EPIRB question

[sailhog]

A generous friend of mine gave me his 12-year-old epirb. The battery is depleted, which I understand are fairly expensive to replace. Otherwise, it seems perfectly sound. However, it's my understand that I would need to register it. Would this be through NOAA? On the top of the device is a NOAA emblem, a line that reads PROOF OF REGISTRATION, the expiration date, a serial number, and the name of his boat. Anyone offer any guidance here? Appreciate any help.
Sailhog

[jr438234606]

Is it a 406MHZ EPIRB? If not, that may be why your friend gave it to you.

Carolina Currents | Old EPIRBs Discontinued

[sailhog]

It's a 406.025 MHz EPIRB; Litton is the manufacturer. I'm assuming that it's still usable and current?
Sailhog

[sailingdog]

yes, but you'll probably need a new battery for it. NOAA can change the regstration for you, but you will need an MMSI number

[sailhog]

Thanks, Sailingdog... now what's an MMSI number?
Apologies for being stupid...
Sailhog

[soul searcher]

Sailhog,
we just changed a battery in an acr it was 350.00 the antenna was dry rotted a bit also, another 120.00. still beats paying 1000.00 for a new one
register it on line they will give you the number if you don't already have one.
Emergency Beacon Registration Redirection Welcome Page

[sailingdog]

Believe it stands for Maritime Moblie Service Identity, which is the number that the USCG and other emergency services associate with your boat for the DSC equipped radios and EPIRBs.

If you don't have one, you should probably apply to the FCC and get one. IIRC, two organizations, BoatUS and ShineMicro can give them out as well. However, if you plan to travel outside of the US, for instance to Canada or the Caribbean, you will need to apply via the FCC, since you will also need a ship's station radio license.

[sailhog]

Thanks Soul Searcher and Sailingdog. You boys are the best.
Sailhog