Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)

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Distress beacons

When travelling by land, sea or air, a GPS-equipped distress beacon can mean all the difference in an emergency situation.
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Changes to EPIRB laws for domestic commercial vessels

From 1 January 2021, new laws covering the carriage of emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) will apply to certain types of domestic commercial vessels.

  • EPIRB requirements—find out what the changes mean for your DCV operation

    The type of EPIRB you need depends on vessel class, length, flotation and operating area.
    Read more
    [1]
  • Choose, install and maintain your float-free EPIRB

    What you need to know about owning a float-free EPIRB.
    Read more
    [2]
  • Choosing the right EPIRB for your vessel

    What you need to know about buying an EPIRB.
    Read more
    [3]
  • Australia Bay Seafoods puts safety first with float-free EPIRBs

    Australia Bay Seafoods General Manager and career fisherman Michael O’Brien, talks to AMSA about...
    Read more
    [4]
  • Float-free EPIRBs—resources

    We’ve prepared materials to help you understand your requirements and what you need to do.
    Read more
    [5]
  • Trepang Fisheries have float-free EPIRBs on their fishing vessels—don't wait to get yours!

    Ben Fordham from Trepang Fisheries talks about float-free EPIRBS
    Read more
    [6]

Register your beacon and find out more

Register your beacon or find out more information about our purchasing and looking after you beacon.

  • Beacons registration

    Register your beacon before you take it out.
    Read more
    [7]
  • Beacons information

    Find out about purchasing, keeping and maintaining your beacon.
    Read more
    [8]

Maritime mobile service identity information

Find out whether you need a maritime mobile service identity information number to help identify your vessel in an emergency or distress situation. Apply online, set up your system and get licenced.

  • About maritime mobile service identity information

    Why you need a maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), and how to apply for one.
    Read more
    [9]
  • Distress beacon and MMSI information brochure

    Read more about distress beacons and the maritime mobile service identity number.
    Read more
    [10]

Source URL: https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons

Links
[1] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/epirb-requirements-find-out-what-changes-mean-your-dcv-operation
[2] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/choose-install-and-maintain-your-float-free-epirb
[3] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/choosing-right-epirb-your-vessel
[4] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/australia-bay-seafoods-puts-safety-first-float-free-epirbs
[5] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/float-free-epirbs-resources
[6] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/trepang-fisheries-have-float-free-epirbs-their-fishing-vessels
[7] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/beacons-registration
[8] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/beacons-information
[9] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/about-maritime-mobile-service-identity-information
[10] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/distress-beacons/distress-beacon-and-mmsi-information-brochure