Float free Epirbs to be compulsory for commercial vessels

[Island Time 1,214]

Float-free EPIRB distress beacons compulsory from 1 January

10 December 2018

  Maritime NZ is reminding operators they must install float-free EPIRB distress beacons on commercial fishing vessels by 1 January 2019. This applies to those vessels between 7.5 metres and 24 metres operating outside enclosed waters.

 

Domonic Venz, Maritime NZ’s Assistant Compliance Manager for Southern Region, who was previously a commercial fisherman, says float-free EPIRBs really do increase your chances of survival because they call for help when you can’t. It’s easy to get one on your boat, he says.

 

“When things go pear shaped at least the float free will notify Rescue Coordination Centre NZ for you. Too often we are unable to locate survivors due to the current manual EPIRB still being attached to the inside of the wheelhouse wall in a vessel that has sunk. The alternative is an ocean search – a time-consuming undertaking with a lower chance of finding you alive,” he says.

 

“Undoubtedly, float-free EPIRBs will save lives. We all know the sea can be an unforgiving mistress: you’re a minuscule speck, a needle in the proverbial haystack. You’ll be glad that you installed that float-free beacon, which calls for help when you can’t.”

 

 

Domonic reminds seafarers that you can still manually activate a float-free EPIRB if you find yourself in an emergency situation and have the time to do so.

 

If you already have a class 2 EPIRB with a category 2 bracket (manually deployed), your local retailer will be able to advise if there’s a category 1 bracket for your model of EPIRB.

 

Domonic says seafarers can ask their local Maritime Officer if they have questions or are looking for advice about float-free EPIRBs.

 

Compulsory float-free EPIRBs are supported by industry. The requirement was introduced following the deaths of 24 people over the last 11 years on inshore fishing boats that sank with manual EPIRBs on board that weren’t able to be deployed. The rule change was announced in February this year.

 

‘Outside enclosed waters’ refers to areas outside harbours, estuaries and other inland or sheltered waters.

 

Easy as 1, 2, 3, 4 – get a float-free EPIRB on your boat 

1. Find a retailer. Beacons.org.nz has a list of New Zealand retailers who sell float-free EPIRBs: https://beacons.org.nz/PurchaseorHire.aspx
2. Buy your EPIRB in New Zealand. Beacons purchased outside of New Zealand may not meet the required standards outlined above or be New Zealand coded. EPIRBs must be coded so they can be registered in New Zealand.
3. Register your beacon for free at www.beacons.org.nz
4. Install it on your boat. Your retailer may be able to recommend someone who can install it for you, if you don’t want to do it yourself.

Visit our website for helpful information on float-free EPIRBs: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/float-free Maritime New Zealand Media Line: +64 4 499 7318

 

[idlerboat 116]

Mandatory float-free EPIRBs

 

Thursday 26 July 2018

From 1 January 2021, float-free emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) will be mandatory on certain types of domestic commercial vessels.

This change to safety equipment requirements comes after a number of incidents in Australia and internationally where commercial vessels have sunk quickly and the master and crew were not able to deploy their EPIRB in time, resulting in a tragic loss of life.

AMSA conducted extensive public consultation about changes to requirements for carrying float-free EPIRBs in 2018. As a result we are making changes to the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) from 1 January 2019, with a two-year transition period.

From 1 January 2021 it will be mandatory for the following domestic commercial vessels to carry a float-free EPIRB:

• all fishing, passenger, and non-passenger domestic commercial vessels (Class 1, 2, and 3) that are:
  • equal to or greater than 12 metres in length and operate beyond 2 nautical miles seaward from land
  • less than 12 metres in length operating in restricted offshore and offshore waters (B or C waters) and do not have level flotation, and
• all hire and drive vessels operating in restricted offshore waters (Class 4C) equal to or greater than 12 metres in length, or less than 12 metres and do not have level flotation.

These changes apply to new vessels, existing vessels, and transitional vessels. It also applies to vessels that are exempt from the requirement to have a certificate of survey (also referred to as ‘non-survey’ vessels). This includes vessels operating under the following exemptions:

• Exemption 02 Marine Safety (Certificates of survey)
• Exemption 40 Marine Safety (Class C restricted operations).

Vessels without level flotation that are less than 12 metres in length and operating in D and E waters will not be affected by the changes. Similarly, all vessels that are less than 12 metres with level flotation can continue to carry the kind of EPIRB currently required regardless of where they operate.

The change does not affect coastal life rafts.

During the transition period AMSA will consider  putting in place a generic equivalent solution (GES) to provide alternative options for owners of less than 7.5 metres without level flotation operating in offshore waters (B and C waters). This will be in consultation with industry.

Float-free EPIRBs offer significant safety advantages for crew and passengers on sinking vessels. While float-free EPIRBs are an important lifesaving device, they should be one of several crucial pieces of equipment that improve safety at sea.

(read the full article and video here)

https://www.amsa.gov.au/news-community/news-and-media-releases/mandatory-float-free-epirbs