 Use
of EPIRBs and PLBs in Australia
EPIRBS and PLBs save lives- practical
examples in
Australia.
Designed
and manufactured in Australia, the GME MT series EPIRBs and
PLBs offer peace of mind to any person
undertaking outdoor activities. Whether it is professional
or recreation, help is as close as the button on one of these
units. EPIRBs and PLBs shown here, are fully COSPAS/SARSAT
satellite compatible and feature a minimum 48 hour continuous
transmission
time. The COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system was established
by international cooperation, for safety assistance anywhere
in
the world. In or near Australia, an activated EPIRB will
relay a message to the search and
rescue coordination centre in Canberra. |
Personal Locator Beacons. Index
to PLB and EPIRB models.
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MT410 $449 
MT410G (with GPS) $599
See MT401FF mounted
EPIRB in float free housing and with immersion activation.
Latest
Prices on EPIRBs and PLBs. Cheap when you think safety!
Same price in store as on the web!
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PLB
(personal locating beacon) are completely self-contained
radio transmitters designed
for
emergency
use. GME’s AccuSat Series, available with
or without an integrated GPS option, are leading the world with
feature innovation and user benefits.
MT410 without GPS (2km position)
MT410G WITH GPS (45m position)
GME PLBs meet AS/NZS
4280.2 standards.
Not only is the AccuSat Series the
smallest and lightest PLB on the market, both models offer
a massive 7 year battery replacement
life. An ‘industry first’ is a 7 year warranty, a
high intensity LED strobe and a ‘Non Hazmat’ battery
pack for simple and cost effective transportation.
The 121.5/243 MHz analogue receptor on the
COSPAS SARSAT service will be terminated in February 2009. Currently
the COSPOS SARSAT service also receives the
406 MHz digital beacon
signals, and will continue to do so.
The 406 MHz
receptor has faster, more accurate detection, personal identification
of each beacon, and results in a reduced search area. The faster
more targeted response is of real assistance in a life threatening
situation.
Today with cutting edge microprocessor
technology, GME’s
engineers are able to provide the outdoor adventurer with a 406
MHz PLB solution that is affordable. The MT410 series provides
enhanced peace of mind for boaters, bush walkers, 4 x 4 enthusiasts
and
aviators, should they require emergency assistance.
GME has been designing and manufacturing emergency beacons in
Australia for over 30 years. In that time literally hundreds
of lives have been saved in Australia and around the world.
Register your MT410 with local authorities so that, in the event
of an emergency, they'll know who you are.
The
MT410 has global coverage and accuracy to within 5 kms.
The MT410G is accurate to within 45m (typical) providing
protection to you
anywhere in the world. |
Make sure you purchase a distress beacon
fit for purpose (information supplied by AMSA).
With the new regulations expected to be introduced
by the State and Territory Marine authorities from 1 February 2009,
all boats proceeding more than 2nms outside partially smooth waters, will
be required to carry an EPIRB that meets the Australian/New
Zealand Standard 4280.1 that deals specifically with
EPIRBs. EPIRBs are 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.
Some PLBs are being touted by retailers as EPIRBs.
This is incorrect and quite misleading. PLBs sold in
Australia are only required to meet AS/NZS
4280.2 and are only required to operate for a minimum
of 24 hours. More importantly, although they are required to float,
PLBs need not float in a manner that keeps the antenna above the
water for the majority of the time thereby meaning that a survivor
must ensure the beacon is supported clear of the water.
For these reasons, PLBs, no matter how they are
labelled, will not be accepted by the regulators as EPIRBs for the
purpose of their new regulations. The intent of the current regulations
is for boats to be fitted with EPIRBs that meet Part
1 of the Standard and also excludes PLBs.
Owners and crews are encouraged to carry
PLBs in addition to the boat's EPIRB where conditions and activities
may lead to man overboard situations.
MT410/MT410G PLB SPECIFICATIONS
Modes of Operation
Activated UHF (406) and VHF (homer) complete with high intensity strobe and audible
alert.
Self Test Comprehensive internal diagnostics with visual and audible operator
feedback. UHF test message (inverted synchronisation compatible with portable
beacon testers). GPS satellite acquisition test
(MT410G only)
Operation
Activation Automatically when antenna deployed
Duration In excess of 24 hours at -20°C, longer at higher ambient temperatures
Transmission 121.5 and 406 MHz
Delay 60 seconds to de-activate proior to transmissio n
Warm-Up None required (due to digital signal frequency generation)
VHF 121.5 MHz, 50 mW ±3 dB, swept tone AM (analogue)
UHF 406.028 MHz, 5 W ± 2 dB, PSK (digital)
Strobe > 20 flashes/minute 2 x high intensity white LED
COSPAS-SARSAT Certified to C/S T.001 (Class 2) requirements
Approvals - AS/NZS 4280.2
- ETSI EN 302 152-1
UHF Protocol/Data Supports all short (MT410) and long (MT410G) operation protocols
(reprogrammable by distributor)
Repetition Period 50 s mean digitally generated randomization
VHF Satellite compatible phase coherent
Battery
Replacement Period Prior to replacement date marked on case (7 years)
Replacement Method Authorised service centre or factory only (non user replaceable)
Battery Chemistry LiMnS02 (0.49 g Lithium per cell)
Battery Configuration 2 electronically isolated batteries, each consisting of
2 cell types CR17345
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Physical
Operating -20°C to +55 °C
Storage -30°C to +70°C
Weight MT410: 235g
MT410G: 250g
Compass Safe Distance 0.1 m (for minimum deflection)
Dimensions 135 mm (H) x 71 mm (W) x 38 mm (D)
Buoyant Will float in fresh/salt water (RTMCM Cat1)
Waterproof Submersion to 1m
Materials High visibility yellow chassis with translucent cap. UV stabilised
high impact plastic chassis with energy absorbtion overmouled bumpers.
GPS Receiver (MT410G ONLY)
Type Ultra-high sensitivity L1 frequency C/A
Channels 16 channel, 8192 time/frequency search windows
Antenna Dielectrically loaded quadrifilar helix
Acquisition Cold start 34 seconds typical
Warm start < 3.5 seconds typical
Position Located to within 45m typical
Other Features
Transport Meets UN requirements for transport as non-hazardous cargo on board
passenger aircraft
Antenna Flexible and robust wire rope design. Marine grade 316 stainless steel
Included Accessories Wrist/Neck strap. Protective carry pouch with multidirectional
belt loops
Antenna Flexible self straightening stainless steel design
*Standard factory setting. Programmable via external interface to operate over
406.000 MHz to 406.100 MHz. Other protocols available.
Specifications are
subject to change without notice or obligation. |
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.
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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.
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Further information
Web
site for the Australian search and rescue.
Postal Address:
Australian Maritime Safety Authority AMSA
GPO Box 2181
Canberra City ACT 2601
Australia |
Location:
Rescue Coordination Centre
Level 3
25 Constitution Avenue
Canberra City ACT 2601
Australia |
Advice number for distress beacons:
Phone 1800 406406
Fax: (02) 6279 5757
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Johnny Appleseed GPS