Editing Distress signal (section)

=== Device loss and disposal ===
To avoid pointless searches some devices must be reported when lost. This particularly applies to EPIRBs, lifebuoys, rafts, and devices marked with the vessel's name and port.

Expired flares should not be set off, as this indicates distress. Rather, most port authorities offer disposal facilities for expired distress pyrotechnics. In some areas special training events are organized, where the flares can be used safely.<!--regularly arranged in parts of Finland, in cooperation with emergency authorities-->

EPIRBs must not be disposed of into general waste as discarded EPIRBs often trigger at the waste disposal facility. In 2013, the majority of EPIRB activations investigated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority were due to the incorrect disposal of obsolete 121.5&nbsp;MHz EPIRB beacons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gaden |first=Phil |title=A 406Mhz beacon is your best chance of being rescued |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X8FJmdcmAI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212014747/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X8FJmdcmAI&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=2013-12-12 |url-status=dead |publisher=Australian Maritime Safety Authority |access-date=21 March 2014}}</ref>