When we announced these changes in July 2018, we committed to exploring options for vessels less than 7.5 metres.
The small size of these vessels means that a float-free EPIRB may not be practical. There may not be anywhere suitable to mount the float-free bracket, and a small vessel with basic flotation or in very shallow waters may not submerge sufficiently to trigger the float-free mechanism (although manual activation is still possible).
Between December 2018 and February 2019, AMSA consulted on the options for these types of vessels.
If you own or operate a vessel less than 7.5 metres without level flotation and operate in Offshore (B) or Restricted Offshore (C) waters, you can choose to carry a GPS-equipped, manual or water-activated EPIRB in a manual bracket instead of carrying a float-free EPIRB where all persons on board are wearing lifejackets or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).
Have a look at the results of the consultation process and our consultation feedback report.
