Exemption from requirement to carry an EPIRB

By Marine Notice No. 6 of 2006, SAMSA has exempted small craft under 25 gross tons in Category B and C from the requirement to carry and EPIRB. This exemption is valid until 31st May 2007.

Some changes are expected to the carriage requirements during this period particularly in terms of float free or manually operated units. Currently the regulations require all affected vessels to carry a float free automatic EPIRB but considerable numbers of manual units have been fitted and accepted.

It is also hoped that the difficulties in obtaining an MMSI number for a ski boat which does not carry a VHF and therefore has no Ship's Radio Station Licence will be resolved. At present it is not possible to obtain an MMSI number, which is required when programming the EPIRB, without a Ship's Radio Station Licence. This can only be issued when a marine VHF or HF Radio is fitted but most ski boats only carry 29Mhz radios. Therefore most ski boats could not program and fit an EPIRB to comply with the regulations.

Download or view Marine Notice No.6 of 2006.

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