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TECHNICAL LIBRARY

EPIRBS
(Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons)

BACKGROUND

Older EPIRBs were designed before the installation of the COSPAS/SARSAT ground terminal at Alice Springs. They were designed to be detected by overflying search aircraft. The technology used was such that the stability and accuracy of the transmissions was not a critical factor for aural detection. Provided the EPIRB met general equipment compliance needs it was suitable for use by all vessels.

406 MHz EPIRB This system was primarily designed for new technology EPIRBs operating on 406MHz using digital signals. This allowed a position within 5Km to be established and the individual transmitter to be identified through an international registration system. Furthermore some EPIRBs have the capability of indicating what type of distress the vessel is in - such as collision, grounding, medical . All 406 MHz EPIRBs sold in Australia are fully compatible with the satellite system.

121.5 / 243 EPIRB Because of the advanced technology used in the satellite system, stringent equipment equipment compliance becomes necessary. Therefore Federal Government standard MS241 now applies to all 121.5 & 243 EPIRBs made or sold after 1990. This means that all these are capable of being detected by satellite to provide an initial alert and siatress position calculated by the Local User Terminal (LUT) at Alice Springs. However detection on two satellite passes is required to refine the initial position - to provide an accuracy to within 20 Km.

AMSA RECOMMENDATIONS

     For fishing boats, yachts and other recreational craft, the type of beacon used depends primarily on where you usually operate. If you operate within coverage of the ground receiving stations at Albany, Bundaberg or Wellington an approved 121.5 MHz distress beacon will probably be suitable. However, AMSA recommends the use of 406 MHz type beacons.
      For larger vessels or longer-range ocean going craft, an ACA-approved 406 MHz beacon is strongly recommended. These beacons must be registered with AusSAR and registration is free. All States and the Northern Territory require recreational sea craft to carry a distress beacon when operating beyond a certain distance from shore. Additionally, specific categories of commercial and fishing vessels are sometimes legally required to carry 406 MHz beacons.
     For further details regarding requirements please contact your State or Territory boating authority. Pilots of light aircraft should have a 121.5 MHz or 406 MHz distress beacon installed and/or carry an approved personal distress beacon (PLB) on their person. In most cases a beacon is a legal requirement.

An enhanced type of 406 MHz beacon (generally referred to as 'GPIRB') incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and thereby combines accurate location determination and near instantaneous distress alerting though geostationary satellites. Once activated, the internal GPS finds its own position and the GPIRB broadcasts its identity and position to within an accuracy of about 100 metres. This capability shortens the time required to get an accurate fix on the beacon position, thus enhancing the speed and effectiveness of search and rescue operations.

Please note: 121.5 MHz distress beacons will cease to operate from February 2009 when only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the satellite system.

CAUTIONS

Where a beacon has been activated inadvertently, the RCC should be advised immediately on the following 24 hour contact telephone numbers of 1800 641 792 (maritime) or 1800 815 257 (aviation). This advice is important because it prevents the RCC initiating unnecessary search and rescue action. There is no penalty for reporting inadvertent activations.

If this activation is discovered whilst at sea, the RCC must be informed by the most rapid means of communication, either direct or via another station with passing instructions to urgently forward to the RCC in Canberra.
Testing of EPIRBs should be done at regular intervals and in accordance with correct procedure. Batteries must also be kept current.

CORRECT PROCEDURES

While satellites and satellite-compatible distress beacons have significantly improved the effectiveness of SAR operations, the system is NOT a substitute for carrying appropriate marine or aviation radio.

Depending on the circumstances, the initial distress alert should still be made by radio if possible. You should activate your distress beacon only if radio contact cannot be made (or if radio contact is lost) or when told to do so by a rescue authority.

Likewise, pilots and offshore mariners should never rely solely on any single safety or navigation system. They should always carry appropriate charts and safety equipment, be aware of changing weather, and operate within the limits of their own capability and the capability of their boat or aircraft.

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