GME MT603GAUS Class 2 EPIRB 406MHz Manual/Water Activation with GPS Receiver

Australia's Most Advanced MEOSAR-Ready Class 2 EPIRB 406MHz, 66-Channel GPS, Zero Warm-Up, 48-Hour Operation, Australian Made

Product Overview

The GME MT603GAUS is GME's most advanced Class 2 EPIRB an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon that is a critical life-saving device for vessels operating in Australian and international waters. When activated, the MT603GAUS transmits a 406MHz distress signal containing the vessel's GPS coordinates and identification information to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, which relays the alert to rescue authorities for immediate response.

The MT603GAUS incorporates an integrated 66-channel GPS receiver with zero warm-up digital technology acquiring and transmitting accurate position coordinates as quickly as possible after activation without any delay for GPS warm-up. MEOSAR-ready technology ensures the beacon is compatible with the upgraded Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue satellite constellation, providing faster detection than legacy LEO/GEO-only systems.

Activation is dual mode manually by the operator, or automatically when the unit is removed from its mounting bracket and contacts water. A high-intensity solid-state strobe light aids visual location; the 121.5MHz VHF homing transmitter allows search and rescue vessels and aircraft to home in on the beacon's exact position.

Designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia. Cospas-Sarsat certified for worldwide operation. 6-year battery life and 6-year warranty.

Features & Benefits

• 406MHz digital EPIRB — transmits vessel identification and GPS position to Cospas-Sarsat satellites; the internationally recognised distress frequency monitored by rescue authorities worldwide
• 66-channel GPS receiver — integrated GPS provides precise latitude/longitude for rescue authorities
• Zero warm-up digital technology — transmits accurate position data immediately upon activation without GPS warm-up delay
• MEOSAR-ready — compatible with the upgraded Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue satellite system for faster distress detection
• Cospas-Sarsat certified — internationally approved for worldwide operation; recognised by rescue authorities globally
• Dual activation — manual activation by the operator, or automatic water-activation when removed from bracket and immersed
• 48-hour minimum operating time — sustained transmission through an extended rescue operation
• High-intensity solid-state strobe — visual location aid for rescue vessels and aircraft
• 121.5MHz VHF homing transmitter — allows SAR aircraft and vessels to home in to the beacon's exact location
• 6-year battery life — battery replacement interval of 6 years
• 6-year warranty — manufacturer's warranty
• Australian Made — designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• GME EPIRB mounting brackets (confirm specific bracket compatibility with GME)
• AMSA vessel registration system (registration required before use)
• Vessels requiring 406MHz EPIRB carriage under Australian maritime regulations

Weight

Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EPIRB and how does it alert rescue authorities?

An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is an electronic distress device that, when activated, transmits a 406MHz digital signal to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network. The satellite system detects the signal, decodes the vessel's registration identity and GPS position, and relays the alert to AMSA's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Canberra. The RCC verifies the alert and dispatches the appropriate search and rescue response — maritime, aerial, or helicopter — to the transmitted coordinates. The MT603GAUS's 66-channel GPS ensures coordinates are transmitted immediately upon activation rather than requiring minutes for a GPS position fix.

What is MEOSAR and why does it matter for this beacon?

MEOSAR (Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue) is the upgraded generation of the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, using satellites in medium Earth orbit rather than older low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellites. MEOSAR provides near-instantaneous global coverage — a distress signal is detected within minutes rather than the up-to-90-minute detection window of older LEO-only systems. The MT603GAUS is MEOSAR-ready, meaning it is fully compatible with this faster, more capable satellite network.

How does the MT603GAUS activate and what is Class 2?

The MT603GAUS can be activated manually by the operator at any time. It also activates automatically when it is removed from its mounting bracket and contacts water. Class 2 EPIRB distinguishes this type from Class 1 — a Class 1 EPIRB is designed to automatically float free from the vessel and activate without any human action; a Class 2 requires the crew to manually remove it from the bracket before it can water-activate. The MT603GAUS's water-activation feature means the crew does not need to flip a switch — removing it and entering the water is sufficient for activation.

What does the 121.5MHz homing transmitter do?

The 121.5MHz signal is a secondary, lower-frequency transmission used for final homing by search and rescue aircraft and vessels. Once the 406MHz GPS signal has brought rescue assets to the general area, the 121.5MHz signal allows aircraft equipped with direction-finding equipment to precisely home in on the beacon, including in conditions of poor visibility. The strobe light provides a further visual location aid once rescue assets are close.

Do I need to register the MT603GAUS with AMSA?

Yes — all 406MHz EPIRBs used in Australian waters must be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) before use. Registration links the beacon's unique 406MHz identification code to vessel and owner contact details, which rescue authorities use to verify distress signals and contact next-of-kin. An unregistered EPIRB activation may be treated as a false alert. Register the MT603GAUS with AMSA at beacons.amsa.gov.au and re-register if ownership or contact details change.