The processed data containing distress location and identification of user/object in distress is sent to SAR agencies (RCCs/MRCCs) for further action.

The Indian ground system consists of 2 LEOLUTs (one each at Bangalore and Lucknow), 1 GEOLUT and an INMCC at Bangalore. The LEOSAR and GEOSAR systems were commissioned during 1989-90 and in 1992 respectively.

 
4. HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?

The ship/aircraft/land users carry emergency transmitters (beacons: EPIRB/ELT/PLB), which can be activated either manually or automatically in case of a distress situation such as an accident, a crash, sinking, fire, explosion, etc. These units, when activated, transmit distress signals, which are picked-up by Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, and relayed to ground receiving stations known as Local User Terminals (LUTs).

The LUTs track and receive the data, and provide user identification and location (Lat, Long) of the object/person in distress, precisely through Doppler principle using the relative motion between the source beacon and the satellite, or from the beacon data itself where the location is determined using GPS satellites. Alerts are then relayed, together with identification and location data, via a Mission Control Centre (MCC) to an appropriate Search and Rescue Point of Contact (RCC/MRCC) for further action.

RCC personnel use the beacon information to identify the user through the “Online Beacon Registration Database”, and then try to ascertain about the type of distress by contacting the owner prior to launching a SAR mission. If the beacon is not registered, and if there is no collateral information available about the distress, the SAR operations can be adversely affected causing delay in rescue operation.
5. DISTRESS MESSAGE DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE

The Indian MCC is connected with 4 national Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) of the Airports Authority of India, 3 Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) of Indian Coast Guard and 7 neighbouring countries known as Search and Rescue Points of Contact (SPOCs) through Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) backed with email and manual FAX. The INMCC service area is shown in the diagram. The Indian MCC automatically detects any distress alert received within its coverage area and transmits to the respective designated points of contact.

 
   
The alerts detected outside Indian service area are passed on to Russian and Australian Mission Control Centres for further distribution to respective SPOCs.
6. ONLINE REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ BEACONS
(ELTs/EPIRBs/PLBs)
“It is all about time…. The sooner we know you are in distress, where you are and who you are, the sooner help can get underway”
Registration of 406 MHz distress beacons with the recognized beacon registration databases is crucial as they are accessible to search and rescue authorities at all times. The information contained in these databases concerning the beacon, its owner, emergency contacts and the type of aircraft/vessel on which the beacon is mounted is vital for the effective utilization of Search and Rescue resources. The proper registration of a beacon could make the difference between success and failure of a search and rescue mission. During distress, “time” is a very critical factor and every minute spent directly affects the potential lives at risk. Hence, registration of radio beacons with INMCC is in the interest of the user and is very useful in the emergency situations, when you most need it. The registration of a beacon (EPIRB/ELT/PLB) helps to discriminate false alarms quickly, saving SAR resources and efforts by the SAR forces. The registration information is stored securely at the INMCC and is used only for search and rescue purposes. In India, about 5100 beacons are currently registered with INMCC.
Register your beacon online at https://inmcc.istrac.org
  • All beacon users to ensure that they are registered users of INMCC Online Beacon Registration System. If not, register immediately through the INMCC website link. It is free of cost
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    Users should verify and confirm the correctness/accuracy of the information made available in the database
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    Beacons are to be registered online only, no manual registration is accepted at INMCC
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