I got an ACR Epirb which is running out of batteries in February next year.
Ringing the agent, l was told, l have to order the replacement from the states, they do not stock any in Oz. Ok, so l did and was quoted over $500 US for postage because it is a HAZMAT thing and blah blah blah...
Well l think this is not on. Are they putting me on?
I've seen an ad in Afloat about an Aussie made Epirb called SAFETY ALERT by KTI industries.
Is there anybody out there with some recommendations? 
I have a GME one. Ran out of battery a couple of months ago so they replaced the Epirb with another one for $150. Did it on the spot at their centre here in Sydney. 6 more years before I have to do it again.
My epirb now needs replacement batteries so checked out the free replacement.
The conditions and postage costs plus old technology ie non gps with 5 k radius find plus upto 5 hrs noticifaction compared with 3m radius find and almost instant notification for $299 including postage and 10 year battery, received in 3 days all good
I've opened up a few old epirbs & the batteries were plain old duracells AA.
New digital epirbs under $300. With gps around $350.
Go new.
I would be inclined to give www.master-instruments.com.au/ a go, they seem to have batteries for nearly everything. I can't imagine that any epirb manufacturer would go to to the trouble of using a proprietary battery, it will be a commonly available battery.
Thanks LooseChange but to no avail.
Tried but they can not help either. Going for a new one in February.
Bugger! woulda sworn that they would've been the one joint in Aus that could help.
If you send me your email add. I send you the letter I received from them. Interesting!
Not necessary, thanks all the same. On another note, why not just pull out the old battery and try to fit something else with same voltage and similar capacity. Surely it can't be rocket science.
On my fishing vessel I had a New Zealand made EPIRB that you could change the batteries. Top section unscrewed and batteries slipped out. Had an O ring to seal. Just changed the date on the side to keep the surveyor happy each year.
Select to expand quotesirgallivant said..
I doubt the wisdom of your advice Sir!
I quite often doubt my own advice as well. I assumed that would have been one of your first thoughts, me not knowing your epirb just thought I'd mention it.
