Boat owners are being urged to check their Kannad Marine SAFELINK Manual and Auto GPS EPIRBs after the discovery of an issue which could result in the beacon failing to operate in an emergency.

The SAFELINK EPIRB’s yellow body plastic may prematurely age when subjected to specific environmental conditions. This has the potential to impact its long term effectiveness.

The models with part numbers K1202367 or K1202367 are the only Kannad Marine products affected.

The two devices which are being recalled

In a statement, Kannad Marine said the plastic’s premature ageing “may impact” the effectiveness of the beacon in a “very small number of cases”.

However, the company believes it’s important “to take broader preventative actions to respond to this situation promptly and comprehensively” for customer’s safety.

The company has now instigated a voluntary global recall programme.

Anyone who suspects they might have an affected beacon is being advised not to use the SAFELINK as the primary search and rescue beacon on board.

Customers are being asked to register ownership, location and contact details via a dedicated website.

Once registered, a Kannad support team will direct customers to their local partner to arrange a replacement. The EPIRB will be replaced with a Kannad Sport Pro + Auto or Manual, with a five year warranty, free of charge.

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