EPIRBS Why are they half UK price in Australia?

[rogerthebodger]

That is why my Oz made EPIRB purchased in the UK was programmed for South Africa as it is where my boat is registered. EPIRB registration must be the same country as boat registration as I understand it.

 

[lw395]

Yes I believe we are being ripped of in this country especially anything with MARINE IN ITS DESCRIPTION!I had purchased my Epirb while in american and had it reprogramed by Ocean Safety it has then been regitered at Falmouth and Falmouth would contact rescue service that is when I replace battery after five years (thats also another B----y Rip off!

TBH, I don't think the current prices are a rip off. EPIRBS etc are miles cheaper than a few years ago. Type approval is quite expensive, the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system and bureaucracy has to be paid for, think of the service not the lump of yellow plastic. £300 or whatever, for 5 years or more peace of mind.
Not so log ago, a GPS epirb was £600 IIRC, we've had some inflation since then.

 

[hightech]

Australian EPIRBS are predominately manaul activation only, they do not have the water activation switch as most other areas do, so the cost to make them is cheaper.