PSC deficiency code 05111: Satellite EPIRB 406MHz
Code 05111 is for the satellite EPIRB, the beacon that sends the ship's distress alert and identity through the Cospas-Sarsat system on 406 MHz. It usually sits on the monkey island or a bridge wing in a float-free bracket. The inspector's doubt is whether the beacon would float free, switch itself on and send an alert that rescue centres can trace to this ship.
What the inspector looks at
The check starts at the bracket and ends in the radio station.
- a clear path to float free, with nothing overhead to trap the beacon
- the hydrostatic release unit and the battery, both within the expiry dates on their labels
- the lanyard coiled in the bracket, not tied to the ship
- the beacon identity on the label against the ship's MMSI or call sign and the registration document
- a self-test in front of the officer, following the maker's instructions
- the annual test report and the certificate of the last shore-based maintenance
Common findings
- EPIRB battery expired
- EPIRB hydrostatic release unit expired
- Annual test of EPIRB not carried out
- EPIRB shore-based maintenance overdue
- EPIRB coded with previous MMSI after change of flag
- No evidence of EPIRB registration
- Self-test failed, beacon not operational
- Lanyard secured to bracket
The rule behind it
SOLAS chapter IV, regulation 7 requires every ship to carry a satellite EPIRB that floats free, activates automatically and can also be switched on by hand, stowed where one person can release it and carry it into a survival craft. Regulation 15 requires a test at intervals not exceeding 12 months, with emphasis on emission on the operating frequencies, coding and registration, and maintenance at an approved shore-based facility at intervals not exceeding five years.
Action codes you are likely to see
A lanyard tied to the bracket is untied on the spot and usually marked 10. An expired battery or HRU, or an overdue annual test, typically gets 17. Wrong coding or missing registration is often 17 too. The IMO list of detainable deficiencies includes absence or failure of the radio equipment for distress and safety communication, so an EPIRB that's missing or fails its test may be treated as a ground for detention (30). See action taken codes.
How to close it
Fit a new HRU from stock and record its expiry date. A battery change and the annual test need a radio technician or service station with proper test equipment; the report should show the decoded identity. After a change of flag, name or MMSI, have the beacon reprogrammed and registered with the new flag before sailing. Keep the registration confirmation, service report and radio log entry with the Form B. Related: other radiocommunication findings and reserve source of energy.