EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons

Choose a beacon suitable for your vessel and activity. 

When operating more than 400 metres from shore in the ocean in unprotected waters, you must carry a GPS-enabled EPIRB or wear a GPS-enabled PLB.

Registrable vessels are vessels, including sailing vessels, that are or can be propelled by mechanical power.

Non-registrable vessels include sailboards, kiteboards, windsurfers, paddle craft, tenders and sailing dinghies.

Find out more about what safety equipment you need.

EPIRBs and PLBs must be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Registration is a free and can be completed online.

Proof of registration

You may be required to provide proof of beacon registration during an safety equipment inspection.

You can provide proof of registration, such as an email, SMS or check your registration on the AMSA website.

Update registration details

If your beacon’s registration details change you can update them on the AMSA beacon register website.

EPIRBs and PLBs should only be used when:

• there is an emergency and you believe you are in imminent danger; or
• when you are told to do so by a rescue authority.

In the event of an emergency, you should also consider initial communications with others close by using radios and other signalling devices.

Testing EPIRBs and PLBs

You should check and test your EPIRB or PLB before going out on the water.

Check the device for signs of damage.

Use the test switch as per the manufacturer's instructions to check power and operation.

Accidental activation

If you activate your EPIRB or PLB by accident, turn it off immediately and let rescue authorities know as soon as possible by calling:

• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) on 1800 641 792;
• WA Water Police on (08) 9442 8600; or
• nearest Marine Rescue (MR) group.

Unauthorised use of EPIRBs and PLBs

EPIRBs and PLBs must only be activated in an emergency situation.

Intentionally activating an EPIRB or PLB when you are not in distress carries a severe penalty and wastes time and resources.

EPIRBs

Store EPIRBs in an accessible place where they can be retrieved easily but away from areas where they might be knocked or accidentally activated.

When activated attach the EPIRB using the lanyard to yourself or something that will not sink.

Ensure the EPIRB container is not cracked or showing signs of damage and all on board know where it is and how to activate it.

PLBs

When out on the water, a PLB must be worn or attached to one person on board.

Your PLB must not restrict the inflation of your lifejacket.

Do not throw your EPIRBs and PLBs in the rubbish bin. Beacons can be accidentally activated if thrown in general waste and end up in landfill.

To dispose unwanted EPIRBs or PLBs you can:

• Hand in for safe disposal at:
  • Marine Operations Centre, 14 Capo D'Orlando Drive, Fremantle.
  • Marine Operations Centre, Peel Region, 107 Breakwater Parade, Mandurah.
• Contact your local Battery World store to check whether they disconnect and dispose of beacons. Fees may apply.

Disarm the beacon and disconnect the battery by following the manufacturer's instructions, Once disarmed, check with your local waste management facility for an environmentally friendly method of disposing of the battery.