EPIRBs - The Differences

[Orchidius]

They'll come to the rescue, but will have no clue as to who they're rescuing

I would probably be looking at a fine for not having the paperwork in order afterwards though?

Then again, I'm sure I'll be more then happy to pay that fine in that case

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Some info a bit backwards.

EPIRBs are supplied from the manufacturer with a inbuilt " hex" code. Into that code the manufacturer codes the country code . Hence if you buy a US epirb you can register it with US epirb registry. If you buy an Australian epirb the you have to register it there.

The dealer merely performs a secondary programming feature for example programming in the MMSI. ( some registries require that)

Dave

Almost but not quite!
For some beacons, the country code can re-programmed by a third party. In Kannad's case, this right is usually given to the national distributor of the product or a high level service centre.

Artex sell a range of beacons with no country code and this can be programmed by the operator or in some cases by a dongle.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Orchidius

But would it work when it's got say an Australian hex code? Does that make a difference in the way it would work? The system is designed to set up a rescue operation from the nearest possible command center anyway...

An Australian registry cannot register an epirb from another country. In all cases unregistered or not the SAR services will respond, even if there is a delay.

Dave

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by Orchidius

They'll come to the rescue, but will have no clue as to who they're rescuing

I would probably be looking at a fine for not having the paperwork in order afterwards though?

Then again, I'm sure I'll be more then happy to pay that fine in that case

That is one of my most resentment of the EPIRB system. It is so outdated. Some of the older EPIRB does not transmit its GPS coordinates. A tiny little SPOT II or III with 3x AAA battery can transit a signal with GPS data to get rescue.

The 3 crew members from Sean Seamour II almost died because someone entered their data incorrectly in their data bank. USCG almost discarded its SOS signal.

The nice thing about SPOT is that I can update my SOS message just before the trip. I always write down something like this:

This is the sailing Vessel XXXX, carrying xxx number of souls on route from xxx city to xxxx Island. Our expected landfall is on mm-dd-yyyy. On board we carry liferaft, Sat Phone and No SSB. If you receive this message please contact our love ones xxx-xxx-xxxx, xxx-xxx-xxxx for the latest float plan.
(max: 160 charterers)
This type of "up to date" message helps CG to plan their rescue action.

[Coops]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

An Australian registry cannot register an epirb from another country. In all cases unregistered or not the SAR services will respond, even if there is a delay.

Dave

When I was still working in the chandlery last year we had to inform them of EPIRB's that we had sold. Hex numbers, client's name and phone number etc. I got a call from the registry asking for details that they could not read. I found it and it was four months old. I mentioned this and they said that they were behind a bit.

You would be pissed off if you had set it off before they caught up.

Coops.

[Snore]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

That is one of my most resentment of the EPIRB system. It is so outdated. Some of the older EPIRB does not transmit its GPS coordinates. A tiny little SPOT II or III with 3x AAA battery can transit a signal with GPS data to get rescue.

The 3 crew members from Sean Seamour II almost died because someone entered their data incorrectly in their data bank. USCG almost discarded its SOS signal.

The nice thing about SPOT is that I can update my SOS message just before the trip. I always write down something like this:

This is the sailing Vessel XXXX, carrying xxx number of souls on route from xxx city to xxxx Island. Our expected landfall is on mm-dd-yyyy. On board we carry liferaft, Sat Phone and No SSB. If you receive this message please contact our love ones xxx-xxx-xxxx, xxx-xxx-xxxx for the latest float plan.
(max: 160 charterers)
This type of "up to date" message helps CG to plan their rescue action.

I am sorry but every time I see someone post this, the hair on my neck goes up. I urge you to read the SPOT limited warranty. "Limited Warranty for the SPOT Product. "THE LIMITED WARRANTY ACCOMPANYING YOUR SPOT PRODUCT IS THE ONLY WARRANTY PROVIDED IN RELATION TO YOUR SPOT PRODUCT. YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT USE OF THE SPOT PRODUCT IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK OTHER THAN SUCH LIMITED WARRANTY. EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY, SPOT DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR YOUR SPOT PRODUCT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES REGARDING THE CONDITION, DESIGN, SPECIFICATIONS, WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF YOUR SPOT PRODUCT,"



That does not sound like the kind of warranty I want to trust my life to! I can tell from first hand experience that a SPOT1 will fail from water intrusion. It is the reason why they are no longer used as the sole source of tracking in adventure racing.

Compare that with the ACR warranty


"Warranty Length: 5 Years

This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of 5 (five)* year from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or at its option, replace at no cost to you for labor, materials or return transportation."

You may want to also carefully consider DIY battery replacement. The SPOT devices all fail at the battery door. IMHO, my sorry butt is worthy of a real EPIRB or for now a PLB that is maintained by pros.

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by Snore

I am sorry but every time I see someone post this, the hair on my neck goes up. I urge you to read the SPOT limited warranty. "Limited Warranty for the SPOT Product. "THE LIMITED WARRANTY ACCOMPANYING YOUR SPOT PRODUCT IS THE ONLY WARRANTY PROVIDED IN RELATION TO YOUR SPOT PRODUCT. YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT USE OF THE SPOT PRODUCT IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK OTHER THAN SUCH LIMITED WARRANTY. EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY, SPOT DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR YOUR SPOT PRODUCT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES REGARDING THE CONDITION, DESIGN, SPECIFICATIONS, WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF YOUR SPOT PRODUCT,"



That does not sound like the kind of warranty I want to trust my life to! I can tell from first hand experience that a SPOT1 will fail from water intrusion. It is the reason why they are no longer used as the sole source of tracking in adventure racing.

Compare that with the ACR warranty


"Warranty Length: 5 Years

This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of 5 (five)* year from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or at its option, replace at no cost to you for labor, materials or return transportation."

You may want to also carefully consider DIY battery replacement. The SPOT devices all fail at the battery door. IMHO, my sorry butt is worthy of a real EPIRB or for now a PLB that is maintained by pros.

Have you read the package insert that comes with the bottle of Viagra? Its side effect and warnings about 5 pages long. But it is the best selling drugs.

I know there are many so called hardcore sailors only insist on using paper charts, and laughing at those so called iDevices for navigation. You know what NOAA does not print paper charts. Electronic charts are easy to update and distribute. The world is changing, so should EPIRB too

First of all, I never recommend anyone throw away their EPIRB and get a SPOT III. But I would NOT trust my life on EPIRB either.

If someone does not pay attention on the seal on the battery door in SPOT, it is too bad. You do need to use some common sense when changing the battery. If you don't, you will fail; just like that in your case. I have two SPOT's and many my sailing buddies have theirs. I don't hear any problem with theirs. Sealing out the water out form the battery compartment is NOT racket science. But attention to detail is important.

I once considered ACR PLB, but their battery sucks with limited numbers of transmitting. You have to send it back to factory to get replaced. I prefer the user serviceable unit. I prefer fresh battery every time to off-shore.

Practical Sailor has a couple nice write up on this. I suggest anyone to read about it, and pick your poison.

[noelex 77]

PLB's for each crew member are worth considering when your EPIRB needs replacing. I think it is a better solution for a similar cost (for a crew of 2).

Unfortunatly if your registration country requires an EPIRB this option is not available.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

That is one of my most resentment of the EPIRB system. It is so outdated. Some of the older EPIRB does not transmit its GPS coordinates. A tiny little SPOT II or III with 3x AAA battery can transit a signal with GPS data to get rescue.

IMO, this is a meaning less statement. The COSPAS SARSAT system is well established, is constantly being updated and the user equipment (EPIRB, PLB & ELT) is constantly being improved on. Have a close look at the specs of older units compared to current generation units and you will see vast improvements. It is not the fault of the system that someone choses to keep using early generation unit. You want updated, buy a new PLB

..........
The nice thing about SPOT is that I can update my SOS message just before the trip. I always write down something like this:

This is the sailing Vessel XXXX, carrying xxx number of souls on route from xxx city to xxxx Island. Our expected landfall is on mm-dd-yyyy. On board we carry liferaft, Sat Phone and No SSB. If you receive this message please contact our love ones xxx-xxx-xxxx, xxx-xxx-xxxx for the latest float plan.
(max: 160 charterers)
This type of "up to date" message helps CG to plan their rescue action.

You can do the exactly the same thing with the EPIRB system - at least you can in Australia; can't comment for other countries. I can log onto AMSA (Aussie Maritime Safety Authority) update any of my details, emergency contact numbers, record a float plan or tell I'm hiking in some backwoods or whatever I want. The info can be updated daily (hourly ) and as you get to input it, you get to be responsible for it's accuracy.

When the button is pushed, they go straight to the database for the latest info.

Just curious, can't that be done in North America or Europe???

[goboatingnow]

In most epirb registries, the answer is no.

Dave

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

In most epirb registries, the answer is no.

Dave

Are you sure of that?

So , 6 months after you buy your EPIRB one of your three contacts pops his clogs, another changes his phone number, and the third buggers off with your best friend... you can't change your contact details and so then what happens???

[Blackie Swart]

Here in South Africa a document has to be completed by the supplier/retailer of the EPIRB with all info and sent of to the Maritime Rescue Centre in Cape Town. Updates also have to be manually submitted.


EPIRB INFORMATION

Beacon ID (Unique Identifier Number) *
□ Cat 1 (Automatic / manual activation) EPIRB manufacturer
□ Cat 2 (Manual activation only) Model no.
How many other distress beacons are carried onboard? Beacon unit serial no. *
EPIRB REGISTRATION
□ New EPIRB registration □ Tick here if this EPIRB has been previously registered
□ Confirmation of previous EPIRB registration details EPIRB’s previous unique ID number
□ Change of EPIRB information or ownership
□ Cancellation of registration

OWNER / OPERATOR INFORMATION
Name * Telephone (include national and local code)
Postal address (
E-mail ( ) □ F □ Other
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION (Please indicate someone other than the owner)
Name of Primary 24-hour emergency contact * Name of Alternate 24-hour emergency contact

Street address Street address
Telephone (include national and local code)1 Telephone (include national and local code)1
(
VESSEL INFORMATION
Type * Length overall m People capacity _
Sail: number of masts Vessel contact numbers
Power: □ Fishing □Tug □ Cargo □ Tanker □ Pleasure craft INMARSAT _
□ Other Cellular
Non-power: □ Life boat □ Life raft □ Other Radio equipment
Vessel name * □ VHF □ HF □ MF □ SSB □ Other
MMSI number * Number of survival craft(s) on vessel: Life boat __ Life raft ____
Call sign * Home base
Vessel registration number * Additional useful data
Vessel colour
Signature Date

[Snore]

In the US the registry can be edited by the user. I often update it for what I am doing and when I changed boats.

[Prairie Chicken]

In Canada it can be edited on line, but I had to phone the Beacon Registry to advise of a change of boat & give details of the new boat.

[mpatter894]

it does not matter where you by the epirb what matters is where you register the epirb I hold a GMDSS maintainers license this link should help out the most important thing is to register the thing with the right mmsi number if you already have a dsc VHF or SSB system in your boat the mmsi number will need to be the same as the epirb . When they came out with The gmdss (global maritime distress system) they did away with radio operatorts on big ships because the system is designed to work as a suite with all the radio comms on board the vessel that's why you vhf ssb and epirb all need the same mssi number,
How can I register my 406 MHz EPIRB, ELT or PLB?

Michael
USCG Master Mariner any gross tonnage any ocean.