Boaters warned of EPIRB shortage

6:20 AM Wed 21 Jan 2009 GMT
Boaters have again been warned not to delay switching over to the new 406 MHz digital distress beacons amid reports of a global shortage of the new equipment.

Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said the worldwide switch from 121.5MHz analogue beacons to the more accurate digital model is well underway ahead of the February 1 deadline.

"However, global demand for the new digital beacons has put pressure on NSW and Australian supplies and there are significant backlogs of orders for some models," Mr Tripodi said.

From February 1, signals from 121.5MHz emergency position indication radio beacons (EPIRB) will no longer be monitored under an international agreement.

"This means Australian rescue services will be unable to detect an analogue distress beacon via satellite," Mr Tripodi said.

"Maritime authorities have been advising boaters to switch to a 406 EPIRB since July last year, but an international shortage of the new equipment has delayed its uptake around Australia.

"If a particular model of the 406 MHz is unavailable, boaters should consider alternative brands, though we recognise in some cases, EPIRBs ordered months ago have still not been received from suppliers."

Mr Tripodi said because of the shortages and delays, skippers found not carrying a 406 EPIRB will be given a warning rather than a fine, providing they can prove a digital distress beacon has been ordered.

Boaters will also have to show:
. the vessel is a recreational craft;
. all other required safety equipment is present and functional;
. the vessel is operating within mobile telephone range; and
. the vessel is less than 2 nautical miles from shore.

Mr Tripodi said all commercial operators must meet the requirement to carry a 406MHz EPIRB from February 1.

"However, this commonsense approach for recreational boaters will continue until September 1, when the availability of digital EPIRBs will be reviewed to see if these measures should continue."

Mr Tripodi said digital EPIRBs will give rescuers faster notification of a vessel in trouble and a more accurate location, enabling a quicker response to a distress signal.

NSW Maritime has worked with the Australian Marine Safety Authority for more than four years to help raise awareness of the change over from 121.5 to 406 beacons.

by Brad Schmidtt

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