The global-3 provides very fast alerting, precise position location and a 121.5MHz locator beacon within one compact, lightweight unit. An optional Remote Control Unit allows the nature of the distress to be included in the distress message. It has been developed for use in all classes and size of vessels and is type approved under the EC Maritime Directive (MED) for use in SOLAS vessels. It has INMARSAT type approval for use within the GMDSS.

It is a portable emergency beacon that weighs less than 1200g (2.65 lbs.) and it works with the INMARSAT-E geo-stationary satellites. This ensures that an emergency transmission is received at an MRCC within two to three minutes of activation without the need to wait for an overhead pass by a low earth orbiting satellite that can take up to one and a half hours. The global-3 contains a very fast GPS receiver to ensure an accurate position indication is sent via the satellite.

The Inmarsat coverage is worldwide, excluding the polar ice caps and is achieved by four satellites. Parts of Europe have the benefit of being within three of the satellite footprints, with reception by only one of them required for satisfactory operation. Each satellite region has two Inmarsat-E dedicated Coast Earth Stations with direct links to Rescue Co-ordination Centres to ensure that any distress call is handled without delay.

The global-3 can be used as a stand-alone unit or can be supplied with a “float free“ mounting cradle. There is also an optional separate remote control unit (RCU) that can be used to activate the unit and allow the nature of the distress to be added to the transmitted message. The unit is very simple to use and can be manually activated when required by an activation switch that is specifically designed to prevent accidental use. When supplied with the float free cradle it is released from its cradle by water pressure. When immersed in water it is activated by a supplementary water sensor. The low weight and small size of the unit permits its use on even the smallest craft.