Need help in an emergency? Your “go-to” should be a distress beacon!
Photo Credit: ACR Electronics, Inc.
Need help in an emergency? Your “go-to” should be a distress beacon, as they’re widely considered to be one of the most reliable ways of signaling your need for help… and enabling that help to find you.
Yes, radios, GPS tracking systems, distress flares, whistles, lights, and mobile phones all have a place, but none are as effective as a distress beacon. Consider a beacon a must-have and these others a backup. According to the Boatie’s Best Mate site, a beacon is a great tool to be able to communicate where other devices can’t.
There are different types of beacons with Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) both recommended in relation to boating. According to Maritime New Zealand advice on the subject, EPIRBs are best for boats, ships, and other activities on the water. They are waterproof, designed to float, and suitable for all maritime activities. PLPs - if used for paddling or small watercraft activities - need to be of a type that can float and operate in water.
As the Telfermarine site suggests, if your water activity predominantly involves one vessel, then an EPIRB may be the best option for you. A PLB, however, may be a better choice if you move from vessel to vessel or want the ability to use it in land-based applications also. PLB’s differ from EPIRB’s in that they are registered to your person, rather than your vessel. Unlike the EPIRB, generally, PLB's have not been designed to float, but rather clip onto your person. Lightweight and pocket-sized, they are well suited if you have limited space - for example, you are out on the kayak or fishing from your WaveRunner.
The Telfermarine site also includes information on the difference between a GPS-enabled and non-GPS PLB or EPIRB. In short: having GPS capability will greatly increase your chance of being rescued.
Once you’ve bought a beacon that you deem best suited to your boating needs, it’s important to register it. According to Maritime NZ, ensuring your beacon is registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is vital (there’s a “register your beacon now” option on the Maritime NZ site.)
“A registered beacon means a quicker, more targeted response can be launched.
“RCCNZ may also be able to find out exactly who is with you, how long you have been gone, and whether anyone has any medical conditions. Rescuers will then be in the best position to help you when you are located.”
Both Maritime NZ and Boatie’s Best Mate offer advice on looking after your beacon and where to store it.
As far as storage goes, it needs to be accessible and located in a place where it’s not likely to be damaged. Make sure it stays dry and keep it locked away when nobody is on board. In boats, a great place is in your grab bag or mounted to an easily-accessed surface. If it’s not stored in a visible place, ensure those on your boat know where it is. There are places where you do NOT want your beacon to be.
Keep your beacon away from:
- equipment that may accidentally knock the activation switch
- magnetic sources, such as microphones and radio speakers (some beacons are activated by a magnetic on/off switch)
- high water pressure
- children who may accidentally turn it on.
Note: If you have an inflatable life raft on board, an additional beacon can be stored inside the raft.
What does “looking after your beacon” mean? The Boatie’s Best Mate team recommends you test the beacon in between the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and battery replacement cycles (roughly every eight years). Your beacon will have a self-test capability to ensure it’s ready to go. Also, check that the battery is always within the expiry date.
Before you head out with your beacon you need to familiarise yourself with its workings. Read the instruction manual and understand how to operate it. The Maritime NZ site includes a few other pointers to consider.
What to do if your beacon is accidentally activated? Phone RCCNZ immediately at 0508 4 RCCNZ or 0508 472 269 or you can call 0800 Boatie (who will then advise RCCNZ).
Contacting RCCNZ immediately will ensure a search and rescue operation is not launched needlessly. If you are unable to contact RCCNZ immediately, switch off the beacon and make contact as soon as you are able to.
By the way, there is no penalty for accidental activation; and you can test your beacon without needing to notify RCCNZ.
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