Emergency beacons

Emergency Beacons are the most effective way of letting people know you need urgent help and where to find you.

Why carry an emergency beacon? 

New Zealand’s rugged landscape and changeable weather mean you can get into trouble quickly. 

Radios, GPS tracking systems, distress flares, whistles, lights, and mobile phones may be useful back‑ups. However, none are as effective or reliable as an emergency beacon when you need help.

Choose the right emergency beacon 

All emergency beacons work in a similar way, but each type is designed for a different environment. 

 

There are three main types: 

  • EPIRB (emergency position‑indicating radio beacon) 
     
    Best for boats, ships, and other activities on the water. EPIRBs are suitable for most maritime activities and are designed to be carried on a craft. 

 

  • PLB (personal locator beacon) 
     
    PLBs are designed to be carried on a person. They are suitable for tramping, climbing, hunting, remote travel, microlights, balloons, and other outdoor activities. If used for paddling or small craft, the PLB should be able to float and operate in water. 

 

  • ELT (emergency locator transmitter) 
     
    For aircraft only. 

a close up of a vessel locator beacon is floating in some water

Get a beacon

Waterproof and designed to float. Additional safety features may be included and will vary depending on the model and the brand.

Register your emergency beacon 

It is free and easy 

Registering your emergency beacon is free and takes only a few minutes. You can submit registrations online, by email, or by post. 

 

It could save your life 

Registering your emergency beacon with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is vital. A registered emergency beacon means a faster, more targeted response can be launched. 

RCCNZ may also be able to find out who is with you, how long you have been away, and whether anyone has medical conditions. Rescuers can then be better prepared when they reach you.

 

It is the law 

Registering your emergency beacon is a legal requirement. 

Get familiar with your emergency beacon 

When moving your emergency beacon, make sure it is in “safe” or “off” mode.

Before you head out: 

  • read the instruction manual and make sure you know how to operate your emergency beacon 

  • make sure your emergency beacon is registered with RCCNZ and that your contact details are kept up to date. 

Make sure your emergency beacon is easy to access 

  • Store the emergency beacon on your vessel or life raft. 

    • If your EPIRB has a mounting bracket, install it where it is visible and easy to reach in an emergency. Consider installing a bracket with a hydrostatic release, which means when it is immersed in water, it will automatically release the EPIRB.  

    • If the EPIRB and bracket use a magnetic switch, ensure the magnets are correctly aligned. 

    • If you have an inflatable life raft, you can store an additional emergency beacon inside it. 

  • Keep the EPIRB dry and locked away when nobody is on board. 

 

Keep your emergency beacon away from: 

  • equipment that could accidentally knock the activation switch 

  • magnetic sources, such as Marine VHF microphones and radio speakers (some beacons use magnetic on/off switches) 

  • high water pressure 

  • children, who may accidentally activate it. 

Accidental activation 

If your emergency beacon is set off accidentally contact the Rescue Coordination Centre on one of the following: 

  • +64 4 577 8030 

  • 0508 472 269  

  • Maritime Radio VHF Channel 16 or SSB frequencies 

Disposing of old emergency beacons 

Beacons no longer in use must be disposed of responsibly to prevent accidental activation. 

Do not place your beacon in household rubbish or recycling. For the latest information about disposing of old emergency beacons: