB Registration) Regulations 2000;
b) To reflect changes in technology by updating the registration requirements for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs);
c) To introduce the requirement to register Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) used on ships, hovercraft and watercraft to enable His Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG) to take Search and Rescue (SAR) action more efficiently;
d) To strengthen sanctions for breach of the registration requirements;
e) To introduce these changes for UK flagged ships and hovercraft (and to include watercraft falling within the scope of the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023);
f) To make amendments to other Statutory Instruments.
Contact email and/or postal address:
UK Technical Services – Navigation (Radio)
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road,
Southampton,
SO15 1EG