Threads / Merchant Shipping Safety Regulations / Consultation on the merchant shipping (EPIRB and PLB regist…
Consultation Outcome Published 14 Oct 2025 Maritime and Coastguard Agency ↗ View on GOV.UK

Consultation on the merchant shipping (EPIRB and PLB registration) regulations 2025

In accordance with international requirements, the MCA maintains an online portal for registration of UK coded 406 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs. This MSN explains all the registration requirements.

Opened 5 Dec 2024
Closed 21 Feb 2025
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▤ Verbatim text from source document

  1. This consultation seeks your views on the draft of The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB and PLB Registration) (Radiocommunications) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (“the new regulations”).  

  2. The new regulations have six aims. These are: 

a. To update and replace the existing instrument: The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB Registration) Regulations 2000;   

b. To reflect changes in technology and improve response timings by updating the registration requirements for EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons);   

c. To introduce the requirement to register PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) used in the maritime environment;  

d. To strengthen sanctions for breach of the registration requirements;   

e. To introduce these changes for UK flagged ships and hovercraft (and include watercraft falling within the scope of the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023);  

f. To make amendments to other Statutory Instruments.