PLB / EPIRB's

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 15, 2012 at 23:20

ThreadID: 92542 Views:3961 Replies:4 FollowUps:4

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EPIRBs & PLBs

In this article, we discuss what EPIRBs are, the various types including PLBs and their role in Search and Rescue. Digital 406 MHz Epirb distress beacons save lives.

SNOLLYGHOSSTER

I have been told that PLB's / EPIRB's are only able to be used once and then they would need to be replaced but I cannot find any information on the web to back this up. Can anyone clarify if they are in fact "one use only" or is it possible to use them more than once? (Hopefully they would not be needed at all).

Thanks
Snolly

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Reply By: Tim - Thursday, Mar 15, 2012 at 23:44

Thursday, Mar 15, 2012 at 23:44

It's just a matter of being resealed with new batteries by the manufacturer. I have no idea of the cost though.
Tim

AnswerID: 480479

Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 00:47

Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 00:47

Whilst I think Tim is correct about post-use service, think about this Snolly.....

If you need to use the PLB, is the possible replacement going to be your biggest worry?

Cheers
Allan

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AnswerID: 480484

Follow Up By: SNOLLYGHOSSTER - Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 06:49

Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 06:49

Hi Alan B

I think you may have misunderstood my intention. No, I would have no problem with purchasing another PRB if I had cause to use it, I am just curious in finding out whether what I was told is true or not and, as I wrote initially, I cannot find any reference to their usage on the internet.

Snolly

FollowupID: 755936

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 08:11

Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 08:11

No worries Snolly,

After deployment they need to be refurbished and new batteries fitted although I'm not certain all brands and models are re-usable. See this link.

Cheers
Allan

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FollowupID: 755940

Follow Up By: SNOLLYGHOSSTER - Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 at 15:26

Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 at 15:26

Hi Alan B

Thanks for the link you provided in Follow up #2. It was very well written and extremely informative. All members who have an EPIRB / PRB should take the time to read it.

Regards
Snolly

FollowupID: 756073

Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 07:53

Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 07:53

Hi Snolly

From what I have been told by our GME Rep, is that once the new type PLB's have been activated, they are then a trough away affair and can not be put back into service.

For that very reason, that is why GME are replacing for free any activated PLB that can be proven that they were used in a life threatening situation.

Cheers

Stephen

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AnswerID: 480494

Reply By: Life Member - esarby (NSW) - Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 07:56

Friday, Mar 16, 2012 at 07:56

Snollyghosster. If this helps

Searching I found this under Nathen Drew Memorial Trust page.
It can be down

DO NOT PUT YOUR LIFE AT RISK
Coastal Safety Pty Ltd as trustee for the
Nathan Drew Memorial Trust
PO Box 642, ALBANY, WA 6331
Graeme Drew 0428 425 104
Theo Newhouse 9853 1053
www.coastalsafety.com.au

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority must be contacted on 1800 641 792 and advised that the EPIRB has been reset. Also notify the Nathan Drew Memorial Trust (Theo Newhouse 0447 531 055 or Graeme Drew 0428 425 104). The Trust will check the Silent Sentry and replace any missing floats.

As said above, I would leave it to the experts to have it reset.
To be on the safe side.