If you own a EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) distress beacon you are reminded that from early 2009 only one type, the digital 406 MHz distress beacon will be detected by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.

The international council that controls the satellite system (Copas-Sarsat), will cease processing 121.5MHz analogue signals by satellite on 1 February. From that date only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by satellite.

When activated, beacons transmit a signal to Cospas-Sarsat global search and rescue satellite system which processes the information to obtain a position. This information is relayed to The Rescue Coordination Centre, RCC Australia, operated by AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) in Canberra.

As an operator/participant in outdoor recreation activities you need to ensure you replace your 121.5 MHz analogue beacon with the new 406 MHz Epirb. as soon as possible and no later than the cut-off date.

To comply iwth the new requirement, 406 beacons must also be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authorty and carry a registration sticker. Registration is free.

Register online (preferred and fastest option) , by email or fax.

For those who already have a registered 406 MHz distress beacon, you can also update your details online by visiting http://beacons.amsa.gov.au, the AMSA maintained website and see more information on these changes and much other useful information on the 406 MHz Beacons.

To continue to rely on a 121.5 MHz distress beacon after 1 February 2009 could jeopardise lives.