The Isle of Man Ship Registry has issued technical notice to advise all ship owners, operators and masters of a global product recall that is effective for two specific types of EPIRB.

The affected models are Kannad Marine Safelink EPIRBs, with the following particulars:

• EPIRB Safelink Manual+ GPS (part number K1202311)
• EPIRB Safelink Auto GPS (part number K1202367)

According to Kannad Marine, the problem identified is that ‘the yellow body plastic may prematurely age when subjected to specific environmental conditions which has the potential to impact on its long term effectiveness in the field’.

As a result, there is concern that its functionality may be impaired in an emergency situation. Kannad Marine are advising that if you believe you have one of the affected EPIRBs, you should not use this as the primary search and rescue beacon on board your vessel.

Owners of the affected product are requested to register their ownership at a dedicated website from which the product recall will be co-ordinated.

Further information and photographs of the affected products can be viewed here

Source: www.safety4sea.com