You need an EPIRB about 2 nautical miles offshore. In NSW you must carry an EPIRB (and a marine radio) on open waters more than 2 nm from shore; Victoria requires an approved 406 MHz EPIRB for any vessel more than 2 nm from the coast; Queensland requires a 406 MHz digital EPIRB when operating beyond smooth and partially smooth waters and more than 2 nautical miles from land.
Queensland lets lightweight craft carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) instead of an EPIRB. Lightweight craft are off-the-beach craft, human-powered canoes and kayaks, sailing vessels under 6 m and personal watercraft. The PLB must float, be registered with AMSA, be GPS enabled, be worn by the operator, be in service and meet the Australian Standard.
The pattern is national-ish, but the exact wording and water-type definitions are state-specific. So the 2 nm line isn’t universal. And an EPIRB must be registered with AMSA (renewed every two years) to be any use.
The Weather Officer knows how far offshore you’re heading; the Bosun knows what that triggers in your state, and together they tell you before you leave the dock, not after.
The Bosun cites the exact distance trigger for your state and reminds you the EPIRB must be AMSA-registered and in date.
General information for Australian operators, current as of 2026-10-23. Rules change and recreational rules vary by state. Always confirm against the source(s) linked above (your AMSA, Australian Sailing or state maritime authority). This is not legal advice.