With the amount of publicity over the last 12 months or so, you would have thought that no one would risk going boating or sailing offshore, relying on a 121.5 MHz EPIRB in case of emergency. Worldwide this frequency has not been monitored since 1 February 2009. And yet I read that maritime officials in NSW have picked up many skippers who were in breach of the regulation that makes it compulsory to carry a 406 MHz EPIRB if going two or more nautical miles offshore.
The new 406 MHz EPIRBs give rescuers a much more accurate location when activated. And, as they have to be registered, rescuers also have access to quite a bit of helpful information about the vessel and its owner.
I find it mind-bogglingly stupid that anyone is prepared to take such a risk and use obsolete technology.
