[dgax65]

I think the plan is to have the satellites monitor only the 406MHz. This provides the signal to the rescue agencies. The 121.5MHz beacons will no longer be monitored from the satellites, but they will still be used by the SAR boats/aircraft to home in on the source. Non-GPS equipped EPRIB will only get the SAR craft so close. They still have to find you once they get in the general area (no easy task, even in good conditions). Even with a LAT/LON from a GPS equipped EPIRB, they still have to find you. The GPS fix might not be 100% accurate or there may be some latency that comes into play. That is why it is so important to have signal devices with you. The electronics can get rescuers close, but you still need to have them spot you. Radio beacons, flares, smoke signals, dye markers, lights, signal mirrors and whistles will help make their search much quicker and easier. High visibility colors and reflective strips on you clothing will also make it easier for SAR forces to find you.