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

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