406 EPIRB stock problem

[SatNav]

1. There should be absolutely no problem with Epirb rental/hire (or borrow?) etc as the primary contact details (1 of 3) especially in a hire/rental situation should not be dependent on vessel details

2. AMSA's first move is to call the first point of contact and this is where all the verification should be done. This is the whole point of registration.

3. However IF the listed contacts (ALL 3 plus 2 points of contact each) are not available then you have some very real (and legal) issues and this will be where the "owner" of the Epirb has to make sure ownership requirements are 100% totally covered

[ozscott]

I got the water activated GME with built in GPS from Glascraft Marine a few months ago...got it pretty cheaply to as I have been a customer for many years...solid looking bit of kit and I am confident that it will work if I need it.

Love the fact that it has GPS.

Cheers

[Steve-G]

Try here, got mine within a week of order.
It's identical to the PW with a ten year battery replacement.
scroll down lhs to Epirbs.

http://www.rapserv.com.au

[cormorant]

Hey satNav

Here is what a minister has to say, it's in writing so must be true ( laugh now)

Seems there is a worldwide shortage since last july???? See my previous comments like yours as to whether I think that is a full truth. I think it is the old "it's not my fault" Roll eyes now!!! and again then hit head against nearest ard object


THE HON. JOE TRIPODI MP <~hcustom1:0121 EPIRB Alert.doc>
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
MINISTER FOR REGULATORY REFORM
MINISTER FOR PORTS AND WATERWAYS
MEDIA RELEASE
Boaters warned of EPIRB shortage
January 21, 2009
Boaters have again been warned not to delay switching over to the new 406 MHz digital distress beacons amid reports of a global shortage of the new equipment
Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said the worldwide switch from 121.5MHz analogue beacons to the more accurate digital model is well underway ahead of the February 1 deadline.
“However, global demand for the new digital beacons has put pressure on NSW and Australian supplies and there are significant backlogs of orders for some models,” Mr Tripodi said.
From February 1, signals from 121.5MHz emergency position indication radio beacons (EPIRB) will no longer be monitored under an international agreement.
“This means Australian rescue services will be unable to detect an analogue distress beacon via satellite,” Mr Tripodi said.
“Maritime authorities have been advising boaters to switch to a 406 EPIRB since July last year, but an international shortage of the new equipment has delayed its uptake around Australia.
“If a particular model of the 406 MHz is unavailable, boaters should consider alternative brands, though we recognise in some cases, EPIRBs ordered months ago have still not been received from suppliers.”
Mr Tripodi said because of the shortages and delays, skippers found not carrying a 406 EPIRB will be given a warning rather than a fine, providing they can prove a digital distress beacon has been ordered.
Boaters will also have to show:
• the vessel is a recreational craft;
• all other required safety equipment is present and functional;
• the vessel is operating within mobile telephone range; and
• the vessel is less than 2 nautical miles from shore.
Mr Tripodi said all commercial operators must meet the requirement to carry a 406MHz EPIRB from February 1.
<~hcustom1:0121 EPIRB Alert.doc>
“However, this commonsense approach for recreational boaters will continue until September 1, when the availability of digital EPIRBs will be reviewed to see if these measures should continue.”
Mr Tripodi said digital EPIRBs will give rescuers faster notification of a vessel in trouble and a more accurate location, enabling a quicker response to a distress signal.
NSW Maritime has worked with the Australian Marine Safety Authority for more than four years to help raise awareness of the change over from 121.5 to 406 beacons.
This has included inserting AMSA material in direct mail to registered boat owners and a range of boating publications as well as promoting the change at public and industry events such as boat shows.

[SatNav]

1. Tripodi is a failure as a minister, part of the problem not the solution and should be sacked. I would stay well away from quoting Tripodi

2. Nothing more to say about Tripodi

[No Barra]

I went looking at EPIRBs today at BCF and Bias Boating and they had plenty. BCF only had the GME MT403G and were nearly $200.00 more than Bias. Intended at looking at other places this weekend.

Then I got on line to find out that Whitworths Marine have them advertise in there catalogue even cheap, at $699.00.

Back into the Bias catalogue and there on page 2 ‘PRICE MATCHING’. Will be going back to Bias to see if they hold true to their price matching policy.

[cormorant]

Are you sure you ae comparing like with like - you might be prices are all over the place at the minute.

403g has the GPS in it. New design water activated Much safer than the standard and you will likely get rescued quicker through more accurate position and and and and Over the life of the EPIRB the extra $200 isn't much if you need it and so much better than treading water. Fix includes GPS co-ords so police can direct any vessel nearby direct to your exact area not a XX mile radius.
Don't know if this helps
Just did a quick search or internet sites
These are red in colour
BCF MT400 $579
Bias MT400 $519 Possible 6-8 week delivery warning on site
Whit MT400 $429

Newer design ones with new battery and circuits that can go in normal post . This should work out cheaper when battery replacement comes round unless companies offer some sort of collection 6 year battery life 6 year warranty has strobe light
These are yellow in colour

Whit MT403 $559 Water activated
whit MT403G $699 Has GPS and water activated

Can''t see an advertised price of the Paines wessex one but they were offering 5 year battery with a free replacement

[No Barra]

Yes both were MT403G, the 406MHz with an inbed GPS signal both auto & manual activation.

[Steve-G]

The GME MT403G is a PLB and as such is not recognised as a marine grade EPIRB,
Found that out after purchaseing and registering a 403g.

[SatNav]

The GME MT403G is a PLB and as such is not recognised as a marine grade EPIRB,
Found that out after purchaseing and registering a 403g.

1. Then I would check your model as you don't have a MT403G

2. The MT403G is the GPS version of the water activated MT403 series

3. The 403/403G are not PLB's

[cormorant]

Hi Steve G

Sat nav is right and you aren't the only one who has bought the wrong one according to the police I have spoken to. Shops are well aware of it

MT410 and
MT410g is the personal one ( note it is four ten) Not valid marine one for required safety equipment as won't float upright , self deploy aerial or run for 48 hours

[Steve-G]

Two post and suffering foot in mouth already, you are right mine was a 410G.

[Poseidon]

MT410 and
MT410g is the personal one ( note it is four ten) Not valid marine one for required safety equipment as won't float upright , self deploy aerial or run for 48 hours

When you say not valid are you saying that you would be fined if you used an MT410g to satisfy the requirements to carry in marine use?

I looked at the QLD Marine Safety Website where it describes the Safety Equipment in relation to EPIRBS and it states that the unit needs to be a 406mhz model and comply with either AS4280 or AS4330. From the GME website it has the approval documents for the MT410 / g and it states compliance to AS4280.2.

I purchased my MT410g mainly for use on land however planned to use the same unit on those very few occassions that I need one to comply with MSQ and from what I have read it will be fine to satisfy the stated minimum.

I understand that a PLB is not the preferred model for boating only applications however believe that the models above would still satisfy the requirements, in QLD at least.

Can someone clarify my understanding please?

Regards Cameron

[SatNav]

1. PLB's DO NOT meet sole marine requirements in part based on ability to float and battery life

2. Check and read the following MSQ link again

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/home/safety/epirbs/

3. You would be able to carry your PLB on your person while boating BUT as long as there was a mandated "marine" EPIRB on the vessel as well.

[cormorant]

When you say not valid are you saying that you would be fined if you used an MT410g to satisfy the requirements to carry in marine use?

I looked at the QLD Marine Safety Website where it describes the Safety Equipment in relation to EPIRBS and it states that the unit needs to be a 406mhz model and comply with either AS4280 or AS4330. From the GME website it has the approval documents for the MT410 / g and it states compliance to AS4280.2.

I purchased my MT410g mainly for use on land however planned to use the same unit on those very few occassions that I need one to comply with MSQ and from what I have read it will be fine to satisfy the stated minimum.

I understand that a PLB is not the preferred model for boating only applications however believe that the models above would still satisfy the requirements, in QLD at least.

Can someone clarify my understanding please?

Regards Cameron

Yep that's right - it doesn't comply .

I understand you can use the marine one inshore and mates who 4wd in remote areas take boat one. Bit heavy and bulky for walking or skiing but good for remote truck breakdown emergency. Secondary contact details would ensure that people know he is 4wd in the Simpson dessert and it wasn't a false alarm.