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EPIRBS AND PLB's


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Been reading both Australia Marine advice about these devices.

 

 

Australia advice seems more precise than Maritime N.Z and is at complete odds with Maritime N.Z.

 

 

Compare

 

GPS versus Non-GPS

 

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/gps.html

 

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/activation.html

 

 

 

N.Z.

 

 

 

http://www.beacons.org.nz/Sea.htm

 

 

Australia states most plb's that have floatation capabilities do float, but not upright as they need to be, to work accurately. N.z. does not state this just states they float.

 

Discrepancy in distances the epribs pin point spot.

 

Australia seems to be correct.

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My understanding is that the ARIEL needs to be upright. Some PLBs come with a flotation pouch, which is intended to orientate the beacon's ariel as above. Dedicated marine EPIRBS are designed to float upright, with the ariel vertical. My thoughts on GPS equipped vs non-GPS equipped, are that non-GPS equipped should not be manufactured.

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gps epirbs win.

 

they also transmit still on 121.5 for local aircraft to hone in on I understand, which is a big thing when you in the bush or rough sea!

 

GPS EPIRBS only need one pass to get a fix away and boom, your location is known to 10m.

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Lots of yes and nos here.

PLBs

Both OZ and NZ require both PLBs and EPIRBs to float. This compares with other countries which don't necessarily require PLBs to float. This is why you see the McMurdo Mini so cheap overseas as it doesn't require the neoprene pouch which is added to be legal here.

Some older models of PLB did float with the aerial pointing upright but are no longer available. In addition they were much more expensive and therefore less popular.

We don't offer PLBs without GPS.

 

EPIRB

While GPS is advisable, it isn't essential for ocean cruisers. If you are in the middle of the ocean, an Orion will home in on the 121.5.

However for Coastal use, the GPS makes a lot of sense.

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