Could save your life!
Starting 4 November 2024, beacon registrations no longer expire which is great news – however, taking 5 minutes to login into your online beacon account today and ensure to peruse/update your contact details can literally save your life.
As a fleet owner/skipper – it is also imperative that you ensure someone in your office is responsible in ensuring your distress beacon have all been registered and are up to date.
If you are a crew member, check with the Skipper/Owner as well – you should ensure every vessel journey is as safe as possible.
| PLB | EPIRB | ELT | |
| Full name | Personal Locator Beacon | Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon | Emergency Locator Transmitter |
If you are unsure what type of beacon you require, AMSA have a great guide – Click Here
For more detailed information on the above three beacon options, including usage time etc, Click Here
Once you’ve purchased your beacon, you must register it with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Registration is free and in some cases it is mandatory by law.
A registered beacon allows the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Response Centre to call your emergency contacts and look up important information to initiate a response as soon as possible. An unregistered beacon can delay the response.
Once you register an EPIRB, PLB or ELT you will receive a confirmation via SMS or email. You can use this to prove registration when inspected by authorities.
To login into your Beacons and MMSI Register : Click Here
If you have purchased a second-hand beacon – BOTH the seller and purchaser must update the registration details.
In some cases, it is mandatory by law to have your beacon registered. Confirmation of registration proves to authorities that your beacon is registered.
You may be fined if you can’t prove that your beacon is registered.
You must carry proof of registration during a safety equipment inspection.
You can access an updated proof of registration via SMS or email by logging in to your online beacon account and using the print (image) button.
If your beacon is lost, stolen or disposed please notify AMSA. To notify AMSA you can either:
Log in to your online beacon account Select ‘Change beacon status’ and follow the prompts.
Email ausbeacon@amsa.gov.au – Include HEX ID/UIN code.
Phone 1800 406 406 – Have your HEX ID/UIN code on hand.
If the beacon has been stolen and you have reported it to the Police, you will be asked to provide the Police report number.
AMSA can register a beacon for up to four uses e.g. vessel, vehicle, aircraft. However, please note that in some cases PLBs cannot be carried as a substitute to an EPIRB. Check your State and Territory legal carriage requirements.
If you are borrowing someone else’s beacon, give the owner your current emergency contact details on hand in case of detection.
If you are lending your beacon, update the Trip Details section on your account to reflect the duration of the borrower’s trip along with their emergency contact names and contact details.
It is important to ensure that you have a distress beacon/MMSI onboard every vessel. They do save lives.
Ensure all details, for registration is updated on the AMSA system TODAY!
It is wonderful that you have a beacon onboard with all the correct contact details in case of an emergency, but also ensure it is also maintained.
The battery life is approximately 5-10 years – so BEFORE it reaches its expiry date, consider the options (Refer to Manufacturer).
Storage is another big issue we see in the industry. Ensure where it is stored provides easy access AND it is not being damaged in any way.
Test your beacon regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to perform the test and how often. It is important to note that every beacon has a self-test switch.
Training – ensure everyone onboard is aware of the location of the beacon and how to use in case of an emergency. Don’t assume that the Skipper is conscious in case of an emergency. All onboard should be inducted as part of your regular Emergency Training.
