Consultation on the Merchant Shipping (EPIRB and PLB Registration) (Radiocommunications) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

1. This consultation seeks your views on the draft of The Merchant Shipping (EPIRB and PLB Registration) (Radiocommunications) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (“the new regulations”).  

2. 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:

radio@mcga.gov.uk