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If the beacon has been activated for any length of time, the batteries can no 
longer be guaranteed to have the capacity to operate for the minimum 48 
hour period and therefore must be replaced.

testinG tHe ePirB

It is recommended that you test the MT401FF/FG at regular intervals 
(approximately monthly) to ensure it is fully functional. You should also test 
the EPIRB prior to an extended journey.

DO nOt over test – testing consumes some battery power.

warninG:

 

DO 

NOT

 remove the EPIRB from its‘ mounting bracket if wet, it may 

automatically activate. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry before removal.

You may test the EPIRB at any time using the following procedure:

1.

    Remove the beacon from the bracket. Keep the antenna well clear of 

metallic objects during testing. 

2.

   Lift the cover marked 

‘LIFT’

2

3.

   Briefly press then release the 

yellow 

‘TEST’

 button. 

3

4.

   The Strobe light will flash once and 

the unit will give two quick beeps 
to show that it is functioning. 

4

5.

   Close the switch cover and press 

firmly into place until it clicks. 

5

6.

   Return the beacon into the bracket.

If the EPIRB fails the testing process you should return it to your Dealer or 
nearest GME branch office for maintenance.

UnaCCOMPanieD transPOrtatiOn

Your MT401FF/FG EPIRB contains Lithium batteries. Some transportation or 
courier companies may have special requirements for transporting devices 
containing Lithium Batteries. 

It is recommended that the original packaging be retained for reuse when 
returning your EPIRB.

If returning your MT401FF/FG to your Dealer or GME Branch Office for repair 
or scheduled battery replacement, you should inform the transportation 
company beforehand that it contains Lithium batteries.

DO nOt send your beacon through the postal system.

DisPOsal

Special precautions must be taken when finally disposing of your beacon 
at the end of it’s useful life. Legislation may determine the specific 
requirements which apply to you. In the first instance contact your National 
Authority for advice.

The following information may also be helpful:

•   To permanently disable the beacon remove the 4 screws retaining the 

cover, open unit, unplug battery lead, then reseal.

•   Lithium batteries are generally not considered as hazardous waste when 

fully discharged. Qualified personnel may be able to slowly and safely 
discharge the cells for you.

DO nOt short circuit the cells or battery. DO nOt incinerate.

sPeCiFiCatiOns - Mt401FF anD Mt401FG

MODes OF OPeratiOn

 

activated:

    UHF (406) and VHF (homer) complete with high intensity 

strobe and audible activation alert.

 

self test:

    Comprehensive internal diagnostics with visual and 

audible operator feedback. UHF test message (inverted 
synchronisation compatible with portable beacon testers).

 

  Full carrier unmodulated VHF test burst

OPeratiOn
 

Compliance:

Compliance:

    GMDSS Compatible and meets the latest

GMDSS Compatible and meets the latest  
IMO A810-19 requirem

ents

 

activation:

   Auto or Manual

Auto or Manual

 

Duration:

   48 hours minimum

48 hours minimum

 

transmission:

    121.5 MHz and 406 MHz

121.5 MHz and 406 MHz

 

Delay:

   Signals commence �� 60 seconds after activation

Signals commence �� 60 seconds after activation

 

warm Up:

   None required (due to digital frequency generation)

None required (due to digital frequency generation)

 

VHF:

  121.5 MHz, 50 mW �3 dB, swept tone AM

121.5 MHz, 50 mW �3 dB, swept tone AM

 

UHF:

  406.028 MHz, 5 W � 2 dB, PSK (digital)

 

strobe:

   20 flashes/minute at greater than 0.75 cd  

effective intensity

  UHF-Protocol�Data:

UHF-Protocol�Data:

   Serial Number

*,

 Radio Call Sign, and MMSI

 

repetition Period:

  550 s mean, digitally generated randomization

 

VHF: 

Satellite compatible phase coherent

BatterY

 replacement Period:

  Prior to expiry date marked on EPIRB case.

 replacement Method:

   Authorised Service Centre

Authorised Service Centre

 

Chemistry:

   LiSO2 (2.4 g Lithium per cell)

LiSO2 (2.4 g Lithium per cell)

 

no.�size:

   2 D size cells

PHYsiCal

 

Operating:

  -20 °C to +55 °C.

 

storage:

  -30 °C to +70 °C.

 

ePirB weight:

  555 g (nominal

555 g (nominal

)

 

antenna:  

  Flexible self straightening stainless steel design

Flexible self straightening stainless steel design

•    The specified COMPASS SAFE DISTANCE is the minimum allowable 

separation between the EPIRB/housing and any magnetic navigational device.

To install the Auto-release housing:
1.

   With the cover and EPIRB removed, hold the 

housing base in place and mark the positions of 
the four (4) location points. 

2.

   Using fasteners appropriate for the selected 

surface (not supplied), securely retain the 
housing base. 

3.

   Now replace the EPIRB then outer cover, verifying 

at this time that the cover can be freely removed 
and replaced (Refer to the ‘

MANUAL RELEASE 

AND STOWAGE’ instructions).

4.   

Using a sharp implement mark (x) the Hydrostatic Release Replacement 
Date label on the front cover with the replacement month and year. This 
is to be two years from the date of installation. 

in an eMerGenCY

In an emergency you should first try to use your radio to summon assistance. 
Distress procedures should only be used where grave and imminent danger 
threatens your craft and assistance is required. Notify the ‘Emergency 
Facility’ that you have a beacon and that you will turn it on upon their 
instruction.

If dire emergency threatens life and you have been unable to make radio 
contact or have lost radio contact, use the beacon. The distress signal 
transmitted by your beacon identifies you as a craft in distress and will 
initiate an air/sea search and rescue. 

use the Beacon as a last resort.

ManUal release anD stOwaGe

To remove the EPIRB from the Auto-
release housing:
1.

   Hold the outer cover while using 

your free hand to rotate the yellow 
lever anti-clockwise 

1

 as shown.

2.

   Without releasing the lever, remove  

the cover 

2

 completely away from  

the fixed part of the housing that  
holds the beacon.

3.   

Now firmly grasp the beacon and 
withdraw it from the housing. 

3

warninG:

 DO NOT remove the beacon from its‘ mounting bracket if wet, it 

may automatically activate. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry before removal. 

To refit the EPIRB:

1.

    Orientate the beacon such that the side displaying the ‘EMERGENCY 

ACTIVATION’ instructions faces outwards. This is necessary for the EPIRB 

to engage with the base of the Auto-release housing.

2.

   Insert the head of the beacon between the two retention arms ensuring 

that the base of the beacon also engages into the housing supports.

3.

   Now commence replacement of the outer cover firstly engaging it at the 

base over the metal retention tongue.

4. 

  Apply firm pressure above the yellow lever to press the cover home. If 

necessary, partially and momentarily, rotate the yellow lever anti-clockwise 
whilst applying pressure to ensure full and proper engagement of the cover.

5.

  Finally, verify that the outer cover is securely retained.

ManUal aCtiVatiOn

1.

   Remove the beacon from the bracket.

2.

   Lift the switch cover (marked ‘LIFT’) to open. 

2

3.

   Slide the ‘ON’ slider switch fully forward in the 

direction of the arrows. 

3

 The unit will initially 

self test, after two seconds the flashing strobe 
and beeps will indicate the beacon is operating. 

4.

   Close the cover to secure the switch. 

water aCtiVatiOn 

1.

   Remove the beacon from the bracket.

2.

   Deploy the beacon in water if sea conditions permit. The unit will initially 

self test, then shortly after the flashing strobe and beeps will indicate the 
beacon is operating. 

The EPIRB has been designed to maintain continuity of operation even when 
the units sensors leave the water for periods of several seconds at a time. 
Uninterrupted operation is however always best guaranteed by also manually 
activating the EPIRB.

if the beacon is to be deployed but not in water the manual activation 
method must be used.

ManUal DePlOYMent

Unwind the cord and secure the EPIRB to 
prevent loss.

When activated, the beacon will transmit the 
strongest signal to the satellites when:

•  Floating in water.

•   Well clear of surrounding and  

overhanging objects.

•  The antenna is vertical.

In extreme sea conditions, you should NOT float the EPIRB free of the vessel 
or the life raft if there is the possibility of loss or damage to the EPIRB.

By observing the following guidelines satisfactory operation should be achieved 
when operating the EPIRB out of water.

Search and Rescue authorities will not penalize an EPIRB owner or operator 
in cases of genuine accidental activation.

Batteries anD MaintenanCe

The MT401FF/FG is fitted with the very latest in high capacity Lithium battery 
technology. These batteries are able to operate within a temperature range 
of -20°C to +55°C.

The full operational capability of your beacon may not be available if the 
batteries fitted have exceeded their replacement date, as shown on the body 
of the unit. Prior to reaching this date, make arrangements to have your 
MT401FF/FG returned for service.

nOte: 

The replacement of batteries due to expiry or usage is not covered by the 

product‘s Warranty. EPIRB maintenance operations, including battery replacement, 
require that the beacon be returned to a manufacturer approved service facility.

To ensure reliable operation the Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) mechanism 
within the Auto-release Housing must be replaced within two years of being 
first placed into service. The replacement date is prominently shown on the 
front of the housing. 

HRU replacement does not require any particular skills or training, and can 
be completed in situ by the owner in under 5 minutes, simply by following 
the instructions included within the Float Free Housing Refurbishment Kit 
available from your Retailer.

Routinely following these few simple steps will help ensure that your beacon 
will be operationally ready if called upon:

1.

  Test the EPIRB at the recommended interval.

2.

  Confirm the SAFETY SEAL has not been broken.

3.

   Check that the batteries have not passed their replacement date.

4.

   Inspect the EPIRB and bracket for damage or deterioration.

5.

   Keep the unit clean by wiping over with a damp cloth (warm water and 

mild detergent are suitable), then dry.

6.

   Verify that the unit manually releases correctly from the auto-release 

housing, and is securely retained when returned to it.

If there is any doubt as to the products’ serviceability, immediately contact 
your authorised Dealer or service centre for advice.

Some installations may be covered by state, national or international 
carriage requirements. Such legislation may impose additional inspection and 
maintenance requirements beyond those listed above. Contact the relevant 
authority for further information.

saFetY seal

The safety seal which covers the tab behind the ‘

ON’

 slider is designed to 

tear if the unit is switched on. A safety seal that is not broken serves to 
indicate that the beacon has never been manually activated.

NEVER remove or break the seal unless deploying the EPIRB in an emergency.

•        The EPIRB signal 

will not pass through 

metal

 but will pass through fiberglass, 

wood or fabric with some loss when wet. 

•   The body of the EPIRB can be attached 

to metal fittings, but the antenna must 
be vertical and clear of the metal.

•   If the cabin is metallic (such as steel 

or aluminium), the EPIRB should be 
mounted on a clear space outside with the antenna vertical and clear of 
surrounding objects.

warninG:

 Switching a beacon on and off interferes with the satellites ability 

to determine your location. Once activated in an emergency allow the beacon to 
operate without interruption until your rescue.

Normal operation of your beacon will cease once battery capacity is 
diminished. Special circuitry within the MT401FF/FG however directs any 
remaining capacity towards extended operation of the homing transmitter. 
Although the beacon may otherwise have appeared to cease functioning, a 
homing signal will still be emitted for some considerable time.

tUrninG tHe ePirB OFF

It is important that you turn the EPIRB off as soon as possible after being 
rescued. If you leave the EPIRB running when it is no longer needed it may 
make it more difficult to locate other beacons also transmitting in the area.

1.

   Remove beacon from the water.

2.

   Lift the switch cover (marked ‘

LIFT

’).

3.

   Slide the yellow slider switch fully towards the ‘

READY

’ position.

4.

   Close the cover to secure the switch.

5.

   To cancel Water Activation dry the beacon or re-stow the beacon in the 

bracket. It may take a number of seconds for the EPIRB to de-activate.

6.

   Check that both the strobe light and the ‘beep’ have stopped.

in tHe eVent OF aCCiDental aCtiVatiOn

If you suspect that an EPIRB has been activated inadvertently, you MUST 
turn it off and report it immediately to your National Authority‘s Rescue  
Coordination Centre to prevent an unnecessary search. If at sea call your 
local VHF coast station, or Rescue Coordination centre. In international 
waters contact a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre or Coast Radio 
Station (CRS) by any available means.

When reporting you should include the following:

1.

   Your EPIRB’s 15 character Unique Identifier Number (UIN), which is 

marked on the unit body.

2.

  Date, time and duration of activation.

3.

  Cause of activation.

4.

  Location at time of activation.

MEtal

1

2

3

retentiOn arMs

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