You must replace your EPIRB now to 406!

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-05-31 18:30:09
Countries: Australia

Australian recreational boat owners with vessels eight metres or longer must replace their distress beacons under new rules to take effect on 1 July 2008. Commercial vessels which come into survey after 1 July will also be required to make the switch to a 406MHz beacon. (EPIRBs)

An amendment to the Boating (Safety Equipment) Regulation - NSW, under the Maritime Services Act, will require 406MHz beacons to replace any 121.5 MHz analogue beacons by July.

From 1 February 2009, the outdated 121.5 MHz signal will no longer be monitored by aircraft or satellite.

Each 406 MHz beacon - registered to an individual person and their craft - carries a unique identification code, transmitted when the beacon is activated.

The unique code provides vital information about the registered boat and its owner - ensuring a faster and more effective search and rescue response appropriate to the vessel size. The analogue beacon provided only a position to rescuers.

Skippers of recreational vessels 8m or larger are required by law to carry a distress beacon - as well as other safety equipment such as a combination of distress signals - when operating two nautical miles or more from the coast.

NSW Maritime Boating Officers randomly check safety equipment, including distress beacons on vessels. Last year, more than 35,000 checks were conducted on NSW waters.

For more information go to http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/index.asp