I received a notice from our local authorities bout a change in the rules regarding accidental EPIRB activation. The rule in Ireland used to be that you notified authorities but waited to shut off the EPIRB until instructed to do so. The new rule states that you should turn off the EPIRB immediately then call the Coast Guard by any means available. It appears that NZ still maintains the rule to keep the EPIRB on. The US has issued instructions to turn it off. Does anyone know if there is a consensus guideline?

Ireland and NZ positions:

http://www.sail-world.com/index.cfm?Nid=117608&refre=y&ntid=30&rid=3&subid=176736&NLID=463464

US rules:

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=falseAlerts

Vice Commodore, OCC