EPIRBs
What is an EPIRB?
An EPIRB is a emergency position indicating radio beacon.
What do EPIRBs do?
The EPIRB transmits a signal to a family of dedicated satellites for re-transmitting to ground stations for alerting search and rescue authorities.
Who must carry an EPIRB?
All recreational vessels operating more than two nautical miles from the mainland shore or more than 400 metres from an island located more than two nautical miles from shore are required by law to carry an EPIRB. You are not required to carry an EPIRB if you are operating within the “Metropolitan EPIRB Exempt Area” as indicated by the map below.
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Types of EPIRBs
The current types of EPIRBs are the analogue 121.5/243 MHz and digital 406 MHz. Both are effective, but the 406 MHz has significant advantage.
- Time: the signal reaches the ground station often within minutes compared with up to five hours with the 121.5/243 MHz.
- Accuracy: 5 km is the typical accuracy compared to 20 km for a 121.5/243 MHz.
- Identifies who is in trouble: 406mHz EPIRBs are registered through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The recorded vessel details aid the rescue and also minimise false alarms – which are extremely common with 121.5/243 MHz.
Important note: As of February 2009, the 121.5/243 MHz EPIRB will cease to be monitored - the system will be shut down. Owners of 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs need to ensure that they replace them with a 406 MHz EPIRB before then.
Switching to 406
 On 1 February 2009 the satellite receivers for 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs will be switched off. After that date recreational boats going more than two nautical miles to sea will have to carry a 406 MHz EPIRB.
A lot of boat owners have already made the switch. When the batteries in their old EPIRBs needed renewal they bought a 406 instead. Unfortunately, some people who thought that was what they were buying made expensive mistakes: what they actually purchased were Personal Locator Beacons (PLB).
A 406 EPIRB will have on it the Standard number AS/NZS 4280.1. This means the beacon is designed to operate best when afloat, and will keep transmitting for at least 48 hours.
A PLB, which will carry the Standard number AS/NZS 4280.2, transmits on 406 MHz, but is not required to float and has to transmit for only 24 hours. For its designed purpose it is fine, but its purpose is to fit into a bush walker’s pocket ready for a dry land emergency.
When you buy a 406 EPIRB, register it with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This will ensure that all the details of you and your boat are available to rescuers should you activate the EPIRB. More information on this is on AMSA’s website. (external website)
Disused 121.5/243 EPIRBs must be correctly disposed of as they are still capable of interfering with aircraft distress frequencies, and their batteries are a potential pollution problem. Battery World, with outlets throughout Australia, have provided collection bins for EPIRBs at all their stores, and guarantee correct disposal. To locate a convenient Battery World store check their website. (external website)
For further information refer to the Make the right switch to 406 brochure available in our publications area.
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AS/NZ Standard (Marine Standard)
Only EPIRBs that display the following AS/NZ standards are approved for marine use:
- 121.5 MHz (MS 241 or AS/NZS 4330:1995); and
- 406 MHz (AS/NZS 4280:1995).
Expiry dates, batteries and servicing
EPIRBs have expiry dates. To be an acceptable safety item, your unit must be serviced by the manufacturer before passing that date. The service will include replacement of the battery.
When to activate a distress beacon
Distress beacons are for use only in life-threatening situations. In the event of an emergency, you should first signal other people in your area using radios or other methods of attracting attention.
If activated by accident
If an EPIRB is activated by accident, the most important thing is to turn it off and let AMSA know as soon as you can on Freecall 1800 641 792, or the nearest marine radio station. You will not be subject to any penalty.
Storage
Store EPIRBs in an accessible place where they can be retrieved easily, but away from areas where they might be knocked or accidentally activated.
Important points about EPIRBs
- Ensure your EPIRB container is not cracked or showing signs of damage and batteries are within shelf life.
- Use the test switch at least once a month to verify power.
- Keep it accessible, in the cockpit or less than an arms length away in the companionway and ensure that it cannot be accidentally activated by movement.
- EPIRBs operate using water as a reflector.
Unauthorised use of EPIRBs
EPIRBs have a very serious purpose. Falsely indicating distress rightly carries a severe penalty, but it also wastes a lot of time and resources – possibly weakening the ability to respond to a genuine emergency. When you are not using your boat, removing your equipment and giving it secure storage will help prevent unauthorised use.
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