- Ensuring effective search and rescue readiness under international maritime safety systems
EPIRB REGISTRATION & EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMPLIANCE
Vessels registered under the Comoros flag are required to maintain accurate registration of their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to support global Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and ensure compliance with international maritime safety standards.
EPIRB REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Emergency Beacon Registration for Comoros-Flagged Vessels
All ships registered with the Comoros Maritime Administration are required to submit full details of their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) no later than thirty (30) days after vessel registration. EPIRB registration is completed using Application Form , which must be submitted directly to the Comoros Maritime Administration Head Office. Upon receipt, the EPIRB information is entered into the COSPAS-SARSAT International Beacon Registration Database (IBRD), which is used exclusively by international Search and Rescue authorities in the event of beacon activation. Further information regarding the COSPAS-SARSAT system is available at www.cospas-sarsat.int
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Owner Obligations and Recordkeeping
Confirmation of EPIRB registration is not issued automatically by the Comoros Maritime Administration. Owners who require confirmation for their internal records must request it separately. Vessel owners remain fully responsible for ensuring that all EPIRB registration information is accurate and kept up to date at all times. Any changes to EPIRB details, including emergency contact names or telephone numbers, must be reported promptly by submitting an updated Form to the Administration.
Country Code and Technical Compliance
All EPIRBs installed on vessels registered under the Comoros flag must be correctly programmed with the Comoros country code (269). Programming may be carried out by any competent technician, and the Administration does not require the technician to be specifically authorized by Comoros Maritime. Responsibility for ensuring correct EPIRB programming and compliance rests solely with the vessel owner.
Deletion or Bareboat Charter Out
When a vessel is deleted from the Comoros registry or bareboat chartered out under another flag, the Comoros Maritime Administration will remove the vessel’s EPIRB registration entry from the International Beacon Registration Database. This ensures that emergency data remains accurate and aligned with the vessel’s current registry status.
Additional Guidance
For full technical and procedural guidance relating to EPIRB registration and management, owners and operators are advised to consult Maritime Circular MC/11/09.
Service provider registration process
Steps to Register
Review registration requirements
Download and review the applicable registration procedures and eligibility requirements relevant to the vessel type and intended registration.
Complete the required application forms
Prepare and complete the prescribed application forms together with all supporting documentation required for registration.
Submit documentation for review
Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Comoros Maritime Administration, an authorized maritime registrar, or an approved service provider for assessment and approval.