GME MT600GAUS - Manual (Page 6)

6 I N S T R U C T I O N M A N UA L M T 6 0 0 / G
PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION
The signal from an EPIRB is regarded by authorities as an indication of distress and is
given an appropriate response. It is the responsibility of every owner of an EPIRB to
ensure that it is not activated unintentionally or in situations that do not justify its use.
Most cases of accidental transmission are the result of poor or inappropriate storage or
failure to totally disable an old model EPIRB before disposal.
The need to treat EPIRBs responsibly cannot be too highly emphasized.
The MT600/MT600G beacon will not activate unless the ON button is being held
continuously in the ‘pressed’ state. Once the beacon has been activated, it will not
commence transmitting until approximately 50 seconds after activation, providing a
safety period of audible and visual warning. If you hear the beacon beeping while it is
being carried or stowed, you may still be able to deactivate it during this time period
without actually transmitting a distress signal. If in doubt, report the incident to your
local authorities just in case.
To minimize the possibility of accidental activation, EPIRB owners are urged to pay
careful attention to the following points:
1. Always stow the EPIRB in the mounting bracket with the switch cover closed.
The switch cover is designed specifically to prevent accidental activation.
2. Do not allow children to interfere with the EPIRB.
3. Educate others on board your vessel regarding the consequences of beacon
activation.
INSTALLATION
The MT600/MT600G can be mounted upright or horizontally against a panel or
bulkhead. When selecting a location, consider the following:
• Select a location that is readily accessible in an emergency.
• Ensure the unit is protected against the environment. Avoid locations where it will be
subject to water spray or continuous sunlight.
• Avoid mounting the EPIRB where it will be subjected to continuous direct sunlight.
This could cause the beacon’s internal temperature to exceed the maximum storage
temperature of +70°C. Long term stowage under these conditions could result in
reduced battery life, poor performance or degradation of the plastics due to excessive
UV light.
• Mount the unit in a location where it will be safe from physical damage.
• The specifications section contains the ’Compass Safe Distance’ for your particular
model EPIRB. This is the minimum distance that must be maintained between an
inactive stowed beacon and any magnetic navigational device.
• Confirm the selected location allows sufficient clearance to remove the beacon from
the bracket when required.