Use of EPIRBs in Australia
EPIRBS save lives- practical examples in Australia.

Index to PLB and EPIRB models.

A new flexible whip antenna replaces previous telescopic designs to help avoid antenna failure in extreme weather conditions. A combined beeper/flasher alarm and a self testing switch provides assurance that the EPIRB is operating satisfactorily should you need to activate it, while warning the user of false activations.

Due to the de-commissioning of the analogue EPIRB service in 2009, we suggest you investigate puchase of the 406MHz digital type - see MT401 floating type, or the personal MT410 model.    EPIRBs are completely self-contained radio transmitters designed for emergency use. When activated, they simultaneously transmit an internationally recognised distress signal on both 121.5 and 243 MHz. They are designed to be used when the safety of you, your craft or vehicle, and your crew, is endangered and you have no other means of communication. All GME EPIRBs have the following features: * Completely waterproof. * Fitted with long life batteries capable of retaining up to 90% of their original Amp Hour capacity after 10 years. * Safety seal which serves to indicate that the beacon has never been turned on and the batteries have not been used. * Test facility to allow the beacons functionality to be tested without fear of accidentally transmitting a distress signal. The test actually measures the transmitters power output, not just the battery condition. * Extended GME warranty. GME Electrophone has full service and maintenance facilities to maintain your beacon and provide recertification where required. The MT300 is SOLAS approved under Marine Orders Part 25. Appendix 11, Issue 4. GME has more than 20 years experience in designing and manufacturing Emergency Beacons. That considerable experience has kept GME in the forefront of EPIRB development in Australia. Our latest Emergency Beacon has combined that experience with suggestions from authorities and beacon users. The result is the new MT300 self-righting EPIRB. Dimensions and weight with antenna down 180 x 70 x 55 mm ...........430 grams without bracket. Note: The MT300 EPIRB is specifically designed to float upright in water with the antenna in a substantially vertical position, as required by AS/NZS 4330 par. 2.1.1(g).

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responsible for search and rescue around Australia. The operations centre is known as the Rescue Coordination Centre or RCC Australia and is located in Canberra.

A national centre has been established by the Federal Government for coordination of Australia's civil search and rescue activities. Australia, as a signatory to the International Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 and the International Search and Rescue Convention 1979, is responsible for search and rescue over a vast area of the Indian, Pacific and Southern oceans. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has merged the former aviation search and rescue responsibilities of Air Services Australia to a centralised Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Airservices formerly operated aviation search and rescue coordination centres in Melbourne and Brisbane responsible for civil aircraft operating within the Australian SAR region (47 million square kilometres - over one-tenth of the earth's surface). AMSA coordinated maritime rescues, over the same area.

When announcing the establishment of the new centre, the then Minister for Transport and Regional Development said the effectiveness relied on the successful coordination of a wide range of Federal, State and Territory agencies including the Defence and Police Forces as well as industry and volunteer rescue groups. Operational and management structures have been consolidated into the new centre to bring a unified, strategic focus to Australia's civil search and rescue operations. RCC Australia strengthens Australia's already formidable international reputation in search and rescue. The new centre has a staff of about 60 and operates 24 hours a day utilising the latest satellite distress and communications technology. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the prime source of distress alerts. Using the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite-aided search and rescue system, RCC Australia greatly improves the early detection of distress signals and the chances of saving lives.

Further information

What is GPS? (Explaining the system of satellites and how it works)
The theory of positioning (How Sir Isaac Newton and others made GPS possible)