AMSA issues float-free EPIRB reminder


By Amy Sarcevic
Thursday, 14 May, 2020

AMSA issues float-free EPIRB reminder

Float-free EPIRBs will be required on certain types of commercial vessels from 1 January 2021, and operators are being urged to upgrade or purchase new units now to prevent a supply shortfall and meet their obligations in time.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority Chair Stuart Richey said the cost of a float-free EPIRB pales in comparison to the cost of an unassisted incident at sea.

“A float-free EPIRB retails for about $800 — the lives of your crew and passengers are worth far more than that,” Richey said.

New Zealand mandated float-free EPIRBs in January 2019. Just two months later, three commercial fishermen were saved when their boat was swamped by a wave and their float-free EPIRB activated.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Дмитрий Приходько

Related News

$252m satellite contract kicks off next stage of SouthPAN

A $252 million agreement between Geoscience Australia and Inmarsat Australia marks significant...

Boeing preps spaceplane for next mission, launches satellites

The Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is preparing to launch its eighth mission from...

SouthPAN Critical Design Review completed

Lockheed Martin and Geoscience Australia say they have successfully completed the Critical Design...


  • All content Copyright © 2025 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd