Marine Safety

Switch to 406

The Marine Safety Branch is urging all boat owners to make the switch to 406. From 1 February 2009, analogue 121.5 MHz distress beacons will no longer be detected by satellite. Switch to a digital 406 MHz distress beacon.

Why Switch to 406?

From 1 February 2009 Cospas-Sarsat satellites will no longer detect 121.5 MHz distress beacons.

The major advantages of switching to a 406 MHz distress beacon are:

• their improved accuracy - especially those that are GPS capable
• the capability for search and rescue authorities to determine whether the alert is legitimate - for those that are registered, a simple phone call can determine this
• a faster response - valuable information about those in distress and the distress location can be gained by rescue authorities contacting friends and family nominated as emergency contacts.

It is estimated that there are some 150,000 121.5 MHz distress beacons that will need to be switched over to 406 MHz beacons and expectations are that demand will outstrip supply, leaving many distress beacon owners without the appropriate beacon. Distress beacon owners are encouraged to make the switch now or risk not having the required safety equipment when it is needed most.

For more information visit www.amsa.gov.au or talk to the Marine Safety Branch