However, as your own report confirms, even when used outside specified operating parameters "all five (McMurdo PLB) units passed the tests".

Equipped to Survive trials Referencing the Equipped to Survive trials, as we said at the time, and repeat now, we did not understand their results. The specific units tested by Doug Ritter in January, 2004 successfully acquired GPS lock when they left our facility a few days earlier. We test our products on an on-going basis worldwide with the same results: the successful acquisition of a GPS lock. At the time of writing, we are completing a comprehensive series of tests replicating the original study under the supervision of a leading expert Peter Forey and with a representative from West Marine in attendance at the land trials.

West Marine sponsored the original Ritter study. Initial results show that our Personal Locator Beacons performed far better than reported by Ritter. We expect to have the EPIRB data in a few days. When the study is complete, a report will be made available. Given the complexity of the tests, they have taken slightly longer than our original goal of midJune, but should be available in the near future.

However, as a responsible manufacturer, despite our confidence in our beacons, we understand that customers may have concerns. In response to this, we have initiated an upgrade which will further enhance GPS performance in our products. The upgrade is free of charge and we have arranged to contact all customers, upgrade, test and return their beacons. Customers can call +44 (0) 2392 623978 to arrange for the upgrade.

As a successful UK marine business creating UK jobs, making a name for British technology and building sales in one of the most competitive markets in the world, we do not appreciate unwarranted attacks on our reputation.

We are absolutely willing to be taken to task on any subject but object strongly to being the victim of one-sided journalism with the apparent agenda of damaging successful British businesses.

Yours sincerely Gary Mullins Managing Director From the editor:

McMurdo and Cosalt (McMurdo - 2) seem far more concerned about the damage our reports may do to McMurdo, rather than the damage failed distress products may do to McMurdo's customers.

USCG. If the USCG understands everything that McMurdo claims and each member of the USCG has detailed training on its products, as claimed, how come the product attracted over a two year period - and I quote the USCG here - numerous enquiries, comments and concerns centering on the reliability of the McMurdo Pains Wessex Fastfind Personal EPIRB (PEPIRB).

And why did the USCG issue notice ALCOAST 518/03 with a series of recommendations for service personnel using McMurdo PLBs:

1. The tether line is too short - USCG recommends putting a longer tether line on the standard McMurdo product.

2. The antenna storage well can flood when it's allowed to float free. This degrades the signal.

And if the antenna storage well is not dried out after use, the antenna can corrode, leading to signal degradation. The USCG recommends service personnel should not allow their distress beacons to get wet.

3. e USCG recommends attaching a 2" x 2" piece of Velcro hook tape to the PLB battery case. It evens gives retailer contact telephone numbers in the notice. Further configuration changes are promised to cater for attaching the PLB to inflatable PFDs.

McMurdo has initiated an upgrade programme for its PLBs.

McMurdo 406 tests. McMurdo says its tests "have taken slightly longer than our original goal of mid-June". McMurdo issued a release on April 19 promising test results "in 30 days", which is around May 19 and not the "midJune" quoted above. McMurdo's test results were announced on July 7.

They say the tests were carried out on pre-upgraded and upgraded units. Peter Forey, md of Sartech, is quoted as saying the upgraded units performed "faultlessly". McMurdo says Forey "observed significantly superior product performance" over Ritter's tests on the pre-upgraded products.

Fine. But isn't it a trifle naive of McMurdo to offer this press release as proof of the reliability of its life saving products? To paraphrase an infamous young lady of yesteryear: "They would say that, wouldn't they?" A press release from Peter Forey or Sartech would have carried a great deal more weight.

As it is, McMurdo tested preproduction units that won't be available until the end of August. And - with respect to those who wit-nessed the tests - the tests were run by McMurdo.

What The Man In The Street wants to hear is that the product tested is the one he can buy off the shelf. And he wants to hear it has been tested by someone other than the manufacturer.

Doug Ritter says he offered to help McMurdo set up and run tests on its upgraded products, but McMurdo turned down his offer. PN