Personal EPIRBs

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)/Emergency Beacons/ Personal Locator beacons are used on ships or boats, and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB's) are used on persons. PLBs are not a substitute for a personal EPIRB when adhering to State and Territory marine regulations.

For more detailed information, or to register your 406MHz distress beacon, visit the Australian Maritime Safety Authority website.

Ensure you have the correct distress beacon for your own safety and the safety of your crew. Registration of your 406 MHz Distress Beacon is valid for two years. A registration sticker will not be issued until your beacon registration details are validated as current. A fine may result if a current sticker is not affixed to a beacon during a safety equipment inspection.

From January 1st 2019, self-deploying EPIRBs will become a mandatory requirement onboard certain commercial vessels, as part of new marine safety laws announced by AMSA. Read more here.

Personal Locator Beacon, which notifies search and rescue agencies of distress by emitting a signal on the 406MHz frequency. Also known as Personal Distress/ Emergency Beacons or PLB.

PLB's utilise the COSPAS-SARSAT and GEOSAR satellite systems to pinpoint your exact location, using the beacon's HEX ID number. The PLB coordinates are then sent to the appropriate regional or local agency to begin rescue efforts. PLBs can be equipped with GPS technology that transmits your LAT/LONG for precise locating and faster rescue.

406MHz PLB's with GPS features have a location accuracy of 100m - 120m (A). Without GPS capability in your PLB, the location accuracy extends out to 5km (B).

For information on the individual State and Territory carriage requirements, click on the link to the relevant state authority below:

NEW SOUTH WALES   NORTHERN TERRITORY   QUEENSLAND   SOUTH AUSTRALIA   TASMANIA   VICTORIA   WESTERN AUSTRALIA

IMPORTANT DISTRESS BEACON INFORMATION