National Maritime College
Boating education and training.
Distress Beacons
An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is an effective alerting and locating device which is compulsory for all vessels operating more than 2 nautical miles from the shore.
A distress beacon can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, the beacon once activated alerts search and rescue services. Once activated, the EPIRB transmits a signal for at least 48 hours and can be detected by satellites and aircraft. For the best chances, choose a beacon with GPS, deploy it correctly, and look after it by storing it safely and keeping your batteries in date.
EPIRB Registration
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 can rent, hire or borrow a beacon, but you must go onto the AMSA website and re-register your beacon for that particular voyage.
For more more information on purchasing, caring and how to use the beacon go to the AMSA website.
