406 MHz beacons are smarter and safer because they can also identify their owner. They transmit a unique code, unique that is to your
beacon. So if you register your
beacon with AMSA, they will know exactly who you are; what make and model of vehicle you are in; its colour and registration number. And they will have contact details for you including your HF callsign (if you have one); your sat phone number (if you have one); mobile telephone number(s); and whether you have UHF capability. (As a 4WD club member, you should at the very least, have good UHF communications).
If you have registered with AMSA, the moment they first detect your emergency signal, they will know from the unique code that the transmission is from your vehicle. They can immediately begin to try to contact you to ascertain firstly; that it is indeed an emergency; secondly, where you are and the nature of the emergency. So if you have HF or sat phone capability, the whole rescue process could be in operation before the satellites have confirmed your position. (They may be able to phone or call in to you, even though you may not have been able to get a call out from your position). This could sometimes spell the difference between life and death.
Please ensure you REGISTER your details with AMSA. It’s a FREE service. Registering your 406 MHz
beacon is very easy, and the more information you provide the AMSA - the better they can utilise this information in a coordinated manner should you ever need emergency assistance. There are a number of ways to register your 406 MHz
beacon, and this can be done via the AMSA website. Before you can use this web site you must activate your account. Please note that registering a
beacon and activating your online account are not the same.
Online Registration
This method is the fastest and easiest way to register your 406 MHz
beacon. Once you have created an online account, you will also be able to:
- update your contact details
- indicate change of ownership
- post trip itineraries
To register your
beacon online go to:
www.beacons.amsa.gov.auEmail Registration
To submit your registration details by email, simply
download, complete and save the
Beacon Registration Form and email the completed document to: ausbeacon@amsa.gov.au
Fax
To submit your registration by fax, simply
download, print and complete the
Beacon Registration Form and fax to:
Local: 1800 406 329
International: +61 2 9332 6323
Mail registration
To submit your registration by mail, simply
download, print and complete the
Beacon Registration Form and post it to:
Australian coded beacons:
Beacon Registration Section,
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
Canberra City ACT 2601
Want more info?
More information can be gained from the
AMSA Web Site or call 1800 406 406 (office hours) and speak with the AMSA team.