Fact Epirbs
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INNOVATIVE ELECTRONICS EMERGENCY BEACON EPIRB- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon PLB- Personal Location Beacon From the 1st February 2009 the international council controlling the satellite system, COSPAS-SARSAT, has announced it will cease processing 121.5 MHz analogue signals. From this date only 406 MHz Beacons will be detected by satellite. All boats in Australian waters proceeding more than 2 nms outside partially smooth waters will be required to carry an EPIRB that meets the Australian/New Zealand standard 4280.1. PLBs only need to meet Australian/New Zealand standard 4280.2. GME manufacture two types of Emergency Beacons- EPIRBsand PLBs. What is the difference between an EPIRB and PLB? An EPIRB is required to operate for a minimum of 48 hours and float upright when deployed in water, EPIRBs are designed to be activated and deployed in the water to operate most effectively. An EPIRB sold in Australia and New Zealand must meet standard 4280.1 .A PLB sold in Australia and New Zealand are only required to meet standard 4280.2. The main differences being a PLB is only required to operate for a minimum of 24 hrs and more importantly, although required to float, PLBs need not float in a manner that keeps the antenna above the water for the majority of the time, meaning that the survivor must ensure the beacon is supported clear of the water. Why must I register my EPIRB or PLB? If you own a 406 MHz EPIRB or PLB then it must be registered with the appropriate authorities. Registration of your 406 MHz beacon is critical, without it your beacon is anonymous. In addition to the distress signals, 406 MHz beacons transmit a unique identity code. This ID can be cross-referenced with a database of registered 406 MHz beacon owners by Search and Rescue authorities. The database includes phone numbers, next of kin details, information on the type of vessel and how many people it usually carries. This will help in the right response to To minimise the unnecessary deployment of vital SAR resources on false alarms, registered beacon owners or next of kin will be contacted to determine if in fact a genuine emergency exists. Registering your EPIRB or PLB Whether you are the owner of a 406 MHz EPIRB or PLB, the registration process is the same. All Beacons in Australia must be Registered with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority). • New Zealand- Rescue Co-ordination Centre 0508 472 269 You will be asked to provide the 15-Hex ID which is unique to the Beacon, also if the beacon is going on a vessel you will be asked the vessel name, MMSI/radio call sign, and some other vital vessel information. From mid 2008 AMSA will hopefully have online registration available. Once your EPIRB/PLB has been registered a confirmation letter or email will be sent, AMSA will also send a sticker for you to affix onto the EPIRB/PLB. It will become compulsory to register your EPIRB/PLB. Check with your local authority as to when this registration becomes effective. Testing your EPIRB or PLB As an important safety item it is imperative to ensure your EPIRB or PLB is always in a fully serviceable condition.The GME range of EPIRBs and PLBs have an in-built self test, these tests carry out a comprehensive internal diagnostics with visual and audible operator feed-back. UHF test message (inverted synchronisation compatible with portable beacon testers). The self test will confirm the units operational status. At regular intervals you should carry out a visual inspection for damage to your EPIRB or PLB. If your unit is suspect, or the battery or service interval ^SfcVjK* marked on the exterior has expired, return your beacon immediately to an authorised service centre.

Battery Replacement Batteries in your EPIRB or PLB have an expiry date which is printed on the beacon label. You should have the battery replaced before the expiry date. The GME MT400, MT401, MT401 FF, MT403, MT403FF EPIRBs have a 6 year battery life, the GME MT410 and MT41OG have a 7 year battery life. Other brands may have different battery lives. Never attempt to replace the battery yourself. The beacon may not work in an emergency if the replacement battery is not the correct type or fitted incorrectly. Always have the batteries replaced by an approved service centre. The advantages of...