Epirb Manual
Epirb Manual
Epirb Manual
The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this manual were believed
to be correct at the time of print. Ocean Signal Ltd reserve the right to change specifica-
tions and other information contained in this manual as part of our continual improvement
process.
Ocean Signal and SafeSea are registered trademarks of Ocean Signal Ltd.
1 2
CONTENTS
1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Programming Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 E100/E100G Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Float Free Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2.1 Loading the EPIRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3 Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3.1 Loading the EPIRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1 Manual Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.1 Deployment From an Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2 Deployment From a Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.3 Manual Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2 Automatic Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 Deactivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.3.1 Deactivation from Manual Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.3.2 Deactivation from Automatic Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5 False Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.1 Disabling the EPIRB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1 Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1.1 Self Test Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1.2 GPS Test Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.2 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.3 Battery Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.4 HRU Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.1 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.1.1 COSPAS/SARSAT System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.1.2 GPS System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.2 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7.3 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.4 Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.5 Service & Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.6 Record of Programming Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
This manual provides valuable information for the installation, operation and routine
maintenance of both the:
Please read this manual completely before using your EPIRB. Parts of this manual apply
to the E100G only.
1.2 Registration
All 406MHz EPIRBs are programmed with a unique identity number (UIN), which is based
upon the country of registration. This is normally the country to which the vessel is flagged.
Registration provides the Search and Rescue authorities with the correct emergency con-
tact details, which will speed up the rescue process.
Once registration has been performed you should receive a decal sticker which must be
affixed to the area on the EPIRB marked Attach proof of registration in this area. This
decal is your proof of registration.
This EPIRB is a radio transmitter - as such, your existing radio license must be updated to
include this EPIRB.
In the US, Vessel owners should advise NOAA in writing upon change of vessel or EPIRB
ownership, transfer of EPIRB to another vessel, or any other change in registration
information.
Changing the country to which the vessel is flagged will result in the EPIRB needing to be
re-programmed, as the EPIRB UIN also contains the country code.
Your EPIRB is supplied with a label titled Programming Details, this contains areas
where the programming details of the EPIRB can be marked. This information includes:
If this label has not been provided with the EPIRB information pre-inserted then the user
should write this information on the label using a UV stable indelible pen. The UIN (15digit
HEX code) can be found on the programming certificate.
Affix the label to the left side of the EPIRB in the area provided, then place the clear
protective label provided over the first label.
It is recommended that this information is also copied into the section provided at the back
of this manual.
2 E100/E100G OVERVIEW
5 6
2
7 8 9
3 INSTALLATION
Do not mount the EPIRB closer than 1 metre to any steering compass
as this may affect the accuracy of the compass.
Keep the E100 away from any strong magnetic sources such as
loudspeakers, compass compensation magnets, etc.
3.1 Location
The location selected must be sufficiently robust to support the weight of the entire unit.
Exposure to the elements and surrounding hazards along with vibration should also be
taken into consideration when choosing the location. Ensure that the mounting location
allows easy access to the EPIRB for maintenance and servicing.
To ensure that the EPIRB will always float free from the sinking vessel ensure that the
float free housing is located high up on the superstructure, free from any obstructions
and located in a position that it will not be trapped, regardless of the angle the sinking
vessel may be in.
The E100/E100G is supplied as standard with a quick release mounting bracket. This
bracket should be mounted on a suitable wall or bulkhead in a position where it can easily
be retrieved in an emergency.
Although the E100/E100G is rugged and waterproof, Ocean Signal recommends mounting
the EPIRB in a protected position whenever possible.
Do not mount the EPIRB closer than 1 metre to any steering compass
as this may affect the accuracy of the compass.
Keep the EPIRB away from any strong magnetic sources such as
loudspeakers, compass compensation magnets, etc.
Mark the location of the four screw holes onto the mounting position. Pre-drill the holes
if required then screw the mounting bracket to the surface using the four No6 x 5/8
screws supplied.
4 OPERATION
The EPIRB is designed for best operation while floating in water. If used in other situa-
tions ensure that the EPIRB is placed in the open, clear of any cover and kept upright. Do
not place the EPIRB close to large structures or under cover.
In the case of abandoning ship, if possible, recover the EPIRB and tie to the survival craft
or person using the lanyard. For optimum operation, it is recommended that the EPIRB be
tied to the raft with the lanyard and floated in the sea.
2. To remove the housing cover, tilt it, slide 3. Lift the hydrostatic release mechanism
it sideways to free the cover from the base and remove the EPIRB.
clips and lift off.
The EPIRB will sense when it has been placed in water and automatically begin to operate,
after a short delay, in the same manner as described above.
Note: If the EPIRB is mounted in the float free housing or on the bracket this function is
disabled until the EPIRB has been removed from either fixture.
If the EPIRB is mounted in a float free housing, in the event that the vessel sinks the
EPIRB will automatically be ejected from the housing allowing it to float to the surface and
begin transmission.
4.3 Deactivation
5 FALSE ALERTS
False alerts are a serious problem - they cause valuable resources to be diverted away
from real emergency situations. If a false alert is initiated, by any means, it is important
to contact the nearest search and rescue authority and inform them of the false alert.
1. EPIRB UIN.
2. Date, time and duration.
3. Cause of activation.
4. Location when the alert was activated.
5. Location at time of deactivation.
If the EPIRB was activated by mistake then turn it off. The first emergency transmission
will not occur for approximately 50 seconds, if the unit is turned off within this time then
EPIRB will not have sent an emergency distress.
If the unit has been dropped into the water then remove from the water and dry the
case, wait approximately 30 seconds for the water contacts to de-activate. If the unit is
still flashing after this period, check that the unit has not been manually activated; if so
then follow the procedure to manually switch the EPIRB off. The EPIRB should now be
switched off, replace the EPIRB on to the cradle or into the float free housing.
The SafeSea E100/E100G is fitted with water activation contacts. Although the mounting
bracket and float free housing are designed to prevent accidental activation due to heavy
sea or weather conditions, if the EPIRB is not correctly fitted in its mounting it is possible
that this may cause a false alert situation.
6 MAINTENANCE
6.1 Testing
6.1.1 Self Test Mode
Activate Test Mode by rotating the grey test switch clockwise and holding for 1 second,
until the LED indicator begins to rapidly flash Green, then release the test switch.
This will initiate a self test - be prepared to monitor the number of LED indicator flashes
upon completion of the test.
8hrs to Other
Failure to follow the correct test activation 5 Flashes 5 Flashes
9hrs 59min failure
procedure may result in either no activation
or the LED ashing red/green. Release the 6 Flashes 10hrs +
switch and retry after a short pause.
It is recommended that this test is not performed in direct sunlight as it may be make
counting the LED flashes at the end of the test difficult. The EPIRB must remain under
observation for the whole of the test to ensure the completion of the test is not missed.
To enter the GPS self test mode, perform the following procedure:
1. Rotate the grey test switch clockwise and hold for 1 second until the
indicator LED begins to rapidly flash Green.
2. Release the test switch and then quickly reactivate the test switch
whilst the LED is still rapidly flashing.
3. Hold the switch until the LED begins flashing Green at a slower rate;
continue to hold the test key for 5 seconds.
4. Release the switch when the LED changes from flashing Green to a
constant Red.
During the test the LED will remain Red and flash Green once every 5 seconds.
Successful test completion is indicated by the LED flashing Green for 10 seconds, with the
strobe light flashing every 2.5 seconds. A test failure is indicated by the LED flashing Red
for 10 seconds with the strobe light flashing every 2.5 seconds.
The test can be cancelled at any time by
GPS Tests Green LED Strobe
activating the Grey test switch and holding
Remaining Flashes Flashes
it on for 5 seconds.
4 (and then
The EPIRB is limited to 5 GPS self tests, 4 2
repeated)
the unit will not perform any more than
this until the battery is replaced. If the 3 (and then
3 2
repeated)
GPS self test is initiated and the EPIRB
has already performed 5 GPS self tests, 2 (and then
2 2
the indicator will flash Red for 5 seconds repeated)
and then power down. If the Grey test key
1 (and then
is held on after the indicator has finished 1
repeated)
2
flashing Red, it will then begin to rapidly
flash between Red and Green to indicate 0
Flashes for
2
that the EPIRB power is being held on and 5 seconds
is needlessly draining the battery reserves.
6.2 Inspection
During the monthly EPIRB self test it is advised that the following inspection is performed.
1. Inspect the EPIRB for obvious signs of damage including the state of
the antenna any creases in the antenna may cause the operation of the
EPIRB to be impaired.
5. If the EPIRB is housed in a float free housing confirm the HRU is within
the specified expiry date (Two years after the installation date).
Other than the battery pack there are no user serviceable parts inside
? the EPIRB. DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB, DOING SO WILL INVALIDATE
THE WARRANTY AND MAY CAUSE FALSE ALERTS
If the expiry date marked on the battery pack has been reached then it must be replaced to
ensure correct operating life of the EPIRB during an emergency situation. Always use an
Ocean Signal LB2E battery to replace the existing battery. Failure to use the correct bat-
tery may result in the EPIRB failing to perform correctly.
For SOLAS vessels it is recommended that the battery is replaced at the time of the Shore
Based Maintenance. Batteries should only be replaced by trained personnel with access to
the required test equipment to ensure correct operation after the battery exchange.
For non-SOLAS vessels, including recreational vessels, the user may replace the battery
themselves, or use an approved service agent. Detailed battery replacement instructions
are provided with each new battery.
The replacement of the battery may only be performed by the end user
? where it is allowed by the local or national maritime authorities.
? DO NOT INCINERATE!
If you have an EPIRB mounted in a float free housing, this will also contain a HR1E
Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU). The HRU unit must be replaced two years after installa-
tion - the expiry date is marked on the HRU and on the front of the housing. If this date has
been reached then the HRU must be replaced with an Ocean Signal HR1E, failure to do so
may result in the HRU not operating correctly during an emergency situation.
1. Lift the release mechanism by pulling 2. Push the HRU down against the spring
against the spring and remove the EPIRB and remove the locking pin. Carefully
from the housing. remove the HRU from the spring.
3. Using the new HRU, locate the two 4. Push the HRU into position as shown.
retaining ridges (at the bottom of the HRU) Push the locking pin home with the retain-
onto the spring. Carefully push the HRU ing flange pointing down. Load the EPIRB
against the spring. into the housing.
7 APPENDIX
7.1 System Overview
7.1.1 COSPAS/SARSAT System
The system is comprised of instruments on board the satellites which detect the sig-
nals from the distress beacons. Ground receiving stations, referred to as Local Users
Terminals (LUTs) receive and process the satellite downlink signal to generate the dis-
tress alerts. The distress alerts, generated by the LUTs, are then received by Mission
Control Centres (MCCs) which then forward the alert to Rescue Co-ordination Centres
(RCCs), Search and Rescue Points of Contacts (SPOCs) and other MCCs.
The GPS system is a satellite array that enables a GPS receiver to determine its position
around the globe. There are a minimum of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth providing accu-
rate position, velocity and time information.
The SafeSea E100G has a built in 50 channel GPS receiver and antenna allowing recep-
tion of this positional data. The received position is then coded into the EPIRB emergency
transmission thus enabling search and rescue teams to narrow the search area and
increase the effectiveness of the rescue operation.
7.2 Specifications
406Mhz Transmitter
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406.037 MHz 1KHz
Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5W Typical
Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phase 1.1 Radians Pk
(16K0G1D)
Encoding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Biphase L
Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520mS
Frequency Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 parts per billion / 100mS
Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 bps
121.5MHz Transmitter
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121.5 MHz
Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-100mW PEP
Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Swept Tone AM (3K20A3X)
Sweep Range / Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375-1125 Hz
Modulation Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96%
Frequency Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50ppm
Duty Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40%
Battery
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lithium Manganese Dioxide
(LiMnO2)
Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Typically 96Hours
Replacement Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 years
General
Height of Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212mm
Maximum Body diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110mm
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 735grams
Environmental
IEC60945 Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portable
Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class 2 -20C to +55C
Storage Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class 2 -30C to +70C
Automatic release depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 metres maximum
Waterproof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceeds 10m at 20C
7.3 Accessories
7.4 Approvals
Cospas-Sarsat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .T.001/T.007
All servicing or repairs of this EPIRB must be carried out by an approved service agent.
Please retain the original packaging for your EPIRB. If the EPIRB has to be returned, for
any reason, the original packaging should be used.
The battery packs used with this EPIRB are classed as non-hazardous under IATA
Hazardous Transport Regulation.
Email: service@oceansignal.com
Accidental damage and misuse or non-approved modifications are not covered by this
warranty. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
Dealer Stamp:
Date of Purchase: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It is recommended that the information entered on the Programming Details label on the
EPIRB is also copied here for future reference.
UIN: ...............................................
MMSI: ...............................................
COUNTRY: ...............................................