Don't venture offshore without your EPIRB
An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is an effective alerting and locating device that is complusory for all vessels operating more than 2 nautical miles from the shore.
Once activated, the EPIRB transmits a signal for at least 48 hours and can be detected by satellites and aircraft.
From 1 February 2009, 121.5 MHz distress beacons are no longer detected by satellite – you must switch to a 406 MHz distress beacon. Essential 406 beacon information is availalble from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Register
When you purchase a new EPIRB you must register it online with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This ensures that every activation of an EPIRB from a vessel is linked to the vessel and owner. You may rent, hire or borrow a beacon, but you must go onto the AMSA website and re-register your beacon for that particular voyage.
