Thread: EPIRB phasing out system.

Feb 2009 is when 'old' style EPIRBs will no longer be responded to. 'New' EPIRBs 406/121.5 MHz (with or without GPS, the former giving near pinpoint locational accuracy) transmit a unique id code and have to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. This allows them to chase up the relevant contacts and ascertain if there is the probability of a real emergency in the event of activation. Evidently around 96% of alarms from the old EPIRBs were false which obviously is a major problem for the emergency authorities.

There is info available on the Safety Authority site, also GME site plus others - simple to Google. THE GME Accusat with GPS is around $600, is acceptably small and seems to be good value compared to some others - obtainable from marine shops.

Just been through the exact same thing. I could probably only add one or two pointless lines to what dham has said but to reiterate just make sure you get the latest frequency so if you need help it will turn up!

I have just goe over to that new-ish Spot mesenger service. And it looks promising.

Xav

I have a KTI Epirb on the "old" network. Can't say if it's been any good because I've never needed to use it. I'll probably get their 406 MHz one when it is released. They're a local company here in Melbourne so I should support them.

KTi

The way I understand it, the current Satellite system will no longer "listen" to 121.5Mhz after the new 406Mhz system is introduced.

With the current system, when you activate your beacon it will (should) be picked up by a passing satellite and AUSSAR will start looking for the source. Most aircraft also listen to 121.5Mhz on their spare radio and they too may hear the signal. (Lot's of aircraft criss cross the outback - all International and Qantas flights listen to 121.5Mhz on the spare radio - and they each have 2 or 3)

Within a minutes of recieving a satellite "hit" aircraft in the general area will be asked by ATC to listen and help locate the signal - if deemed a legitamate emergency, SAR aircaft will be sent to the area to locate you. Aircraft can also initiate a SAR action when they hear a beacon. - This happens daily across our skies!

As mentioned above, the new system will be superior as it will have a digital identification and if linked to GPS will transmit the location of the beacon, the registered owner and other details. (I have heard some will even allow you to send simple text messages - "out of beer - send help!" .).

I wouldn't jump too soon as most aircraft will continue to listen to 121.5Mhz and will still hear the "old" EPRIB's well into the future and will still report to ATC when hearing a "beacon" - you just won't get picked up by the SARSAT.

Not sure if $170 for a new battery is worth it though - a new 121.5 beacon wouldn't cost much more - the new 406Mhz beacons will be/are quite a bit more.

Bit more info here http://www.amsa.gov.au/Search_and_Rescue/

When my EPIRB hit 10 years old, I bought the batteries and fitted them myself. Bloody expensive for a string of C-cells, though. (Mine's a marine EPIR

Originally Posted by p38arover

When my EPIRB hit 10 years old, I bought the batteries and fitted them myself. Bloody expensive for a string of C-cells, though. (Mine's a marine EPIR

Only "C"'s I was looking at the option of replacing them myself as well but it is a pretty critical bit of kit. Since we don't plan another remote trip till early next year - what's the use. I will do some homework on different options. Erich.

we got this one $450 i think it from 4wd fishing show

GPSOz hire them, if you don't want too buy one.

We have this one, it was around $450