Shipping an EPIRB Internationally

[EDM]

Has anyone successfully been able to ship an EPIRB overseas. I need one in Malaysia, and have been unable to find on locally - so shipping looks like the only solution.

West Marine, has a large and ominous sounding section containing words such as "problems","regulations" and "costs" and even suggests purchasing locally.

Thanks

Tim

 

[Lizzie_B]

generally speaking the main thing is to source one from the country your boat s registered in.It just keeps the paperwork simple.

 

[ChrisE]

I'm sorry to disagree with Lizzie_B but buy it in the states, where they are dirt cheap, then once you have it send it back to the manufacturers for re-programming.

I've bought both of my EPIRBs from cheapy online chandlers in the US, had them shipped to the UK and then sent them back to the US manufacturer (ACR) for reprogramming for UK use. ACR do the re-programming for free and all it costs is your postage back to them.

 

[Steve_N]

Aside from the registration issues, I believe that all EPIRB batteries are now classed as hazardous materials (hazmat).

In fact, just found this on the Sartech site:

'Please note that from January 2003 all EPIRB & SART batteries will be reclassified as hazardous goods under new UN transport regulations'.

I guess that may be the reason for all the sucking of teeth.

 

[Lizzie_B]

Yes, I know you can do all that, I was simply trying to suggest a way that would avoid all the shipping back and forth to Malaysia, making the assumption if the PO is so remote he can't source one locally, he might also have problems with shipping back and forth.

Actually, you don't even need to reprogram them if bought in USA, you can register them on line with USCG.

I have a british registered vessel with a USA registered Epirb.

They only recommend that you register it with country of registration because the assumption is that you'll be sailing most in the country of registration.

As I sail mostly in the USA it actually made more sense to register my epirb there, and they had no problem with that.

Unless the vessel is actually Malaysian Registered (presuming that's where he intends to sail most) it makes little difference if his epirb is registered in UK or USA.

 

[William_H]

The harzardous material in aircraft is a real problem. You might consider buying from Australia and getting it sent surface mail. (by ship) Try to get the seller to do the enquiries about shipping.
http://www.whitworths.com.au or
http://www.biasboating.com.au would bhe worth approaching. They can also adise about registration. I presume you have checked out Singapour as a source. good luck olewill

 

[photodog]

Well I havnt shipped one, but I do travel with a PLB all the time, Never had a problem, just stick it in my luggage.
YOu or a mate flying into the UK soon?

My PLB and Epirb ar UKreg. If their is a distress signal, then Falmouth CG deals with it, NO matter were you are in the world.

I Think our Coastguard is the Biz, and their are lots of examples of them coordinating rescues in far off lands, even from peoples mobile phones.....

UK sold EPIRBS are pre-registerd and programed, just send in the paper work provided.

You can get a 406 now from about £240, seems pretty cheap to me. Plus if its going straight out of the country you could get the VAT back.