RSS-287 Issue 4: Canada Updates Standards for Emergency Beacons

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released a draft version of RSS-287 Issue 4, an updated regulatory standard governing the certification of emergency radio beacons used in maritime, aviation, and personal safety applications. The update replaces the previous version published in April 2024 and introduces new technical requirements and certification procedures for life-saving communication devices.

The regulation covers key emergency technologies including Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) used on ships, Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) installed in aircraft, Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) carried by individuals, and Maritime Survivor Locator Devices (MSLDs) designed to help locate people in the water during rescue operations.

Transition Period for Manufacturers

To support a smooth regulatory transition, ISED has established a six-month implementation period following the publication of the new standard. During this time, manufacturers and importers may continue to certify devices under either the previous Issue 3 or the new Issue 4.

After the transition period ends, however, all equipment manufactured, imported, or sold in Canada must comply exclusively with RSS-287 Issue 4.

Key Updates in RSS-287 Issue 4 for Maritime Safety

One of the main objectives of the updated regulation is to improve maritime distress communication and rescue efficiency. Several notable technical updates have been introduced, particularly related to Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and survivor locator technologies.

Open-Loop DSC Communication

The new standard introduces support for open-loop Digital Selective Calling configurations. In this setup, a distress beacon first transmits a closed-loop alert to a designated vessel for approximately five minutes. If no response is received, the device can then switch to open-loop broadcasting, allowing nearby vessels to receive the distress signal.

This functionality increases the chances that surrounding ships can detect and respond to an emergency.

New Certification Requirements for MSLDs

RSS-287 Issue 4 also adds dedicated certification requirements for Maritime Survivor Locator Devices, detailed in Section 5.5 of the regulation. These provisions ensure that MSLDs can receive acknowledgment signals from coast stations, improving coordination during rescue operations.

Consolidated RF Requirements

To simplify regulatory compliance, the technical requirements for legacy transmitters operating on 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz frequencies have been consolidated into a single section of the regulation. This change provides clearer guidance for manufacturers developing or certifying legacy beacon systems.

Important Safety Clarification About MSLDs

ISED has also emphasized a critical distinction between MSLDs and satellite distress beacons. Unlike EPIRBs and PLBs, MSLDs are short-range proximity alert devices and do not transmit distress signals through the satellite-based COSPAS-SARSAT search-and-rescue network.

Because of this limitation, the agency stresses that MSLDs should not be considered substitutes for EPIRBs or PLBs.

To prevent confusion among users, new bilingual labeling requirements will require manufacturers to clearly state on product packaging that the device is not an EPIRB and does not provide satellite distress signaling.

Updated Certification Procedures

In addition to technical updates, RSS-287 Issue 4 modifies the certification process for certain emergency beacons by introducing additional coordination between Canadian agencies.

Manufacturers seeking certification for EPIRBs must now obtain a verification letter from Transport Canada confirming operational compliance. Meanwhile, applicants for PLB certification must secure a recommendation from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.

These measures are intended to ensure that certified devices meet not only radio frequency requirements but also the operational standards required for effective search-and-rescue missions.