slugo
07-03-2005, 06:54 PM
I just received a phamplet by the waterways authority stating that the EPIRB technology is changing. it may be a few years away but anyone looking to buy a EPIRD in the near future may $ave or be saved the phamplet states.
The international council that controls the search and rescue satellite has decided to cease processing 121.5mhz EPIRB signals on 1 february 2009. from that date only 406mhz beacons will be detected by satellite.
The decision was made to improve search and rescue response times and reduce the chronically high false alarm rate from analogue 121.5mhz EPIRB. currently, 97% of analogue EPIRB signals are false alarms. as every EPIRB signal is treated as genuine emergency until proven otherwise,these false alarms are tying up search and rescue assets like helicopters.
Properly registed digital 406mhz EPIRBs transmit an identity code which can be cross referenced with a database maintained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Among other things, the information stored on the database tells rescuers who you are, provides information on your vessel and contact details for you and shore based emergency contacts.
this information will help authorities locate you faster.
SWITCH TO 406 WHEN THE BATTERY ON YOUR CURRENT BEACON EXPIRES.
CHEERS
LEN
The international council that controls the search and rescue satellite has decided to cease processing 121.5mhz EPIRB signals on 1 february 2009. from that date only 406mhz beacons will be detected by satellite.
The decision was made to improve search and rescue response times and reduce the chronically high false alarm rate from analogue 121.5mhz EPIRB. currently, 97% of analogue EPIRB signals are false alarms. as every EPIRB signal is treated as genuine emergency until proven otherwise,these false alarms are tying up search and rescue assets like helicopters.
Properly registed digital 406mhz EPIRBs transmit an identity code which can be cross referenced with a database maintained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Among other things, the information stored on the database tells rescuers who you are, provides information on your vessel and contact details for you and shore based emergency contacts.
this information will help authorities locate you faster.
SWITCH TO 406 WHEN THE BATTERY ON YOUR CURRENT BEACON EXPIRES.
CHEERS
LEN