Batteries & Disposal
When should distress beacon batteries be replaced?
How should unwanted distress beacons be disposed of?
How can unwanted beacons be disabled?
When should distress beacon batteries be replaced?
Distress beacon batteries need to be replaced before the expiry date noted on the label of the beacon. This will ensure that the beacon will transmit for the minimum time required once activated. Battery life varies from model to model. Batteries should be replaced by the manufacturer or their Australian agent.
How should unwanted distress beacons be disposed of?
Individuals can dispose of their unwanted beacons at no cost by placing them in collection bins in any of the Battery World stores around Australia.
Any organisation or groups wishing to dispose of beacons in bulk should contact Battery World to make arrangements. A small handling fee may be charged for commercial quantities.
If you sell or dispose of a registered 406MHz EPIRB, PLB or ELT please let AMSA know by phoning: 1800 406 406 or provide details by completing the printable version: DOC: 90Kb or PDF: 90Kb. The seller is required to provide the purchasers Name, Address and Phone number. The purchaser cannot register the beacon until the previous owners account has been updated to sold.
In Tasmania, there are a number of locations where 121.5 MHz beacons can be dropped off.
For a list of distress beacons available for sale in Australia, click here.
How can unwanted beacons be disabled?
The following links will take you to disabling instructions for different brands of beacons:
