- Action: To Do List item A0036 – Obtain and install a new EPIRB.
- Completed: 23 September 2015
- Cost: $446.49
On 29 March 2015, ordered a ACR PLB-37 GlobalFix PRO GPS EPIRB part number 2844 at a cost of $446.49 from Defender's website. This was shipped to our balikbayan box consolidator and forwarder Manila Forwarder in Los Angles, California and received on 17 April 2015. We received them in Naga City, Cebu on 23 June 2015.
The EPIRB's manual first instruction was to register the EPIRB at National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking website. Before you register your beacon, you will need to have a mailing address, a USCG COD number, and a FCC assigned radio call sign and MMSI number. At the NOAA website, first you register and then fill out a simple online electronic beacon registration form.
Almost instantly you get an email confirmation of registration. A paper copy is also sent by mail that has a proof-of-registration decal to be attached to your EPIRB. The registration is valid for 2 years and you need to renew it at the NOAA website - this date was added to our master tracking list of Due Dates. The received beacon registration paper copy was put in a protective plastic sleeve and added to the master ships logbook.
The EPIRB's manual specifies the beacon battery should be replaced 5 years from the installation date but no later than the battery expiry date - our EPIRB battery expiration date was February 2021.
It also states that at least every ninety days inspect and clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove any residue buildups. It specifies that once per month to perform the beacon Self-Test. These inspection/maintenance requirements were added to our master tracking list of Periodic Maintenance Requirements.
The EPIRB was mounted just inside the companionway door, on the port side cabin top wall.
