Sea
For some classes of vessels, it will be compulsory to carry registered 406MHz EPIRBs from 1 JULY 2008. In basic terms, If you are currently required to carry a 121.5MHz EPIRB, then you will be required to upgrade it to a 406MHz EPIRB by 1 July 2008.
What is an EPIRB?
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are distress beacons designed for maritime environments. They are waterproof and designed to float upright in water. Some require manual activation and have additional safety devices, such as strobe lights. Others are self-activating and will float free in the event of an emergency.
What kind of 406MHz EPIRB do I need?
There is a wide range of EPIRBs available for maritime use Some have GPS coordinates integrated into their signal, which dramatically improves their accuracy. This means your location can be identified by RCCNZ on the first contact with a satellite. Without GPS it would require two satellites to pick up your beacon signal, to resolve the ambiguity of the satellite positions. The time between satellite passes varies greatly, ranging between 20 minutes and 4.5 hours.
In some situations you could also use a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). PLBs are small enough to fit in your pocket and are activated manually. They are also available either as standard models or with the addition of GPS.
Your local supplier will be able to guide you to which option is most suitable for your needs, taking into account the kind of boating activity you engage in.
Maritime
Pleasure vessels:
Offshore pleasure vessels heading overseas are already required to carry a 406MHz EPIRB. Yachts undertaking coastal races where Category 2 or 3 safety rules apply must carry a 406MHz EPIRB from 1 February 2009. For further advice, contact the recreational boating team at recreationalboating@maritimenz.govt.nz
Commercial vessels:
For some classes of vessels, it will be compulsory to carry registered 406MHz EPIRBs from 1 July 2008. To determine if that applies to you, please contact your nearest Maritime New Zealand advisor or check out the relevant rules at www.maritimenz.govt.nz/publications/rules/EPIRBAmendment.pdf. In basic terms, if you are currently required to carry a 121MHz or 243MHz EPIRB, then you will be required to upgrade it to a 406MHz EPIRB by 1 July 2008.
For more information on the rules, please contact your nearest Maritime New Zealand advisor or visit www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rules/rules_legislation.asp
What kind of EPIRB do I have now?
If you don’t know what kind of EPIRB you have already, please take the time to have a look at it soon. Somewhere on its body it will be marked with an operating frequency. If it doesn’t say 406MHz, it will more than likely need to be replaced. If in doubt, take it to an EPIRB supplier for verification.
Where should I keep it?
This depends on the type of EPIRB and where you are installing it.
On Boats:
If your EPIRB comes with a mounting bracket, place it where it is visible and easy to access in an emergency. If the EPIRB and mount have a magnetic activated mounting switch ensure that the two magnets are “face to face”. Make sure the EPIRB stays dry and keep it locked away when nobody is onboard. If you are using a PLB, you must keep it on your person.
In the liferaft:
If you have an inflatable liferaft onboard, an additional beacon can be stored inside the raft.
Keep the beacon away from:
◦ Equipment that may accidentally knock the activation switch
◦ Magnetic sources, such as microphones and radio speakers (some beacons are activated by a magnetic on/off switch).
◦ High water pressure
◦ Children who may accidentally turn it on
Note: If you are moving beacons, always make sure they are in the 'safe' or 'off' mode.
Don't buy a foreign 406!
Each country has an individual 406 code. When you purchase a 406MHz distress beacon, make sure it is coded for
Remember - you must register your new beacon.
This means Search and Rescue can contact you to verify an activation. This can improve search response time and help cut down on false alarms. Once your beacon is registered, you will need to keep your details up to date and notify the register if the beacon changes ownership. Registration is FREE. To register your beacon, call the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ on 0800 406 111 or 0508 406 111.
Click here for the 406 Distress Beacon Registration Form.
