Report No. DC-2617         ACTION IN DOCKET CASE              June 17, 1994


        FCC AMENDS MARITIME AND AVIATION SERVICES RULES TO REQUIRE
            REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ RADIOBEACONS WITH THE NOAA
                          (PR DOCKET NO. 93-143)

     The Commission has amended Parts 80 and 87 of the rules to
require registration of emergency position indicating radiobeacons
(EPIRBs) that are carried on ships, and emergency locator
transmitters (ELTs) that are carried on aircraft, operating on the
frequency 406.025 MHz with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).

     This amendment of the rules will enhance maritime and aviation
safety by providing valuable distress information to search and
rescue personnel concerning the type, size and itinerary of the
aircraft/vessel, as well as prevent launching potentially dangerous
missions on false distress signals.

     The NOAA maintains a database for 406 MHz beacons that
contains more than 13,400 unique identification codes and
registration information.  Although registration by beacon owners
in this database is strongly encouraged through education programs
by the United States Coast Guard and NOAA, at present, such
registration is voluntary.

     The rules require manufacturers to program into each EPIRB or
ELT a unique code and provide an equipment plate or label on each
406 MHz EPIRB or ELT displaying the unique NOAA identification code
and registration instructions.  Manufacturers must also include a
pre-paid, pre-addressed post card soliciting the owner's name,
address, telephone number, the type of ship or aircraft, and the
unique identification code for registration in NOAA's database. 
The rules now require users to mail the pre-paid registration card
to the NOAA.

     Action by the Commission June 13, 1994, by Report and Order
(FCC 94-170).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello and Barrett,
with Commissioners Ness and Chong not participating.

                                   -FCC-

     News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
     Private Radio Bureau contact: James A. Shaffer at (202) 632-
7197.