Been looking at EPIRBS on ebay. I did some research on the subject and came accross this:
The International Cospas-Sarsat System will cease satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz beacons from 1 February 2009. All
beacon owners and users should begin taking steps to replace their 121.5/243 MHz beacons with 406 MHz beacons as soon as possible. A good time to consider purchasing a 406 MHz
beacon is when the battery on your 121.5/243 MHz
beacon needs replacing. Typically, batteries need replacing about every five years. The sooner you upgrade, the better the service that the Cospas-Sarsat System can provide you if your
beacon is activated in a distress event.
Beginning in 2009, only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This affects all maritime beacons (EPIRBs), all aviation beacons (ELTs) and all personal beacons (PLBs).
Why Switch?
Cospas-Sarsat made the decision to cease satellite processing at 121.5/243 MHz in response to guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These
United Nations organizations mandate safety requirements for aircraft and maritime vessels and have recognised the limitations of the 121.5/243 MHz beacons and the superior capabilities of the 406 MHz alerting system.
The digital 406 MHz beacons offer many advantages over analog 121.5/243 MHz beacons. With a 406 MHz
beacon, the position of the distress can be relayed to rescue
services more quickly, more reliably and with greater accuracy.
Obviously, the older GPS's are not going to be much good for much longer.
Craig