1. The Conference of Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 1988 by Resolution 3 -Recommendation on the early introduction of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) elements (GMDSS/CONF.8) recommended that satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) be introduced as early as possible and invited the Maritime Safety Committee to keep this matter under review and take appropriate steps to promote their early introduction.

2. Since then, the Secretariat has received requests from various sources for information on manufacturers of approved 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs and the attached information on manufacturers of COSPAS-SARSAT type approved 406 MHz distress beacons may be of assistance to Member Governments and others concerned. Further information on new type approved equipment will be circulated when received.

3. Member Governments are invited to bring this information to the attention of all concerned.