GME

About GME

If your boat carries an Australian-made distress beacon, there's a good chance it's a GME. The company describes itself as one of Australia's largest manufacturers and wholesalers of radio communications products, and as the country's only emergency-beacon manufacturer.

## At a glance

- **Best for:** boat owners buying or replacing an EPIRB, and sailors who want a PLB on their lifejacket - **Makes:** 406 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs, marine VHF and 27 MHz radios, and antennas - **Where to buy:** chandleries, marine retailers and outdoor stores Australia-wide - **Contact:** 1300 463 463

## EPIRB or PLB?

- **An EPIRB** is built for the boat. It's bigger than a PLB because it must transmit for at least 48 hours, and it's usually mounted in a bracket where you can grab it fast. - **A PLB** is smaller and carried on you. It's ideal clipped to a lifejacket, so the signal goes with you if you end up in the water. - Both transmit on 406 MHz to the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. In Australia every 406 MHz beacon must be registered with AMSA, and registration is free.

## Good to know

Beacon rules vary by state and by how far offshore you go, so check your state's requirements before you head out. Beacons also have a battery expiry date; replace or service them before it passes.

## Contact

**17 Gibbon Road, Winston Hills NSW 2153** · 1300 463 463 · [gme.net.au](https://www.gme.net.au/)

Read our guide to essential safety equipment for Australian sailing boats and our FAQ on VHF, EPIRB and emergency procedures, or browse more safety equipment specialists.

**Last checked:** September 2026.

Services

• Safety equipment
• Marine communications

Service area

Australia-wide (sold through retailers)