Last month we posted a reminder that 121Mhz EPIRBs will no longer be supported after 1st February 2006 and commented on the advantages of the 406 Mhz EPIRB.
Boat operators in NSW should be aware that Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi has announced a new law which will come into effect on 1st July 2008. All vessels over 8m will be required to carry a 406mHZ EPIRB when 2 nautical miles or more from shore. Vessels under 8m are only recommended to carry a 406 Mhz EPIRB.
There were 141 EPIRB activations between January and March this year of which 108 were false alarms. This is obviously wastes a lot of time and money. In addition to providing quicker and more accurate position information when activated 406 EPIRBs are able to be individually identified. This enables the rescue authorities to eliminate most false alarms by contacting the vessels or owners when possible to confirm there is an emergency.
For more information contact AMSA or NSW Maritime.
Personally I think it would make sense to have every vessel carry an EPIRB whilst operating offshore. If you are to going force people to carry safety equipment the rules should applied across the board.
Is there any reason why a vessel under 8m is less likely to need one? Any comments?
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