Is your beacon fit for purpose?

7 June 2007

Make sure you purchase a distress beacon fit for purpose.

With the new regulations expected to be introduced by the State and Territory Marine authorities from 1 February 2009, all boats proceeding more than 2nms outside partially smooth waters will be required to carry an EPIRB that meets the Australian/New Zealand Standard 4280.1 that deals specifically with EPIRBs. [States and Territories have slight variations with regard to carriage of EPIRBs within smooth waters and distance from shore - check your State and Territory regulations to ensure you comply.]

EPIRBs are required to operate for a minimum of 48 hours and float upright when deployed in water. EPIRBs are designed to be activated and deployed in the water to operate most effectively.

Some PLBs are being touted by retailers as EPIRBs. This is incorrect and quite misleading. PLBs sold in Australia are only required to meet AS/NZS 4280.2 and are only required to operate for a minimum of 24 hours. More importantly, although they are required to float, PLBs need not float in a manner that keeps the antenna above the water for the majority of the time thereby meaning that a survivor must ensure the beacon is supported clear of the water.

For these reasons, PLBs, no matter how they are labelled, will not be accepted by the regulators as EPIRBs for the purpose of their new regulations. The intent of the current regulations is for boats to be fitted with EPIRBs that meet Part 1 of the Standard and also excludes PLBs.

Owners and crews are encouraged to carry PLBs in addition to the boat's EPIRB where conditions and activities may lead to man overboard situations.