MSC 471 is expected to come into effect on July 1, 2022, and sets out the construction standards that new Category I EPIRBs (the automatic ones) should meet. Specifically, they will have to be equipped with an AIS transmitter, the GPS will have to have a GNSS corrector, and they will have to incorporate a light for night visibility.
The benefits of the MSC 471 are obvious. With the AIS transmitter, the tracking of the castaway will be greatly simplified and the GNSS corrector will ensure even more precise localization. The cost of a Category I EPIRB, will necessarily be somewhat higher, but, in our opinion, the safety benefits will outweigh the economic efforts.
The problem is that the entry into force is concurrent with the deep Chip Crunch crisis, where manufacturers are struggling to meet demand for regularly produced products, let alone the problems of sourcing components for new units that have not yet entered production.
In short, the expected benefits of MSC 471 are likely to turn into a series of problems that will be particularly felt by the fishing industry, already the victim of other harsh situations.
GME and most producers will not be ready for this deadline. One hopes and sensitizes the authorities for an extension, but at the same time we must provide a preventive plan in case it does not come.
It is clarified that manual EPIRBs (Category II) that can be used in recreation, will not be affected by MSC 471. While for automatics if we have to purchase it from 01/07/2022, we will undoubtedly have difficulties in finding a compliant unit and in case we succeed, we are likely to incur an increase in the purchase price.