Just thought people might like to know about pending changes to EPRIBs. Plenty of time though, cause the current crop goes up until 2009. This post was on another (fishing)
forum.
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Hi,
This is the answer I received from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the short answer is nothing changes for another 6 years or so, i.e. 2009:
Quote:
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John,
Thank you for your query.
The rumours are correct that satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz alerts will cease from 1 February 2009. The reasons for the cessation of processing are more to do with the high rate of false alerts, particularly in the
United States and Europe. Nevertheless, it means that from 1 February 2009 we will be relying on the far better and more reliable, albeit more expensive, 406 MHz digital distress beacons.
Australia has been working hard over the last five years to have specifications changed to allow the introduction of lower cost components that should result in lower retail prices for the beacons. We are likely to see the fruits of our labours toward the end of the year with the introduction of an Australian designed and made 406 MHz EPIRB at less than $600 with the price likely to drop further as Cospas-Sarsat changes the specifications required.
Although lower cost, the
beacon is shaping up to be as good as any EPIRB currently on the market with all the same advantages of identity signals, greater accuracy, swifter resolution of position and greater reliability. Lower cost PLBs are expected to be on the market within twelve months of the EPIRBs although other manufacturers may move more quickly by using existing technology and varying features to reach a lower cost.
AMSA expects the States and Northern Territory to update their regulations with regard to carriage of distress beacons to reflect the change from 121.5 to 406 beacons as the costs reduce.
Steve Langlands
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Planning and Coordination Adviser
Planning & Business Support
Emergency Response
A Division of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
Level 3, 25 Constitution Ave
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (02) 6279 5743
Fax: (02) 6279 5757
Mob: 0427 880 110
E-mail: steve.langlands@amsa.gov.au
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