Activation
 How long before a distress signal is received?
What if a distress beacon is accidentally activated?
How long before a distress signal is received?
A distress beacon with an encoded (GPS) location
is usually detected by the RCC and located within
minutes. Distress beacons that do not have the
capability to provide an encoded position also
provide an initial alert to the RCC within minutes,
but there will be no associated position. If
emergency contacts are aware of trip details or
trip details have been submitted online, search
operations can be commenced much sooner. If
the RCC has to rely on Polar-orbiting satellites to
determine the location of a beacon, the time to
gain an accurate position may take longer thereby
delaying search operations.
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NOTE: Polar-orbiting satellites over-fly the Australian
region on average every 90 minutes but passes may
be anywhere from minutes to 5 hours apart. To improve
response times, ensure distress beacons are registered
and inform emergency contacts of trip details. |
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Even once a position is obtained, response times
then depend on the time for a search and rescue
(SAR) unit, such as a helicopter, aircraft or ground
party to be readied and transit to the search area.
The more remote the location of the distress
incident, the longer the response time. In all
instances, be prepared to survive.
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What if a distress beacon is accidentally activated?
The most important thing to do is to switch off
the beacon and notify RCC-Australia as soon as
possible by calling 1800 641 792 to ensure a search
and rescue operation is not commenced. There is
no penalty for inadvertent activations.
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