The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has approved a multi-year
commitment with RFD Australia to purchase over 500 EPIRBs manufactured by
U.S.-based ACR Electronics, Inc.
RFD, a world leading manufacturer of marine safety products and inflatable
watercraft, and an ACR distributor, said the contract called for several
hundred SATELLITE2 406 and GlobalFix ACR EPIRB models.
The tender for the EPIRBs was let and managed by AMSA, which is responsible
for setting and regulating standards for the operation of commercial
shipping, the operation of an extensive network of marine navigation aids
around the Australian coast, aviation and maritime search and rescue, and
the protection of the marine environment.
The ACR SATELLITE2 406 EPIRBs are destined for Thursday Island where local
Water Police will make the EPIRBs available to local citizens. The
GlobalFix 406 EPIRBs are to be used by a variety of government agencies in
Brisbane. Acknowledging the OH&S implications of providing a safe work
environment for employees who go to work on the water, these EPIRBs are to
be directed to agencies that include Water Police, Customs and Coast Watch.