74 Kallista Rd.
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
Bewitched At Witches Falls
Club News
Membership Fees
When the Club incorporated, one of the changes was that the
end of the financial year is now June 30, instead of January 31.
Any person who joins the Club before 30 June 2004 will be a
financial member till 31 January 2005. All members as at June
30, 2004 will only be required to pay an extra $10.00 (due 1st
February, 2005) to take their membership till June 30, 2005.
Any person joining the Club for the first time on or after the 1st of
July will be a member till 30 June 2005.
Please note that if you were a member last year and have not yet
paid your membership fee which was due by 30 April, then your
membership has expired.
Club Gear
The committee is considering purchasing some equipment for
the use of Club members. One of the first items the Club will
purchase is an EPIRB. See the article about EPIRB’s and their
use on the back page.
We need some feedback from members on what other gear
would be most suitable to buy that could be used by all
members. This could be gear for day walks or through walks. If
you have any suggestions please let a member of the committee
know so that the Club’s money can be spent wisely.
Page 1 of 6
Rochedale South
QLD 4123
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No (07) 3341 7509
www.geocities.com/qldbwc
May 2004
Car Pooling
The onus is on the walker wishing to participate on a walk to get
to the meeting place. The leader will try to facilitate this as much
as possible by car pooling but walkers must realise that this may
not be possible in all cases.
You can help the leader by nominating early for a walk and filling
out the Nomination Form clearly with your phone number and
suburb you live in so that car pooling can be done in a timely
manner. Ringing up just a day or two before a walk may mean
that last minute car pooling might not be possible for you. Also if
no one else lives close to you, then you are out of luck unless you
can make it to the meeting place by yourself.
Change in the Newsletter
The Newsletter is now available as a Microsoft Word document.
Previously the Newsletter was available only as a pdf document
but the photos were becoming pixilated and blocky after
transforming the original Word document to pdf.
The Newsletter as a Word document is password protected from
changes but can be opened without a password. The photos in
the Word document look much better on a computer monitor.
For members who are unable to open Word 2000 documents the
pdf format of the Newsletter will still be available.
 General Information The Management Committee
Membership President Trevor Cox 3273 3484 (H)
Membership is still only $20. Please note that the financial year Vice President Bob Gur 3345 3971 (H)
of the Club has changed. The present Club financial year finishes Secretary Patricia Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
on the 30th of June 2004. However members who have paid
st
their $20 for 2004 will be financial till 31 January 2005. Treasurer Gary Woodward 3245 2695 (H)
Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must become a Outings Secretary David Kenrick 3349 8238 (H)
Probationary or Ordinary Member or be a member of an affiliated Membership Officer Nadeen Larkin 3841 6614 (H)
club. Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the
Editor Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State
Federation are covered for Insurance.
Other Voluntary Positions
Probationary Membership
Social Secretary Evelyn Campbell 3809 2354 (H)
To become a Probationary Member, a person pays $10.00 to a
member of the committee or to a walk leader. Walk leaders are Training Officer Nadeen Larkin 3841 6614 (H)
authorized to collect the $10.00. The committee member or walk Equipment Officer Steve Moyle 3800 3963 (H)
leader will note the name of the person on the Walk Sheet and
that he/she has paid the $10.00. Supper Convenor Danuta Gur 3345 3971 (H)
A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member by Federation Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
their second walk. Federation Rep Trevor Cox 3273 3484 (H)
A Probationary Member can become an Ordinary Member by FMR Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
filling out a membership form and handing it to a committee FMR Rep Trevor Smith 0407 062 381
member or walk leader and paying a further $10.00.
Ordinary Membership
Campsite Monitors
A person who is not a member may become an Ordinary
Ratatat Hut Barbara Makepeace
Member straight away by filling out a membership form and
Ed Thistlethwaite
handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and
paying $20.00. Running Creek Falls Richard Kolarski
Gary Woodward
Meeting Place
Throakban Kerry de Clauzel
Club Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Trevor Smith
East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and
Wellington Road, starting at 7:30pm. Mt Superbus & Christine Harrison &
Spicers Peak Cliff Harrison
There is parking within the school grounds off Wellington Road.
Consult a street directory, as there are a number of one-way
streets in the area. There is also parking in Wellington Road. Special Coming Events
Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits provided after the meeting. A coin Misty Mountains
donation would be appreciated
Saturday June26 – Sunday July 11 2004
Equipment for Hire
The Misty Mountains Trails are located in the Ingham hinterland,
The Club has a backpack (suitable for use as stretching from Townsville to Cooktown on the north-east coast of
a day or through pack) for hire at $5.00 per Queensland. They were officially opened in August 2003.
week.
Over 130 kilometres of tracks have been constructed. A variety of
Bivy Bag/Pack Liners for Sale walks is being planned, from day walks to possible throughwalks.
The Club has purchased a quantity of pack If interested, ring Patricia on 3341 7509 before the end of May.
liners from VicWalk suitable for through packs.
Canberra
They are 2 metres by 0.9 metres in a bright
orange colour. The packliners can double as Saturday 18 September – Sunday 3 October 2004
an emergency bivy bag and have helpful Day walks and/or 3-4 day throughwalks in the Brindabellas near
information printed on them. Canberra. If interested, ring Patricia on 3341 7509.
They are available from the Club for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. South Island New Zealand
Club Shirts 27 December 2004-16 January 2005
The club still has a number of Club polo shirts for sale. They are Day walks in the Arthurs Pass area; a hut walk on the Kepler
available in XL, L, M and S size. $20.00 each Track and a three-day throughwalk on Stewart Island are being
planned. I need to know numbers by the end of May so that
bookings can be made.
From the Editor If interested, ring Richard on 3341 7509.
Sending Photos by Email
Photos can be sent to qldbwc@yahoo.com.
New Members
Please do not send enormous sized photos, as the email storage
is not large and I need to resize them anyway. Rachel Bryan Karen Chatfield Thomas Clough
Michael Garton Tina Keil Nina Komlenovic
As a guide: Paulina Lagos Gerry Littee Bill McWhirter
Do not send photos more than 1200 pixels wide. Crop or resize Jenny Park Catherine Railey Wayne Rolls
them first. Minimum size is 600 pixels wide. Keiko Tomiyo Roslyn Vaughan
Do not send photos which are more than 500 KB in size. Convert No of Ordinary Members 98
them to a jpg format if initially a bmp photo and use compression.
This is the number of renewals and new members since 1/2/2004
If unsure email me for more information. Richard

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 FMR Training Weekend Past Walks
VENUE: CAMP CONSTABLE, Mt GLORIOUS, The camp is Maria Island Tasmania January 2004
located at 1874Mount Glorious Road, Mount Glorious 40
kilometres west of Brisbane.
Cabins are accessed from Mount Glorious Road and situated
between the Maiala Restaurant and the Maiala National Park.
Tent sites and Permanent tents are accessed from Lindsay
Road; turn right off Mount Glorious Road, UBD Street Directory
Map 105 Ref D6.
COST: $25.00 (Excludes camping fees, but includes supper, hall
hire and equipment charge)
CAMP FEES:
Own Tents: $4.40 per person per day.
Permanent Tents: $7.70 per person per day.
Day visitors: $2.20
IMPORTANT! All participants must notify Peter Webster
Phone - 07 33987272 between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM or
Mobile - 0413 842120 or Email - webbyswalking@aol.com
by 14th MAY 2004!
Bring your own chair, food, cutlery, tea towel, bedding, compass, Maria Island
pen and paper. Maria Island lies about 10km off the east coast of Tasmania near
FRIDAY 21ST May Freycinet Peninsula. It was originally a convict settlement and was
then used for farming and as a cement works. Today it is a
8.30 PM Optional arrival at Camp Constable national park with many of the old buildings restored and used as
Supper (Tea, coffee & biscuits) museums and displays. The old penitentiary is used as
FMR Forms Display (All weekend) backpacker accommodation.
SATURDAY 22ND May We stayed on Maria Island for 5 nights and walked over most of
the island. We did day walks to Bishop and Clerk, Mt Maria, the
REGISTRATION
Painted Cliffs and the Fossil Cliffs on the northern end of the
8.30-10.30 Introduction/housekeeping (Peter Webster) (15min) island. We then walked 11km down to Encampment Cove where
Introductory Maps and Navigation (Ted Wassenberg) (1hr) we found a lovely campground by the beach. From here we did
Radios & Practice (Simon Wood, Peter Webster) (30min) day walks down the Isthmus along the beaches and to Haunted
Dehydration and rehydration (Rhonda Eyles) (15min) Bay. After quite a bit of searching we found mussels (which made
10.30-11.00 MORNING TEA - (Hand out Leaders Trip Sheets) a great soup) and the largest oysters I have ever seen. Yum!
11.00-12.30 PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS Paul was keen to find abalone but without a facemask or fins it
Maps and Navigation Exercise (Richard Kolarski) (1hr) was a doomed attempt. On the rocky point at the end of the cove
Walk Leaders Trip Sheets (Rhonda Eyles) (30 min) we found some fairly roundish rocks which made for a good game
of Boche back at camp. Maria Island is a very special place and a
12.30-1.30 LUNCH (Hand out scenarios) great place to relax and enjoy some easy walking.
1.30-3.30 MINI-SEARCH / FIRST AID / RADIOS /PHONES Barb Makepeace
Practical Adventure (Phil Box, Ron Farmer, Peter Webster)
Risk Management (Trevor Smith) (30min)
Girraween B/C 24-26 January 2004
3.30-4.00 AFTERNOON TEA
A bit of rain and a few walkers with injuries changed this base
4.00-5.15 Hypothermia & Hyperthermia (Frank Bowling) (45min) camp from Goomburra to Girraween.
Planning and Preparation for an extended trip(Ron Farmer)
A storm on Friday and Sunday nights ensured the creek was
5.15-6.15 Knots & Ropes (Phil Box) flowing well all weekend. Although the weather had been very hot
Snakes and Spiders (??) in Brisbane it was milder at Girraween so the walking was
6-30-7.30 DINNER pleasant and the creek was great for a swim after our walks.
7.30 ENTERTAINMENT
Adam Donoghue from Silk Road Light-weight bushwalking gear
SUPPER
SUNDAY 23RD May
8.30-9.30 Ticks and Leeches (Cathy Duffy-Masters) (30 min)
Sea Snakes (Ted Wassenberg) (30 min)
9.30-10.15 Advanced Navigation/Emergency Communications
EPIRB, GPS, Mobile Phone (Richard Kolarski) (45 min)
10.15-10.45 MORNING TEA
10.45-12.30 First Aid Kits (Ron Farmer) (30 min)
Equipment and Ropes display (Phil Box) (45min)
Where to from here? (Feedback Forms) (Everyone) (30min)
12.30 LUNCH (Ethics sheet handout)
13.00 CLEAN UP
AFTERNOON FREE for a social walk
This is open to all members of all bushwalking clubs.
On the way to Mt Norman
FMR Sales all weekend.

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On Saturday some of the group walked to the first pyramid but
most of the day was spent by the creek. We drove around to the
Mt Norman picnic area on Sunday and most of the group walked
to Mt Norman for an explore and then back to camp. Ev, Wayne
and Jasmine came as far as Mt Norman and then walked back to
their car and drove back to camp.
Paul was busy with the camp oven cooking up a feast of roast
chicken and vegetables for Saturday evening’s dinner and then
scones with jam and cream on Sunday. Ev also cooked
Jasmine’s birthday cake in the camp oven as it was Jasmin's 1st
birthday on Australia Day. Jasmine celebrated her birthday with
lots of chocolate cake and standing up by herself for the first
time.
On Monday some of the group walked around the second
pyramid and 2 even made it to the top. You definitely needed a
head for heights and good rock scrambling skills to negotiate the
2 chimneys and steep rock slopes of the second pyramid.
Thanks to everyone who came for the relaxing, fun time at
Girraween. Barb Makepeace Brown Lake
Mother Nature turned out to be fickle though and within fifteen
North Stradbroke Island 31/1/2004 minutes of us leaving the lake, the rain and hail stopped, the sun
came out and temperatures and humidity soared. Even so it was a
Thinking up a walk destination for late January wasn’t easy.
Either an easy rainforest walk in the Border Ranges, which pleasant walk back to the road and we completed our circuit
meant a long drive and probably high humidity, or an island walk without event.
which included a swim and at least one pub? Well almost without event, after a tour of the old cemetery, we
I opted for the latter. I was beginning to question the choice when managed to miss our ferry and discovered that there was a gap of
I had no starters two weeks before, though I naturally blamed this an hour until the next one, forcing us to spend an extra hour in the
rather idyllic surrounds of the Small Ships Club’s water front beer
on the school holidays. Then all of a sudden I had nine starters,
garden; for my money one of the best such venues on the coast.
which dwindled to four on the day due in part no doubt to
forecast temps of up to 38 degrees (over 100 in the old money). Sitting, sipping gin and tonics, was probably an apt conclusion to
All the participants were experienced and the route wasn’t too an excellent day which featured weather that was nothing if not
hard so we went ahead, carrying plenty of excess water, (some tropical. Trevor Smith
of it frozen) and lots of sun protection.
After a short walk along the shore line and a brief road bash we Stairway Falls 7 February 2004
headed off onto the sand tracks which lace North Stradbroke
Island. The 140 odd vertical metres to the summit of Capembah
Hill (which given the conditions might well have been renamed
Mount Capembah) were up a very steep sand track, but this was
the only difficult part of the walk. From the morning tea stop at
the top there were incredible views over Morton Bay, up to
Morton Island and out to Peel Island.

North Stradbroke Island
From here it was an easy, if sandy, downhill stroll to Brown Lake,
which is one of the jewels in North Stradbroke’s crown. Heading
straight for the water and a well-earned swim was the logical and
inevitable priority on arrival. So it was a little annoying when,
after only fifteen minutes or so in the water, the cobalt blue skies
disappeared in a shroud of pitch-black cloud.
One thing I haven’t mentioned is that the island had obviously
been very hard hit by the recent storms; there were large trees
down everywhere and a lot of damage. The low tree cover we
had been walking through wasn’t in danger of toppling on us but
if that sort of ferocity was repeated I didn’t fancy having
horizontal missiles hurtling around us. So when the temperature
started to plummet, and huge raindrops and hail were pelting us,
we packed and headed off.
Stairway Falls
This was down as an M33 but by the end of the walk the leader
finally conceded that the rating was a little misleading.
Unfortunately, the track beyond Blue Pool is no longer maintained
by the National Parks staff and it has degraded badly since I was
last there about a year ago. The main problem seems to be fallen
trees and no new paths have been worn around the track
blockage.
A few of us had falls into the creek as the water was up a bit after
recent rain and the rocks were slippery, always a good excuse.
The water over the falls was impressive though and some of us
had a splash around in the creek below the pool at the base of the
falls.
Once again the slog uphill back to the car park seemed to take
forever. A visit to the coffee shop revived us enough to make the
trip home.
Thanks to all who came, especially the drivers. Patricia

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Full Kobble Creek 8 February 2004
After plenty of rain in warmer weather, it is hard to beat a
destination like the creeks of Brisbane Forest Park. They have a
unique character with plenty of waterfalls, swimming holes and
scrambling challenges that surpass the majority of other places.
The catch is that they are only this good after lots of rain in
summer when you don't mind getting wet. If there is a drought on
or the weather is a little chilly they lose their appeal a bit.
Of Northbrook, South, Mid, North Kobble, England North branch,
England South Branch, Branch, Cabbage Tree and Enoggera
Creeks, Kobble South is the only rain forested creek in the park
with an amazing tributary (that some call Bailey and Muscat
though some indigenous or local fauna name would suit it better
than this BBC name as it has nothing in resemblance to these
two high societal drinks). This tributary includes a plunge pool
and a gorge swim with very narrow walls that in my opinion beats
Northbrook hands down - the problem being that you need lots of
water to make it worthwhile. Kobble South can also be followed
up almost to the cars, which reduces the hard uphill routes in dry
hot conditions that people associate with the park.
Eight walkers had an excellent day, first descending to what BFP
ranger Martin calls "D'Aguilar Falls" for a descent rest. Heading
downstream we engaged the gorge system although a few went
around this. Towards the confluence with South Kobble proper
we took a short cut using old logging tracks to get onto South
Kobble. Heading upstream we followed what appeared to be a
mysterious trail of blood that was still sticky. We speculated upon
its source but never resolved it. A lovely swim in a water hole for
morning tea was later followed by a lunch stop under another
waterfall. We were impressed with the amount of Christmas
Orchids (Calanthe triplicata) in flower. Many waterfalls and
several tributaries later we made the last ascent along a ridge at
a tributary branch. This was a bit nasty due to the large amount
of barbed wire vine (Smilax australis) encountered before we got Wirerope Falls
back to the road.
This was a wonderful walk - thanks to those who came. Lower Portals 21 February 2004
Back to names - it seems that some bushwalking clubs have This walk happened to coincide with a heatwave going through
taken on the role of giving their names to various places such as South-East Queensland. Eleven hardy (?foolhardy) bushwalkers
"Muscat and Bailey" or "Heat-break ridge". Such names appear met at Beaudesert before driving down to the Lower Portals
to be given in ignorance of the history or vegetation communities parking area.
of such places. Bushwalkers are relatively new on the scene at
these places and I don't believe it is our right to take the place of
cartographers without giving credence to the history or natural
features of a location. If I had a right (and I don't), Muscat would
be named Carabeen and Bailey would be named Laurel after
some common vegetation communities in these areas.
Heartbreak could be renamed Sniggers ridge due to the
abundance of Snigging tracks or Mahogany ridge as there
appear to be a few in residence here. David

Wirerope Falls 15 February 2004

Persistence paid off with research of the Tamborine area, and
negotiations with a property owner that finally allowed us to share
the special qualities of the location.
To start the day we visited Witches Falls. Apart from an easy and
pleasant walk and lookout, the notable aspect was that this was
the first national park established in Queensland.
We then moved on to the private property and visited the
homestead of the owner. From there we moved down a graded
track through a variety of vegetation, to the site of the top of the
water falls (Wirerope Falls). This presented an excellent
swimming opportunity with a smaller pool at the top for a
comfortable dip, and by shimmying down a rope to a larger pool
containing the first impact point of the waterfall.
Once all had swum, eaten or just relaxed at this wonderful spot,
we packed up and moved on to more open country and then on
to a stand of large timber where we had a further rest and relax.
Once back at the homestead we said our goodbyes to the owner
and had a pre-arranged afternoon tea at St Bernard's Hotel,
which overlooked the area through which we had just travelled.
Trevor Davern
Lower Portals Party
The walk is only 3 and a half kilometres one-way but it is exposed
with little shade. We needed frequent drink stops on the way.
Unfortunately even the red-tailed black cockatoos that have often
been seen here did not make an appearance.
The graded track went up and down a few creek beds and we
were all glad when we finally reached Lower Portals. The pool
was large, cool and a very welcome sight. We all enjoyed
ourselves swimming, wading or li-loing in the pool.
The more adventurous attempted to scale the waterfall but the
force of the water was too great. We found a small colony of bats
asleep under a rock ledge at one end of the pool.
Hadley had a bit of a scare when he couldn’t find his car keys, but
luckily some other walkers had seen the keys in his car door and
left them in the vehicle
After a leisurely lunch we made our way back to the cars. Thanks
to all who came on such a hot day. Richard

Page 5 of 6

EPIRB's
Bushwalkers in remote areas should be experienced walkers and
always carry a map, compass and a first aid kit among other
essentials. In an emergency situation, bushwalkers going off the
beaten track would be able to summon aid by activating an
EPIRB.
An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a
radio distress beacon that can be activated in an emergency to
transmit continuous radio signals. These signals can be detected
by orbiting satellites or any commercial or RAAF aircraft within
range and line of sight.
In Australia EPIRB’s suitable for bushwalking transmit on 121.5
MHz. They are small and light and can easily fit into a pocket
rather than be carried in a backpack which may become
separated from the bushwalker. The cost is round the $300 mark.
They will send a signal for a minimum of 24 hours. Some have
an additional strobe light to aid in rescue at night.
When to activate an EPIRB
An EPIRB must only be activated in an emergency situation such
as:

A medical emergency necessitating urgent evacuation.

Being lost with little hope of reaching outside assistance
before food and water supplies are exhausted.

Any situation that could be life threatening.
Once activated, the EPIRB must be left on and the party should
remain at the same location until rescue occurs.
An EPIRB should not be activated if help can be summoned
safely and more quickly by other means. Other means could
include a mobile phone. Warm the phone with body heat if the
temperature is low for best battery operation. If no signal, can
you get to the top of a mountain to get a phone signal? Can
someone walk out for help? Can a nearby group assist?
The EPIRB must not be activated for minor injuries or being a
day or two late returning if there is no danger to anybody. An
EPIRB signal always triggers a search that is costly and can
endanger the safety of personnel involved.
Preparation Essential
Carrying an EPIRB is no substitute for bushwalker training and
preparation for a walk in remote areas.
If you have not prepared yourself in the following areas then you
should not be undertaking a walk where an EPIRB might be
used:

Basic bushwalking skills, including fitness,

An ability to navigate in the bush, including recovering
when lost,

First aid training (at least for someone in the party),

Having at least four in the party,

Planned the trip, including basic escape routes, etc,

Have basic knowledge of the limitations of the type of
EPIRB you propose to use.
What happens when the EPIRB is activated?
The EPIRB sends a signal which is picked up by a satellite which
then tells the tracking station and is then passed on to the
Rescue Coordination Centre (AusSAR) in Canberra.
AusSAR (Australian Search and Rescue) is part of the Australian
Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and is the national coordinator
of search and rescue operations in Australia. It is the receiver of
alert information from the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system
and is responsible for reacting to alerts from distress beacons
received over the satellite system.
COSPAS-SARSAT is the international organisation which runs
the satellite system which detects and locates EPIRB's. The
members of the organisation are Russia (which supplies the
COSPAS satellites), the USA (which supplies the SARSAT
satellites), Canada and France. COSPAS-SARSAT satellites
circle the Earth in polar orbit about every 100 minutes.
Page 6 of 6
Once the origin of an alert is established as coming from a
bushwalker, canyoner or skier, then the State or Territory police
are handed coordination of the search and rescue.
A land and air search is then planned and coordinated. An air
search can pinpoint the location of the EPIRB more accurately. If
the weather is unfavourable an air search/rescue may not be
possible at that time and only a ground search may be
undertaken.
Where to place the beacon
The EPIRB should be activated in an area with a clear, open view
of the sky. Lay it down flat and do not obscure, hold or submerge
the antenna or place the unit next to large objects such as rocks
and trees. In densely forested areas, it should be operated only in
a break in the canopy.
Radio signals from an EPIRB are essentially line-of-sight. If there
is not a clear path between it and the satellite then very little signal
will reach the satellite and it won't be detected. Avoid placing an
EPIRB at the base of a cliff, a deep valley or under heavy foliage.
Thick cloud and heavy rain can also reduce signal levels.
The radio signal from a 121.5 MHz EPIRB is very simple. It is
transmitted continuously until the battery runs flat. A consequence
of the continuous signal is that two EPIRB's will interfere with each
other. This interference makes it possible that one of the signals
won't be detected. The more signals, the worse the problem
becomes. Emergencies tend to happen in poor weather so if you
activate your EPIRB in south-west Tasmania then it is possible
that some yachts may be in distress also and several EPIRB's
could be activated at the same time.
Assisting the Rescuers
You can assist your rescuers by making yourself as visible as
possible, eg. If possible light a fire, make markings on sand or
snow in a clear area, use a signalling mirror or set out coloured
clothing. During a trip leave notes of your progress in the logbook
if you pass a hut.
False Alerts
If the beacon is accidentally activated, switch it off and please let
AusSAR know immediately by ringing 1800 815 257. There is no
penalty for accidental alerts. Some EPIRB’s have a two-minute
delay so that it can be switched off before a signal is sent.
You can guard against a false alert by:

Storing the beacon where it can't be knocked and
accidentally switched on.

Always make sure the switch is in the "safe" or "off"
position.

Keep away from children.

Correctly dispose of your old beacon.
Every year valuable search and rescue resources are diverted to
locating distress beacons which have been activated accidentally
or maliciously.
Newer type of EPIRB,
The 121.5 MHz EPIRBs use old analogue technology and will no
longer be processed by satellites from February 2009.
The newer EPIRB is digital and transmits at 406 MHz. Owners of
the older type of EPIRB should consider upgrading at the next
battery change.
The advantages of the 406 MHz beacons are:

More accurate, 5km as to 20 km for the 121.5 beacon.

Detected by the geostationary satellites that provide near
instantaneous alerting for 85% of the globe.

Have a unique identification code which is part of its
signal so false alerts can be resolved easily with a phone
call if properly registered with the Rescue Coordination
Centre, Australia. The unique code provides information
about the person carrying the beacon. This includes the
owner's emergency contact and country of registration. In
contrast, every 121.5 MHz false alert must be tracked to
the source using direction finding equipment.