The rules of an offshore event invariably require every emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and personal locator beacon (PLB) on board to be properly registered.

This seemingly administrative burden matters because it helps the search and rescue authorities. And if you’re in a search and rescue situation, you’re in enough difficulty as it is and you really don’t need to make it any harder for yourself.

Basically, it comes down to ‘intel’. When the EPIRB or PLB is activated, it sends a satellite signal which goes to AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra. When the beacon is properly registered, they not only know that the distress signal is active and where you are, but they know who you are, what your boat is, who the club is or which race you’re in, and importantly, who the emergency contact is and how to reach them. This information can fast track the search and rescue.

The other reason is to do with inadvertent activations. These things happen. Before tasking the navy or a plane to search for you, a few checks by AMSA using your registration details might confirm that it’s a ‘pocket-dial’ and not an emergency at all. The most common inadvertent activation of a beacon is when they are thrown out. Your registration might just save AMSA a trip to the dump.

Check your beacon registration every time you go offshore to race, cruise or deliver a boat. It matters.
AMSA’s beacon registration information is here.
A Safety Information Notice about Distress Beacons (2014) is here.
To learn about beacons, click here.

By Glen Stanaway