Registering an EPIRB

Given that I wrote about registering an EPIRB in the post earlier today, I figured I should do it. It is something that I can do without going outside.

I guess I should explain why I have an EPIRB. An EPIRB is a distress beacon. It is a small electronic device that, when activated in a life-threatening situation, assists rescue authorities in their search to locate those in distress. EPIRB: Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon

Recently the older beacons that worked on 121.5Mhz stopped being detected by satellites. The newer 406Mhz beacons work now. The new beacons are now registered to a particular person/vehicle/vessel/aircraft. This allows authorities to make contact with the owner or one of the emergency contacts should there be an activation. This can help in the reduction of false alarms and quick resolution of them.

I, of course, chose the beacon with a GPS unit on board, so that the location of the beacon is transmitted along with the identity code of the beacon if it is activated.

Anyway, to register, there is an online link to do so, and after filling out the questions about my wife's mothers maiden name and the current value of the GDP of Australia... Well it seemed like it, I received a letter telling me that it was all OK.

The kicker is, that now I find out that if a fine may result if a current sticker is not affixed to a beacon during a safety equipment inspection. The things you find out by mistake.

Oh well, provided the sticker arrives before departure I should be OK, or I have to keep a copy of the letter in the pouch of the EPIRB.