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The definition of ‘distress situation’ varies
from country to country but it relates to the
safety of human life.
A fact sheet No. 22 is available from the
Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA). The ACMA indicate that if vehicles and
bushwalkers in remote parts of Australia carry a
distress beacon it should be the 406 MHz PLB
type.
The 406MHz distress beacons are more accurate,
are detected more quickly and identify their
owner. Also the 406MHz operating beacons are
compatible with Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System
that receives distress signals as it orbits the
earth.
The beacon should only be activated in a
distress situation. The fact sheet defines a
‘distress situation’ as:-
A distress situation is generally defined as one
in which a person or persons face grave and
imminent danger and require immediate
assistance. On land such situations might
include:
-
the need for urgent medical evacuation;
-
mechanical breakdown where food and water
supplies can not be replenished;
-
being lost with little hope of reaching
outside assistance before food and water
supplies are finished; and
-
similar life-threatening situations.
Each situation is unique and common sense and
good judgment need to be exercised.
 PORTABLE/PERSONAL
EPIRB’s
These lightweight personal EPIRB devices are
ideal for camping, bushwalking or 4WD in the
outback.
The GME MT310 is a personal locator beacon
designed and manufactured in Australia. They
claim it is small enough to go in your top
pocket or be able to be hung around your neck on
a lanyard.
Some other brands/models are ACR Electronics
TerraFix, Orvis AeroFix and L.L. Bean ACR
TerraFix.
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Related
Articles:
Communication
When considering the type
of communication system you need it is important
to understand all the options available to you
including their capabilities and limitations.
CB &
UHF Communication
What is the difference, and which is the best
suited to you. Contains a list of the
recommended channels, including emergency
channels.
HF
Radio
Information on HF Radios, their use in the
ouback for emergencies and how they can link to
the landline and mobile telephone networks.
Hand Held / Portable UHF
CB
Hand held
communications can be useful for caravanners to
assist in parking their rigs.
They are also useful for camping,
trekking, fishing and sporting events.
Public Telephones and
Phone Cards
Is
it safe and practical to use public telephones
or phone cards whilst travelling?
Internet Cafés & Wireless Internet via Laptops
What is available to travellers on the road to
provide internet access and email communication.
Contains information on all options.
Mobile Phone Connection
Choosing the right mobile is important to enable
you to "stay in touch" whilst travelling.
CDMA, 3G, Next G? Which is the best one?
Satellite Phones
Do you
need a one? How do they work? Can you hire
a Satellite phones? Are Satellite phones
expensive?
Also see:
Best Tow Vehicle
Different Types of Caravans
Hitches, Anti-Sway Bars & Chains
Fifth Wheelers
Caravan Reversing
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