Registering an inReach with Maritime Agencies as a PLB or EPIRB

PLBs (Personal Locator Beacon) and EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) are registered with maritime agencies so that the owner can be identified when an SOS is triggered. These are registered using a Hex ID or UIN (Unique Identification Number), which is transmitted by a radio signal during an SOS to convey information to search and rescue teams so they may identify who triggered the SOS. 

Capable Garmin inReach® satellite communicator devices do not have a Hex ID or UIN, because they do not send a radio transmission when an SOS is triggered. When an SOS is triggered, owner information is transferred to the Garmin Response™ Center, through the Iridium Network. There is no need to register these devices with maritime agencies for SOS.

If you have questions about using an SOS in specific scenarios, or have follow-up questions after having triggered an SOS for any reason, contact the Garmin Response℠ Center.