Useage

Where should distress beacons be stowed?

Why use a distress beacon?

Distress beacons save lives - in some cases it’s the law. Most boats travelling more than two nautical miles from land must carry an EPIRB. Aircraft are also required under CASA regulations to carry an ELT in flight. Check your Commonwealth, State or Territory authority for the specific regulations applicable to you.

When should a distress beacon be used?

Distress beacons should only be used when there is a threat of grave and imminent danger. In the event of an emergency, communication should first be attempted with others close by using radios, phones and other signalling devices. Mobile phones can be used but should not be relied upon as they can be out of range, have low batteries or become water-damaged.

Where should distress beacons be stowed?

Distress beacons are stowed depending on the type. Some have mounting brackets, some are installed permanently and some are carried in pockets or life vests. It is important to keep distress beacons away from:

items that may accidentally knock the activation switch;
magnetic sources, such as microphones and radio speakers;
high pressure water sprays; and
children who may play with the beacon.

In a boat, a distress beacon should be stowed in its mounting bracket where it is visible and easy to access in an emergency or in a grab bag along with flares, a torch or strobe and other safety equipment. If possible keep it out of the weather and locked away when the vessel is not in use. An additional beacon can be stowed in any inflatable life raft carried in the vessel. When storing an EPIRB, ensure it is correctly stowed in its bracket as a number of EPIRBs have water activated switches that are armed when the EPIRB is removed from its bracket or incorrectly replaced in its bracket.

Note: If an EPIRB is to be stowed in a grab bag or out of its bracket you should use a manually operated EPIRB. Water activated EPIRBs should always be stowed in their brackets correctly when not in use to avoid inadvertent activation even if stowed below.

On land, PLBs are to be physically carried on the body or within easy reach or, if in a vehicle, stowed in a glove box or other safe and accessible compartment.

In an aircraft, ELTs are usually hard-wired into the aircraft and mounted in a rack. CASA regulations allow pilots flying General Aviation aircraft to carry a PLB as an alternative to an ELT. These should be carried on the pilot’s person so that if involved in a crash, the PLB is within easy reach even if they are thrown clear of the aircraft Pilots should listen on 121.5 MHz before shutting down in case their ELT has been activated during the landing. If activated, the ELT should be switched off and the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)-Australia immediately notified by calling 1800 815 257. There is no penalty for inadvertent activations.