Sartech supports EPIRB recall
UK-based Sartech Engineering is playing its part in the recent product recall for certain GME EPIRBs and will be processing any affected models from the UK.
GME’s Australian parent company, Standard Communications, initially issued a precautionary safety alert in November 2013, regarding a suspected fault in a small number of microprocessors in its EPIRBs.
Earlier this month, Standard Communications decided to recall certain EPIRBs made between January 2005 and February 2008. The affected units are the MT400, MT401 and MT403 beacons with serial numbers between 50101000 and 80250722.
“We are the largest European distributor for GME, so it makes sense for us to co-ordinate the recall efforts in the UK. The number of these models sold here during that period is estimated to be around 4,000,” said Peter Forey, managing director, Sartech.
“The majority of these will have already been scrapped or replaced and the microprocessor failure rate is known to be less 1 in 1,000. Although failure is highly unlikely, Standard Communications’ action is prudent in light of EPIRBs being such a critical safety device,” he added.
Users of GME EPIRBs are being urged to check the model number and serial number, which can be found on the left of the beacon at the base of the identity panel. UK boaters using one of the affected units should contact Sartech on 01327 372670.
Sartech will also be offering these UK owners the opportunity to upgrade to a higher specification model by just paying the difference in normal retail prices.
By Rachael Doyle
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