All safety equipment must meet minimum standards, be in good working order and be easily accessible
Equipment | Under 5 m | 5-8 m | 8-12m | 12m & above |
| Lifejackets (Approved 1, 2 or 3) | 1 per person | |||
| Paddle or Oars/Rowlocks | Not required if 2 independent means of propulsion fitted | Not Required | ||
| Bucket or Bailer with lanyard attached (Minimum capacity 2 litres) | 1 | |||
| Bucket with lanyard attached (Minimum Capacity 9 litres) | 1 | 2 | ||
| Bilge Pump(s) (Capacity) | Optional or One | One | One | |
| Fire Extinguisher(s) Where any fuel is carried except open vessels under 5m Where propulsion or cooking fuel is carried below deck | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Waterproof Torch | One required if operating between sunset and sunrise | |||
| Anchor, chain/line attached | 1 | 2 | ||
| Lifebuoy with 30m line | Not required on vessels less than 8m | Note: A vessel 8-12m long may carry a buoyant rescue quoit with 15m of line instead of the lifebuoy | 1 | |
| Navigation Lights | Required by all vessels between sunset and sunrise and in restricted visibility | |||
| Sound Signals | An efficient sound signal device | Whistle and bell | ||
(In addition to items listed under Enclosed Waters the following must be carried)
Equipment | Under 5 m | 5-8 m | 8-12m | 12m & above | |
| Lifejackets (Minimum approved 1) | 1 per person | ||||
| Marine radio | Compulsory when operating 2 nautical miles or more off the coast, and recommended when operating within 2 nautical miles | ||||
| EPIRB | Not compulsory but recommended | Compulsory when 2 n. miles or more off coast | |||
| Distress Signals | Red Hand | 2 | 3 | ||
| Orange Smoke | 2 | 3 | |||
| Orange V Sheet | Required on all vessels | ||||
| Fresh Drinking Water | 2 litres per person | ||||
| Appropriate Map or Chart or Area | Required by every vessel - suitable for area | ||||
| Compass | At least one required on every vessel | ||||
| Liferaft or boat | 0 | 1 | |||
| Waterproof Torch | 1 required day and night | ||||
Approved life jackets must be carried on board every vessel unless exempt. Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any vessel and must be in a good condition and easily accessible.
Type (Cat.) 1 life jackets offer protection from drowning by maintaining a person in a safe floating position in the water, with buoyancy behind the head. They are compulsory for all people on board vessels in the open sea. (However PWC riders may use a type 2).
Type (Cat.) 2 & 3 are suitable for water sports where the rescue time is likely to be short. They are not designed to keep a persons head above water. A key point – Type (Cat.) 1 Lifejackets are and have special buoyancy behind the head to maintain a safe floating position.
If there is a chance you will venture into the open sea in your boat it is often better to buy a Type 1 jacket from the outset rather than having to buy 2 different types.
|
|
|
PFD’S can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store 
to Order Safety Products Online
Choose the right size and type of anchor for your vessel and the nature of the sea bed. For example, an anchor designed for rocky bottoms will not hold on sand or mud. Always anchor by the bow not the stern, and never anchor in a channel or where submarine cables are signposted.
The bilge pump should be protected by a strainer to prevent choking of the pump suction.
Depending on the size of the vessel, at least one solidly constructed metal or plastic bucket with 2m rope attached must be carried. As a safety item it is useful for both bailing water out and fighting fires. The bucket can be used as a sea anchor.
Any boat operating offshore is required to have a marine compass. Even if your boat is fitted with satellite navigation equipment, a compass will indicate the course back to shore if rain, fog or sea haze obliterates the land from view. An appropriate chart or map that identifies prominent shore marks and offshore reefs and shoals is also required on all vessels offshore. Charts and maps help to determine your position, which can be of particular importance in an emergency.
Compasses can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
An EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon is a simple and effective alerting and locating device that is compulsory for all vessels 8m or more in length operating more than 2 nautical miles from the shore. However, it is recommended that all vessels venturing offshore carry an EPIRB.
Once activated, an EPIRB transmits a distress signal for at least 48 hours that can detected by satellites and over flying aircraft. EPIRB alerts detected off NSW are passed to RCC Australia who then coordinates a search. A distress beacon’s location can generally be calculated by the satellite system to within a range of 5 kilometres for a 406 MHz and 20 kilometres for a 121.5 MHz beacon. The EPIRB should be accessible but stowed to avoid inadvertent activation. Do not stow it in the bottom of a locker.
It is important to note that the 121.5MHz signal will not be received after FEBRUARY 2009 and will be replaced by 406 MHz beacons. We recommend you change to the 406 MHz at your next battery service. Read more.
EPIRB’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
Flares signal that you are in trouble and provide an exact location for searching aircraft or vessels. Only ignite them when rescuers are in view and can spot your flare. A minimum of two red hand flares (for night or day use) and two orange smoke flares (for day use) are required to be carried on all vessels operating offshore. It is also recommended that vessels operating offshore or in remote areas carry parachute flares.
You should be able to locate and ignite the correct flare in total darkness. Most flares have a use-by date of three years and they should be replaced before the expiry date.
If your old flares appear to be in good condition keep them onboard as a backup. Once they start to look damaged, enquire with the manufacturer about the best means of disposal. Don’t put them in the garbage or take them to the tip.
Two litres of fresh drinking water per person must be carried on all vessels operating offshore.
An inflatable or rigid lifeboat or life raft is a safety device for larger vessels proceeding to sea and is mandatory for vessels of 12 metres and over, but is recommended for any vessel making coastal voyages.
Life Raft’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store
A life buoy or rescue quoit is mandatory for all vessels 8 metres or over on enclosed or open waters.
Life Buoy’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store
Marine radios are compulsory for all vessels operating more than 2 nautical miles out to sea, and are recommended for anyone proceeding offshore. They provide a means of advising shore stations of your itinerary, checking boating weather and navigational warnings and making distress calls.
Marine radios using 27 MHz are relatively cheap and available for general use. A mobile phone does not replace the requirement to carry a marine radio.
Oars and/or paddle must be carried on most vessels under 8 metres in length unless a second means of propulsion is fitted. Owners of larger vessels should consider some means of auxiliary power as an effective safety device.
The V sheet is a fluorescent orange-red coloured sheet (1.8 x 1.2 metres) with a large black V printed in the middle. V sheets are required to be carried by all vessels operating offshore. They can be spread over the deck of a boat to indicate that you are in trouble or flown as a flag.
V – Sheets’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store
A torch is a valuable safety device for signaling and when working on the engine. Spare bulbs and batteries should be carried.
Safety equipment is generally durable and long lasting. Keep small storable items like flares, “V” sheet, epirb, torch and other bits and pieces in a sealed waterproof container.
Make sure items like the radio and fire extinguisher are protected from saltwater.
You must look after your lifejackets – don’t use them as cushions or fenders and keep them away from oil and fuel.
Ensure these jackets are accessible in a dry, well ventilated area and let everyone on board know where they are.
Please visit our secure Online Store for Safety Equipment
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
EPIRB - Required if more than 2 nautical miles off shore
An EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon is a simple and effective alerting and locating device that is compulsory for all vessels operating more than 2 nautical miles from the shore. However, it is recommended that all vessels venturing offshore carry an EPIRB.
Once activated, an EPIRB transmits a distress signal for at least 48 hours that can detected by satellites and over flying aircraft. A distress beacon’s location can generally be calculated by the satellite system to within a range of 5 kilometres for a 406 MHz and 20 kilometres for a 121.5 MHz beacon. The EPIRB should be accessible but stowed to avoid inadvertent activation. Do not stow it in the bottom of a locker.
It is important to note that the 121.5MHz signal will not be received after FEBRUARY 2009 and will be replaced by 406 MHz beacons. We recommend you change to the 406 MHz at your next battery service.
EPIRB’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
For example: torch, fluorescent light, lantern and cyalume stick. Are required by all vessels and PWC between sunset and sunrise.
Capacity Label
Required by all vessels and PWC
Ride Smart Label
Required by all PWC
PFD types 1, 2 or 3
Except in a river, creek or stream, or waters contained within breakwaters or revetments if the boat has positive floatation** and grab
lines/rails and the ship owner has a positive flotation statement on the approved form.
**For ships not fitted with an Australian Builders Plate, a positive flotation statement completed by the manufacturer or an accredited marine surveyor or ship designer must be obtained and carried.
PWC require types 2 or 3 or a wetsuit with inbuilt flotation approved as PFD type 3
PFD types 1 or 2. PFDs must be worn when crossing designated bars in open boats < 4.8 m.
PWC require PFD type 2
PFD type 1. PFDs must be worn when crossing designated bars in open boats < 4.8 m.
PWC require PFD type 2
Type (Cat.) 1 life jackets offer protection from drowning by maintaining a person in a safe floating position in the water, with buoyancy behind the head. They are compulsory for all people on board vessels in the open sea. (However PWC riders may use a type 2).
Type (Cat.) 2 & 3 are suitable for water sports where the rescue time is likely to be short. They are not designed to keep a persons head above water. A key point – Type (Cat.) 1 Lifejackets are and have special buoyancy behind the head to maintain a safe floating position.
If there is a chance you will venture into the open sea in your boat it is often better to buy a Type 1 jacket from the outset rather than having to buy 2 different types.
|
|
|
PFD’S can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
Fire fighting equipment
Capable of extinguishing a fire quickly and effectively must be carried on all vessels over 5m in all conditions.
The V sheet is a fluorescent orange-red coloured sheet (1.8 x 1.2 metres) with a large black V printed in the middle. V sheets are required to be carried by all vessels operating in partially smooth or beyond smooth and partially smooth water.
They can be spread over the deck of a boat to indicate that you are in trouble or flown as a flag.
V – Sheets’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
Flares signal that you are in trouble and provide an exact location for searching aircraft or vessels. Only ignite them when rescuers are in view and can spot your flare. A minimum of two red hand flares (for night or day use) and two orange smoke flares (for day use) are required to be carried on all vessels operating in partially smooth or beyond smooth and partially smooth water.
You should be able to locate and ignite the correct flare in total darkness. Most flares have a use-by date of three years and they should be replaced before the expiry date.
If your old flares appear to be in good condition keep them onboard as a backup. Once they start to look damaged, enquire with the manufacturer about the best means of disposal. Don’t put them in the garbage or take them to the tip.
Navigation chart, lcompass, other direction finding or position equipment. Any boat operating operating in partially smooth or beyond smooth and partially smooth water is required to have a navigation tool. Even if your boat is fitted with satellite navigation equipment, a compass will indicate the course back to shore if rain, fog or sea haze obliterates the land from view. An appropriate chart or map that identifies prominent shore marks and offshore reefs and shoals is also required on all vessels offshore. Charts and maps help to determine your position, which can be of particular importance in an emergency.
Compasses can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
Pumping/bailing
Required by all vessels as per below:
< 5 m: suitable bailing equipment.
5-8 m: bilge pump 45L/minute capacity
8 m+: bilge pump 70L/minute capacity.
Choose the right size and type of anchor for your vessel and the nature of the sea bed. For example, an anchor designed for rocky bottoms will not hold on sand or mud. Always anchor by the bow not the stern, and never anchor in a channel or where submarine cables are signposted.
Smooth Water
<5 m:
one anchor with 18 m cable
5-8 m:
one anchor with 27 m cable
8 m+:
two anchors with 37 m cable each
Partially Smooth Water
<5 m:
one anchor with 27 m cable
5-8 m:
one anchor with 27m cable
8 m+:
two anchors with 37 m cable each
Beyond smooth and partially smooth water
<5 m:
one anchor with 27 m cable
5-8 m:
one anchor with 27 m cable
8 m+:
two anchors with 37 m cable each
Oars and/or Paddle
Oars and/or paddle must be carried on vessels under 6 metres in length. Owners of larger vessels should consider some means of auxiliary power as an effective safety device.
Fresh Drinking Water
All vessels must carry sufficient drinking water for everyone onboard for duration of trip
For more information please visit Maritime Safety Queensland
For smooth and partially smooth water limits please
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
Safety Requirements in Victoria vary from powered to sail vessels and in varying conditions.
The Marine Safety VIC Handbook has upto date information on all requirements.
A table is attached below but it is always a good idea to check the Marine Safety VIC website
|
|
The following safety products can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure sets the minimum amount and standards of safety equipment to be carried on private boats. Amounts vary depending on how far offshore that you travel and it is important to understand that these are minimum standards.
Responsible skippers carry with them extra gear that is suitable for the trip. All safety equipment on board must be maintained in very good condition and be accessible at all times.
Protected waters include rivers, lakes, estuaries and boat harbours but exclude the Cambridge Gulf or Lake Argyle.
Any vessel that operates within these protected waters needs to carry aboard the following safety equipment:
Boats of 7 metres and over must have a bilge pump. Boats under 7 metres may have a pump or a bucket or a bailer.
The bilge pump may be of any type - manual, engine driven or electric. It must be capable of removing at least 4,000 litres of water an hour. Electric or automatic pumps must also have an indicator to show when they are working. Any boats that have full length sealed, self draining decks are not required to carry bilge pumps onboard.
Boats that have inboard motors or liquid or gas fuelled appliances, must carry an extinguisher. Boats that have outboard motors and no such appliances do not have to carry extinguishers.
Any Australian Standards approved extinguisher other than a water filled type is acceptable.
Note: As of January 1996 the yellow BCF fire extinguishers have been made illegal. Any person that still has a BCF extinguisher must not carry it onboard their boat and should hand it into their local Fire Brigade Station as soon as possible to reduce any risks.
Approved Type (Cat.) 1 life jackets must be carried on board every vessel for each person in the correct size. Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any vessel and must be in a good condition and easily accessible.
Type (Cat.) 1 life jackets offer protection from drowning by maintaining a person in a safe floating position in the water, with buoyancy behind the head. They are compulsory for all people on board vessels in the open sea.
|
|
|
PFD’S can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
The anchor must be of an approved type that will work in a sandy seabed and with enough line to suit the depth of water in which you usually operate. A grapnel anchor is not an approved type and can therefore only be carried as an additional anchor.
Hand Held Red: Two hand held red flares or two parachute distress rockets. These flares are best used at night time but can be used during the day as they expel a large volume of smoke and burn extremely brightly.
Orange Smoke: Along with the two hand held red flares you are also required to carry two hand held orange smoke signals or one smoke canister. These flares are only suitable for daylight hours and are best used when you are in sight of land, another vessel or aircraft.
The Department requires that your safety equipment be kept in a very good and serviceable condition. It must also be easily accessible in an emergency. It is recommended that you store your flares in a water tight container.
All flares and smoke signals must meet either Australian Standard AS2092, or Australian Uniform Shipping Laws Code specifications.
As for within 2 nautical miles plus:
An EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon is a simple and effective alerting and locating device.
An EPIRB is required to be carried if you are operating beyond 2 nautical miles from the mainland shore or more than 400 metres from an island located more than 2 nautical miles from the mainland shore. An EPIRB is not required if operating in the metropolitan exempt area.
Once activated, an EPIRB transmits a distress signal for at least 48 hours that can detected by satellites and over flying aircraft. A distress beacon’s location can generally be calculated by the satellite system to within a range of 5 kilometres for a 406 MHz and 20 kilometres for a 121.5 MHz beacon. The EPIRB should be accessible but stowed to avoid inadvertent activation. Do not stow it in the bottom of a locker.
It is important to note that the 121.5MHz signal will not be received after FEBRUARY 2009 and will be replaced by 406 MHz beacons. We recommend you change to the 406 MHz at your next battery service.
EPIRB’s can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
More than 5 Nautical Miles from the Mainland Shore
As for between 2 and 5 nautical miles plus:
Two parachute distress flares. You do not need to carry hand held red flares as well as parachute distress flares.
The choice of marine radio is up to you. It can be either a 27mHz, VHF or HF. Whenever at sea, you must have your radio turned on and tuned to the distress frequency or the working frequency of a Sea Rescue Group.
First Aid Kit
To cover accidents or injury that could befall any member onboard, a first aid kit is essential. Remember, seasickness is debilitating. So carry the remedy. Yacht and Boat also recommend a Reviva Mask which can be purchased through the Online Store
Knife
Always handy with many uses. Keep your knife sharp at all times.
Rope
Additional rope onboard can be extremely useful for various purposes and for towing.
Fresh Water
A good supply of fresh water is essential when boating as the sun and the salt can quickly dehydrate you. Make sure that your water is fresh and clean and kept in a suitable container.
Alternative Power
Spare outboard, oars or paddles to get the boat to safety in the event of a power failure.
Torch
A torch can be useful in an emergency situation, for attracting attention as well as for checking bilges.
Heliograph Mirror
This is a signalling device that uses a mirror to reflect the sun's rays to the shore or to other vessels.
Tool Kit
There is no substitute for an adequate tool kit onboard your boat. When you are out on the water you really are on your own.
The tool kit should include;
Spark plug spanner
Spare spark plugs
Spanner set to suit your motor
Screwdriver set
Adjustable spanner
Pliers
Electrical tape
Hammer
for more information
Yacht and Boat also recommends a Life Buoy and Fire Extinguisher for all vessels and a Compass, Map or Chart, and Life Raft for vessels operating unprotected waters.
Many of the above safety products can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
Minimum safety equipment required for recreational boats under 8 metres in length
Protected waters
Semi-protected waters
Unprotected waters
If operating more than 3 nautical miles from shore, except Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, or more than five nautical miles from shore in Gulf of St Vincent or Spencer Gulf
If operating more than 10 nautical miles from shore
For more information?
The following safety products can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
Minimum safety equipment required for recreational boats 8 metres to 15 metres in length
Protected waters
Semi-protected waters
Unprotected waters
If operating more than 3 nautical miles from shore, except Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, or more than five nautical miles from shore in Gulf of St Vincent or Spencer Gulf
If operating more than 10 nautical miles from shore
A vessel more than 15 metres in length must also have
The following safety products can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
The Marine Safety VIC Handbook has upto date information on all requirements.
A table is attached below but it is always a good idea to check the Northern Territory Transport Group website
The following safety products can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
The following table sets out the minimum requirements for owners and operators of motor-propelled recreational vessels.
| Equipment | Less than 6 metre boat in sheltered waters | Less than 6 metre boat in all other waters*1 | More than 6 metre boat in sheltered waters | More than 6 metre boat in all other waters |
| Anchor, rope and chain | M | M | M | M |
| Bailer/Bilge pump | M | M | M | M |
| Personal flotation device "1" | M | M | M | M |
| Fire extinguisher "2" | M | M | M | M |
| Oars/auxiliary propulsion | M | M | R | R |
| Flares "3,5" | M | M | M | M |
| Heaving line | R | M | M | M |
| Lifebuoy | M | M | ||
| EPIRB "4" | M | R | M | |
| Radar/reflector | M | R | M | |
| First aid kit | R | M | R | M |
| Water | R | M | R | M |
| Marine radio | R | M | R | M |
(M= Mandatory, R= Recommended)
All vessels operating at night require navigational lights and torch.
It is recommended that vessels less than 6 metres should not proceed beyond sheltered waters.
Sheltered waters are all waters not exceeding 2 nautical miles to seaward of land on the North and East coasts unless specified in the MAST "Limits of Operational Areas"
All Other Waters are those beyond Sheltered Waters as well as waters on the South and West Coasts between South East Cape and Cape Grim.
An approved personal flotation device (PFD) must be provided for each person on board. It is compulsory to wear a PFD in any recreational motor boat or motor-propelled tender that is under six (6) metres in length and is under power.
It is also compulsory for children under the age of 12 years to wear a PFD in a recreational motor boat or motor-propelled tender of any length while under power.
Boaters are not required to wear a PFD while they are within a deckhouse, cabin or secure enclosed space.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 1
A PFD Type 1 must comply with Australian Standard
AS 1512. This will be clearly marked inside the garment. These jackets offer head support and superior buoyancy over other PFDs. They are also made from highly visible colours. There are also some inflatable PFDs on the market that meet this standard.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 2
A PFD Type 2 must comply with Australian Standard AS 1499. This will be clearly marked in side the garment. These are normally vests manufactured in high visibility colours and do not offer head support.
A PFD Type 2 may be substituted for a PFD Type 1 when operating in Smooth Waters.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 3
A PFD Type 3 must comply with Australian Standard AS 2260. Buoyancy is often similar to a PFD Type 2 but does not meet Australian Standards Association colour requirements. A PFD 3 can be worn by operators of kayaks, PWCs in sheltered waters and people being towed in the water.
An anchor with a high holding power such as a spade or plough is required to be carried with a specified length of line and before the anchor you must insert a length of chain.
Vessel length | Chain length | Line length |
| Under 6 metres | 2 metres | 40 metres |
| 6 metres and over | 5 metres | 50 metres |
All vessels with an engine carry a fire extinguisher.
Vessel length | Minimum number and capacity | Minimum equivalent rating |
| Under 8 metres | One 0.9kg | 5BE |
| 8-12 metres | Two 0.9kg | 5BE |
| Over 12 metres | (a) Three 0.9kg or | 5BE/10BE |
Oars/paddles or an auxiliary motor must be carried on vessels less than 6 metres in length to provide a second means of propulsion. Owners of larger vessels should also consider some means of auxiliary power as an effective safety device.
Depending on the size of the vessel, at least one solidly constructed metal or plastic bucket with 2 metres of rope attached must be carried on any vessel. As a safety item it is useful for both bailing water out and fighting fires. In an emergency the bucket can be used as a sea anchor.
Distress flares are an important item of safety equipment. They are used to raise the alarm and also to act as a pinpoint location to assist search and rescue parties to come to the vessel in distress. They can be very valuable in assisting early rescue, and reducing heavy cost for search and rescue operations.
Within Tasmania, flares are not required for vessels less than 6 metres operating in smooth waters, although MAST recommends that they be carried.
It is important to read the instructions on distress flares carefully at the beginning of every boating season to ensure familiarity with the method of operation since different brands of signals have different methods of ignition. It is also vital that passengers also know how to ignite them.
It is important to check the expiry date and to replace any out-of-date product. Such products can be returned to the manufacturer or to Workplace Standards Authority offices. Check the White pages for your local office or phone 1300 366 322.
Flares must be approved to Australian Standard AS2092.
Red Handflare
These can be seen from a range of up to 10km at sea level on a clear, dark night and up to 20km from the air. It burns for over 60 seconds with an intense 15,000-candela red light. They can be seen in daylight over a shorter range.
Orange Handsmoke Signal
The smoke flare is for day use only. It provides a vivid and expanding cloud of dense orange smoke visible for more than 60 seconds and can be seen from 4km away at sea level and even further from and aircraft. Always hold the flare to leeward when using it.
Parachute Rocket Flare
This is a handheld, self-contained distress rocket, ejecting a parachute with a suspended red flare at 300 metres altitude. It burns for 40 seconds at a brilliant 30,000 candela. It can be seen for 15km by day and 40km or more by night.
| Waters | Flare Requirement |
| Smooth Waters | Recommended |
| Partially Smooth Waters | 2 x Red Hand Flares 2 x Orange Smoke Flare |
| Open & Coastal Waters | 2 x Red Hand Flares 2 x Orange Smoke Flare 2 x Red Parachute Rockets |
All boats operating beyond sheltered waters are required to carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). An EPRIB is a compact, buoyant, self contained radio beacon which continuously emits a distinctive radio signal to a satellite for at least 48 hours when activated. When the signal is detected the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra initiates a response using locally based rescue services. EPIRBs should only be used as a last resort when in imminent danger. Other communications such as a radio and flares should be used first.
Some important points about EPIRBs
Currently, the most popular type of EPIRB is 121.5 MHz beacon. However from 1 Feburary 2009 the global search and rescue satellite system will no longer recognise beacons with this frequency. From that date the distress frequency will be 406 MHz. Plan on replacing your 121.5 MHz beacon before 1 February 2009 with a more modern 406 MHz EPIRB.
406 MHz beacons are much easier to locate as they are more accurate and also contain particular details about the vessel and it’s owner. Consequently false alerts can be resolved by a quick radio or telephone call.
Visit the AMSA website for more information on distress beacons.
Both 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz EPIRBS are available in compact sizes to enable them to be carried within the wet weather gear of yachtsmen and solo boaters.
It is important to remember that once activated, the response to your EPIRB signal by a search and rescue authority many be many hours, especially if you are in a remote location. Order an EPIRB
MAST recommends that in areas where a marine radio is required a VHF radio is a better choice than a 27MHz radio. The 27MHz is the cheaper option but it is limited in its use close inshore.
For coastal operations a VHF radio provides much greater coverage and allows communication with shore stations for distress and emergency situations. It also allows boaters to talk with commercial vessels if necessary. The MAST VHF repeater network gives statewide coverage and allows vessels in distress to communicate with each other. Traffic on the repeaters is monitored by volunteer groups as listed below.
Maatsuyker Island Channel 82 Monitored by Tasmar Radio
Cape Sorell Channel 80 Monitored by RVCP Strahan
Bluff Hill Point Channel 81 Monitored by Mersey Radio
Dazzler Range Channel 80 Monitored by Mersey Radio & RVCP Tamar
Mount Horror Channel 82 Monitored by RVCP Tamar, RVCP St Helens and and Mersey Radio
Cape Tourville Channel 80 Not monitored
Mt Raoul Channel 81 Monitored by Tascoast and Tasmar Radios
Distress communications with shore stations is on Channel 16. When at sea you must have your radio turned on and tuned to the distress frequency even when it is not otherwise in use.
For vessels venturing far out to sea or interstate, a HF radio provides long distance communication and emergency response.
A minimum of a Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) is required to be undertaken by all users of VHF radios.
For more information please visit the Marine and Safety Tasmania website
The following safety products can be purchased through the secure Yacht and Boat online store to Order Online
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
