Are these EPIRBS legal?

[SgBFish]

If we all have to upgrade our EPIRPS over the next 12 months what are our best options?

I have noticed that GME do a GPS linked one "GME MT410G EPIRB inc. GPS suit Boat 4WD BushWalking etc" for $580. They also do one without the GPS for $390.

But these are both classed as portables and the website selling them says,

"Note: For areas where compulsory carriage of a 406 mhz Digital EPIRB is required the MT410G is deemed a portable unit (PLB) and may not comply with regulation pertaining to the requirement of a fixed mount type EPIRB, this is typical for marine/boat regulations. There is no regulation requirement for land portable (4WD, bushwalking, hiking, aircraft etc.) use. For more info see www.gme.net.au"

Are these legal for marine use where you are required to carry one?
And is the GPS option worth the extra cash?
Cheers,
Scott

[Outsider1]

It seems they are considered PLBs, not EPIRBs;

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/What_is/index.asp

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Epirbs/

According to this brochure an EPIRB needs to comply with Australian Standards AS/NZS 4330 or 4280

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/resources/..._equipment.pdf

Cheers

Dave

[cormorant]

From memory unless they can float, deploy and hold arial upright they do not comply as a qualifying epirb for a boat offshore and the police and maritime inspectors know that. The other issue was that not having a fixing bracket or an automatically deploying arial. for plans not flying over water I think theywere OK

Nothing wrong with keeping one attached to the life jacket in case you can't release the one in the boat quick enough- just extend the arial hold it above your head.

[bungie]

seems kinda stupid to have an EPIRB if it doesnt connect to the GPS system, how would they know where you is ??

[SatNav]

"seems kinda stupid to have an EPIRB if it doesnt connect to the GPS system, how would they know where you is ??"

1. No certainly not stupid at all, an Epirb does not need a GPS for position, Epirb's can be located quite accuratley using doppler but an in built GPS simply makes the process faster

2. The GPS option with the new 406 is really not an absolute requirement but this is dependent on the environmental conditions.

3. The MT410/G are not legal as the sole unit on a vessel but makes a good backup

4. If intending to go with a GPS model then at least go for the integral GPS model and not the connection cabapility model to GPS

[Scott nthQld]

seems kinda stupid to have an EPIRB if it doesnt connect to the GPS system, how would they know where you is ??

The epirbs that connect to a GPS system will give a more precise location.....within 42m from memory. Those that don't, just aren't as accurate, within 5km I think it says on the GME site. Without connecting to a GPS network, it is the satellites that must locate you, with the GPS connection, the Epirb tells the satellite where you are.

back on topic, the portable are classed as PLB as mentioned earlier, therefore does not meet requirements