The consultation on AMSA’s proposal to mandate the use of float-free, auto-activating EPIRBs for certain classes of commercial vessels ends this Friday on 2nd of Feb. The organization encourages commercial vessel operators to consider the proposed changes and provide feedback within this week.
AMSA explains that the use of these devices could in some cases alert search and rescue authorities more quickly when a vessel sinks or capsizes suddenly and the crew are unable to reach and activate a manual distress beacon.
AMSA has updated the explanatory note to adjust the commencement date of the proposed changes to 1 April 2018 and extend the proposed changes to Class 4C vessels based on feedback received and include the estimated costs for those operators. The consultation aims to give further information about float-free EPIRBs and limitations of manual-only EPIRBs and clarify that life rafts required to carry an EPIRB under NSCV Part C7A will only need to carry a manually-activated EPIRB.
The changes relate to requirements under the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (Part C7B, Part G, and Part F2).