Welcome to SARSAT

Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking

The SARSAT system is fully operational and detection and delivery of distress alerts have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, the SARSAT website may not be updated regularly, please reference the date of the information. We will continue to update as possible. Beacon registrations continue to be processed normally.

Around the world...around the clock...NOAA proudly stands watch. As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, NOAA operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.

The SARSAT system uses NOAA satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits as well as GPS satellites in medium earth orbit to detect and locate aviators, mariners, and land-based users in distress. The satellites relay distress signals from emergency beacons to a network of ground stations and ultimately to the U.S. Mission Control Center (USMCC) in Suitland, Maryland. The USMCC processes the distress signal and alerts the appropriate search and rescue authorities to who is in distress and, more importantly, where they are located. Truly, SARSAT takes the "search" out of search and rescue!

NOAA-SARSAT is a part of the international Cospas-Sarsat Program to which 41 nations and two independent SAR organizations belong. To find out more about SARSAT please feel free to explore our website. We hope you enjoy your visit!

SARSAT - A Lifeline To Survival!

For important information on Airworthiness Directives, Ameri-King ELTs, recalls on Kannad EPIRBS, and a warning regarding unapproved beacon batteries, visit our safety notices page.

All U.S. coded beacons must be registered with NOAA. Read or download our registration brochure to learn more!

COSPAS-SARSAT Rescues September 18, 2020

Number of People Rescued in Calendar Year 2020 in the United States: 227

Rescues at sea: 165 people rescued in 61 incidents

people rescued in incidents Aviation rescues: 7 people rescued in 5 incidents

people rescued in incidents Terrestrial PLB rescues: 55 people rescued in 36 incidents

people rescued in incidents Worldwide – Over 48,000+ people rescued (since 1982)

people rescued (since 1982) United States – 9,316 People Rescued (since 1982)

Number of People Rescued in Calendar Year 2019 in the United States: 421

Rescues at sea: 306 people rescued in 95 incidents

people rescued in incidents Aviation rescues: 38 people rescued in 20 incidents

people rescued in incidents Terrestrial PLB rescues: 77 people rescued in 61 incidents

Recent Calendar Year Totals in the United States:



2018: 340 people

2017: 275 people

2016: 307 people

2015: 250 people

2014: 240 people

2013: 261 people

2012: 263 people

2011: 207 people

2010: 295 people

2009: 195 people

2008: 282 people

2007: 353 people

2006: 272 people

2005: 222 people

2004: 260 people

2003: 224 people

2002: 171 people

2001: 166 people