Recreational Boating
Boating know how
Before you go out
Safety on the water
Emergency procedures
Personal Watercraft or PWC
Commercial Vessels
Licensing and registration
Grants
About MSV

Emergency procedures

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What do you do in emergency situations?
Safety equipment to assist in times of emergency

  • 406 Mhz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
    All recreational vessels heading out more than 2 nm from the coast are required to carry an approved EPIRB. However, it is recommended that all vessels venturing into coastal waters carry one.

    NOTE: Make the Switch to 406 -
    The 121.5 Mhz EPIRB service will be shut down internationally on 1 February 2009. After this date, only the 406 Mhz EPIRB service will be available for use.
  • Distress Flares
    All recreational vessels heading out onto coastal and enclosed waters are required to carry orange smoke signals (x 2) and red distress flares (x 2) .

    For further information on safety equipment refer to the table on Minimum Safety Equipment on page 18 of the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.