Class 3 EPIRBs?, Why???

[El Pinguino]

We all know about Class 1 and 2 epirbs but why is there a Class 3?

This is a class only found for sale in Australia and New Zealand ( and possibly Chile and Peru according to some info I found on the ACR site )

I believe they transmit an 'extra element' or somesuch as required by Australia's AMSA.

From the ACR site ' Approvals Cospas-Sarsat, Meets Class 3 (AS/NZ 4280.1:2003) Standards'

Does any know what this is all about .... in plain english that simple sailormen can understand?

KANNAD Sportplus Class 3 Manual EPIRB with GPS | Buy Electronics Online | Shop @ Torpedo7

https://www.acrartex.com/products/ca...es/resqmate-g/

[Dsanduril]

This is what the COSPAS-SARSAT "Handbook of Beacon Regulations" has to say that makes Down Under special:

AUS.5 LIST OF BEACON MODELS TYPE APPROVED BY AUSTRALIA
Australia has a policy of self-regulation with regard to meeting the requirements of the
Australian Standard 4280.1 for 406 MHz EPIRBs and 4280.2 for 406 MHz PLBs. The
121.5 MHz homing transmitter referred to in Standard 4280 must be approved by the
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) or by another certified laboratory
providing an equivalent service. Manufacturers or distributors selling 406 MHz EPIRBs or
PLBs to the general public in Australia shall hold compliance folders that demonstrate the
beacon meets the operational and environmental requirements of the Australian Standard and
have the C-Tick mark and suppliers number displayed clearly on the beacon's label. The
Standard, AS/NZS 4280.1 and 4280.2 is available from Standards Australia
(SAI Global InfoStore – Standards, Legislation, Codes and Technical Information) and requirements for applying for C-Tick mark are
available from ACMA (Home | ACMA).

Looks like the 121.5 transmitter that is required worldwide has to be approved locally in Oz.

Class 3 just allows fully manual activation, Class 1 and Class 2 are both free-float styles (although there are manual versions that are covered in appendices to the definitions).

Classes of satellite EPIRB's considered in this document are:
– Class 1: Float-free (–40°C to +55°C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) should be capable of operating throughout the temperature range of –40°C to +65°C.
This class is not required by IMO Resolutions but may be applied at the discretion of each Administration.
– Class 2: Float-free (–20°C to +55°C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) should be capable of operating throughout the temperature range of –30°C to +65°C.
– Class 3: Manually activated, non float free (-20°C to +55°C). Primarily intended for use by NON-SOLAS vessels.
NOTE 2 Non-float-free, manually activated satellite EPIRB's in all classes are considered in annex C.
NOTE 3 All classes shall include a 121,5 MHz homing device, described in annex D.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

This is what the COSPAS-SARSAT "Handbook of Beacon Regulations" has to say that makes Down Under special:



Looks like the 121.5 transmitter that is required worldwide has to be approved locally in Oz.

Class 3 just allows fully manual activation, Class 1 and Class 2 are both free-float styles (although there are manual versions that are covered in appendices to the definitions).

That would be right... 'small country' syndrome.

Thanks for that.

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