Fishing Australia

By now I am sure many of you will have seen the television and print campaigns where I explain that the old analogue distress beacons are no longer effective search and rescue devices so you can’t risk going without a the new type of 406 MHz digital distress beacon.

The new 406 MHz frequency Beacons are detected more quickly and accurately (to within 5 km by satellite compared to 20 km for the now redundant 121.5/243 MHz analogue beacons).

Depending on the location of the 406 MHz beacon it may be detected within minutes, compared to the average one or two hours it used to take to get a confirmed satellite detection from the old 121.5/243 MHz analogue beacon.

While both an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) are required to be the new 406 format, there are a few important differences between these two styles of beacons.

EPIRBS are most typically mounted in boats and are required by law in many instances eg those that are heading more than 2 miles out from the shoreline. Of course you need to check boating regulations in your state to see exactly where and when you are required by law to carry an EPIRB.

PLB’s are much smaller and are typically stored in places like your tackle box, back pack or 4WD glove box. A PLB is typically not required by law but people (myself included) take them along as insurance, especially in remote areas, or where mobile phones don’t work reliably.

What many people don’t know is that an EPIRB is designed be able to operate for a minimum of 48 hours and must float upright when deployed in the water.A PLB is only required to operate for 24 hours and although it must float, it need not float in a manner that keeps the antenna above the water for the majority of time. Effectively the survivor must ensure that a PLB beacon is supported clear of the water.

This is one of the main reasons why by law a PLB must not take the place of an EPRIB on a boat.

REGISTRATION

Both EPIRBS and PLBs must be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The vital details such as your phone numbers, vessel details, next of kin contacts etc are kept on AMSA’s data base.

This way if you ever need to switch your beacon on in an emergency, the response by the search and rescue team will be faster and better suited to your individual needs!

Registration can be made by calling 1800 406 406 or at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) website.

I always check that the boat I am getting in has an EPRIB that’s in good condition and the battery use by date has not expired. Furthermore there is usually a way to give the unit quick test without sending out a distress signal.

MY PLB

When heading into a remote area to go bushwalking, kayaking or 4-Wheel Driving, I always carry a PLB with me for my team and my family’s safety.

The PLB that I carry, is the neat little GME 410 AccuSat it has a 7 year battery life, 7 year warranty and has non hazardous batteries. This unit typically retails for under $800.

While these new digital PLBs are not cheap, they are much cheaper than they used to be. Most importantly they offer peace of mind and for this reason they are becoming increasingly popular for things like fathers day and Christmas.

For the record GME also makes EPIRBS, in fact they have been making emergency beacons right here in Australia for over 30 years, and have helped saved a lot of lives in that time.

GME’s latest cutting edge microprocessor technology is helping to make EPRIBS become more affordable, which is good news for anyone who must have one fitted to their boat.

It’s also good news for people who aren’t required to have them by law. For example, my fathers boat doesn’t require one, but he’s getting a little older now so I got him one anyway and then explained how operation is virtually just the flick of a switch! Again this demo can and must be done without sending off a real distress signal.

IN SUMMARY

An EPIRB beacon is not a substitute for a marine radio, and boaters should never rely on any single system. Wise mariners plan carefully, ensure their shore contacts know their sail plan, and operate their craft sensibly to suit prevailing weather/sea conditions.

Thanks for the folks at GME for their assistance in preparing this article, more information can be obtained at their web site www.gme.net.au while a good range of EPIRBs and PLB’s can be looked at up close at BCF and all good tackle and boating stores around Australia.

See you on the water.

Rob Paxevanos