Beacons

Why is GPS best

Why is GPS best?

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) recommends Global Positioning System (GPS) beacons as they have the quickest and most accurate alerts.

GPS is best. With GPS: accurate to within 120 metres' detected in minutes; response is activated sooner. Without GPS: accurate to within 5 kilometres; detected in minutes.

For more information on how the beacon system works and how long it takes see how distress beacons work.

Beacons with GPS

Search and rescue authorities will be able to locate you much faster if your beacon has GPS. Assuming your beacon has been deployed correctly, what happens next is:

  • The HexID or Unique Identification Number (UIN) of your beacon is initially detected by a geostationary (GEO) and Medium-altitude Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites within a few minutes and the Australian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) will be notified.
  • If your beacon is registered, AMSA Search and Rescue will ring the registered owner and/or your nominated emergency contacts immediately to obtain information to assist with the response.
  • Your GPS location, accurate to within 120mtrs may be provided within [20] 10 minutes to the JRCC.
  • The RCC responsible for the search and rescue region will be notified (eg if you activate your beacon in New Zealand, the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre will be notified and coordinate the search and rescue) then search and rescue assets are deployed.
  • When you see or hear search personnel or aircraft in your area, use flares, torches, or light a fire (if it's safe) to help them pinpoint your location.
  • If on land, don't move! Seek shelter, water and food nearby if possible.
  • If in water, stay on board the vessel unless it's sinking, then relocate to a life raft or personal watercraft.
  • Warning: If using parachute rockets or mini flare kits, do not fire or point them towards aircraft.

Beacons without GPS

If your beacon doesn't have GPS, it can take much longer to find you. Assuming your beacon has been deployed correctly, what happens next is:

  • The HexID or UIN of your beacon is initially detected by a geostationary (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO satellites within a few minutes and the Australian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) will be notified.
  • If your beacon is registered, AMSA Search and Rescue will ring your registered owner and/or nominated emergency contacts immediately to obtain information to assist with the response.
  • Your location, accurate to within 5km may be provided within 10 minutes to the JRCC.
  • The RCC responsible for the search and rescue region will be notified (eg if you activate your beacon in New Zealand, the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre will be notified and coordinate the search and rescue) then search and rescue assets are deployed.
  • When you see or hear search personnel in your area, use flares, torches, or light a fire (if it's safe) to help them pinpoint your location.
  • If on land, don't move! Seek shelter, water and food nearby if possible.
  • If in water, stay on board the vessel unless it's sinking, then relocate to a life raft or personal watercraft.

Warning: If using parachute rockets or mini flare kits, do not fire or point them towards aircraft.