Remaking the emergency locating devices class licence

We received 2 submissions to the consultation. You can access these below. 

After considering the submissions, we decided to make the Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2026 (ELD Class Licence) with minor updates. 

We received a suggestion to authorise Class A  Autonomous Marine Radio Devices (AMRDs) under the ELD Class Licence. AMRDs have not been included in the ELD Class Licence because they are not currently incorporated into the Standard AS/NZS 4869.3. 

We will consider updates to the ELD Class Licence if relevant standards change in the future. 

We thank all those involved in the consultation process.

The Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016 is due to sunset on 1 October 2026.  

The class licence authorises the operation of emergency locating devices that are categorised as either:

• satellite distress beacons, also known as Emergency Position‑Indicating Radio Beacon stations (EPIRBs)
• locating aids on shared frequencies. 

We believe the class licence is operating effectively. We propose to revoke it and remake it with only minor changes. 

These changes are to:

• clarify and regularise operational and testing practices
• modernise the drafting.

Details of the proposal are in the consultation paper in the key documents box above. A copy of the draft Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2026 and the notice required under subsection 136(2) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 are also available.   

A Gazette notice about the revocation of the class licence is available on the Federal Register of Legislation. You can also access the notice from the key documents box above.