User Manual EPIRB1 Pro Category 1 EPIRB English www.oceansignal.com EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 2020 Ocean Signal Ltd 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 specifications and other information contained in this manual as part of our continual improvement process. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or trans-
mitted in any form, electronic or otherwise, without the prior permission of Ocean Signal Ltd. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual. Ocean Signal and SafeSea are registered trademarks of Ocean Signal Ltd. For ease of access please record details of your EPIRB1 Pro here. Owners Name:
....................................................... Vessel Name:
....................................................... Beacon HEX ID (UIN):
....................................................... 2 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF GRAVE OR IMMINENT DANGER MANUAL ACTIVATION 1 Pull the pin 2 Release the catch 3 Turn the knob 4 Remove the cover 5 Release the EPIRB 6 Break the tab 7 Lift the ap 8 Press the button 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL Introduction Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy GENERAL 1.1 1.2 1.3 Warnings 1.4 Operating Mode 1.4.1 Automatic Release (a) 1.4.2 Manual activation on deck (b) 1.4.3 Manual activation in a life raft (c) EPIRB1 PRO OVERVIEW INSTALLATION 3.1 Location 3.1.1 Float Free Housing 3.1.2 Adapter Bracket LOADING THE EPIRB1 PRO OPERATION 5.1 Manual Activation 5.1.1 Deployment from the Enclosure 5.1.2 EPIRB Manual Activation 5.1.3 EPIRB Automatic Operation 5.2 Deactivation 5.2.1 Deactivation if Manually Activated 5.2.2 Deactivation if Automatically Activated FALSE ALERTS TESTING 7.1 7.2 Beacon Test GPS Test COSPAS/SARSAT SYSTEM APPENDIX 9.1 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Batteries Transport Disposal Speci cations Approvals 9.6.1 Marine Equipment Directive 9.6.2 Industry Canada Approval 9.7 9.8 9.9 Registration Optional Accessories Limited Warranty 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 8 10 11 11 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 18 18 18 18 18 19 20 20 20 20 20 21 4 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 1. GENERAL 1.1 Introduction This manual provides valuable information for the installation, operation and routine maintenance of the EPIRB1 Pro complete with the Float Free Housing. Please read this manual completely before using your EPIRB1 Pro. 1.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy This product complies with EN62479 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada). 1.3 Warnings
It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB1 Pro with your National Authority.
! Only use your EPIRB1 Pro in a situation of grave and imminent danger.
! Deliberately misusing your EPIRB1 Pro or setting it off accidentally may result in prosecution and a ne.
! Your EPIRB1 Pro contains small lithium batteries.
! Please see section 9.3 for information on safe transportation.
! The battery in your EPIRB1 Pro should be replaced immediately if it has been activated, or if the test indicator shows the battery as used, or if the expiry date marked on the unit has been exceeded.
! The EPIRB1 Pro is supplied with an automatic release housing for external instal-
lation only. See the installation guidelines in section 2 for further information.
! Please read these instructions carefully. Failure to follow the guidance in this manual may result in loss of warranty. 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 5 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL Your EPIRB1 Pro may be operated in a variety of modes. 1.4 Operating Mode 1.4.1 Automatic Release Should the vessel sink the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically be released from its housing and oat to the surface. Contact with the water will automatically activate the EPIRB1 Pro. 1.4.2 Manual activation on deck When deploying the EPIRB1 Pro on a deck, ensure it is vertical and clear of obstructions that might impede a clear view of the sky. If the unit is thrown into the water then it will activate automatically. 1.4.3 Manual activation in a life raft The EPIRB1 Pro may be deployed in a life-raft, where it should be held in a vertical position so that there is a clear view of the sky, preferably outside of the canopy. 6 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 2. EPIRB1 PRO OVERVIEW ON Key (Under ap) Indicator LED Break Off Tab Antenna Strobe light TEST Key 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Lanyard under rubber band 1 3 2 4 5 6 7
! The lanyard is provided to attach the EPIRB1 Pro to the life raft or your person, once it is activated. Do not use it to attach it to the ship, as this may result in the loss of the EPIRB1 Pro if the vessel sinks.
It is important that the vessel details are marked on the EPIRB1 Pro. Please use a ne tip UV resistant indelible pen to clearly mark the MMSI, Vessel Name and Call Sign in the spaces provided. Cover this label with the clear protective label provided to protect the text from wear. 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 7 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 3. INSTALLATION
! Failure to follow the following installation guidelines may cause the EPIRB1 Pro to operate incorrectly.
! Do not mount the EPIRB1 Pro closer than 1.0 metre to any steering compass as this may affect the accuracy of the compass.
! Keep the EPIRB1 Pro away from any strong magnetic sources such as loudspeakers, compass compensation magnets, etc. 3.1 Location The location selected must be suf ciently 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 EPIRB1 Pro for maintenance and servicing. To ensure that the EPIRB1 Pro will always oat free from the sinking vessel ensure that the oat 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. Always leave at least 150mm (6) around the Float Free Housing to ensure the cover releases reliably. 3.1.1 Float Free Housing Using the dimensions shown, use the four No10 x 1 screws supplied to secure the oat free housing to the chosen structure using the holes marked O on the diagram . For mounting surfaces constructed of a material unsuitable for these screws use suitable xings (not supplied). Fixing holes E are provided to match the Ocean Signal E100/E100G if this product is being used to replace these older models. 8 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 3.1.2 Retro- t Adapter Bracket The EPIRB1 Pro Float Free Housing comes with an adapter bracket that allows easy installation where older EPIRBs from other manufacturers have been tted. Attach the adapter bracket to the Float Free Housing using the two holes A and the self tapping screws provided. The Adapter bracket provides xing holes suitable for:
J - Jotron Tron 60S M - McMurdo E5/G5 3.2 Mounting Dimensions 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 9 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 4. LOADING THE EPIRB1 PRO
! When replacing the EPIRB1 Pro in the Float Free Housing please ensure that the unit is clean and dry. The area around the activation controls and the lanyard should be free from water and dirt to ensure reliable operation. The EPIRB1 Pro is held in place inside the Float Free Housing by the Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) which locks into position using a spring. If it is necessary to replace the EPIRB1 Pro into the Float Free Housing (after maintenance or testing etc):
1. Pull back the HRU 2. 3. Load the EPIRB1 Pro, controls facing up, into the location seat, ensuring to carefully fold the antenna back behind the EPIRB1 Pro. Gently lower the HRU back into the locked position - this holds the EPIRB1 Pro securely in place. 10 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 4. Place the housing cover over the back, by placing the locating holes (on the side of the housing) over the clips. Push and rotate the housing release knob into the locked position (right). 5. 6. 7. Fold the latch up over the release knob Insert the pin to retain the latch 5 Push & Turn the knob 6 Close the catch 7 Insert the pin Complete the provided identi cation label using a UV stable indelible pen. Fit the label to the front of the Float Free Housing cover in the rectangular recess provided and use the clear protective label to cover it. An activation instruction label is provided and should be positioned close to the installation to assist any member of the crew or passengers in the activation procedure should they need to manually remove and activate the EPIRB1 Pro. 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 11 5. OPERATION EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF GRAVE OR IMMINENT DANGER The EPIRB1 Pro is designed for best operation while oating in water. If used in other situa-
tions ensure that the EPIRB1 Pro is placed in the open, clear of any cover and kept upright. Do not place the EPIRB1 Pro close to large structures or under cover. In the event the vessel sinks the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically be released from the housing and will activate on contact with the water. In the case of abandoning ship, if possible, recover the EPIRB1 Pro and tie to the survival craft or person using the lanyard. For optimum operation, it is recommended that the EPIRB1 Pro be tied to the raft with the lanyard and oated in the sea. 12 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 5.1 Manual Activation 5.1.1 Removing from the Enclosure Remove the pin Release the safety catch from the release knob Turn the knob anti-clockwise to release the cover 2 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1 4 Pull the cover free and discard. Lift the Hydrostatic clip and remove the EPIRB1 Pro from the mount 5 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 13 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 5.1.2 EPIRB1 Pro Manual Activation Break off the red protective tab from the top of the EPIRB1 Pro. 1. 2. 3. Lift the yellow ap up to expose the Red ON/OFF button. Press and hold the red button for 1 second to activate.
(Until the green LED starts to ash) 1 2 3 The EPIRB1 Pro will now be operational. The strobe lights will begin to ash at a rate of once every 2.5 seconds as soon as the unit is activated. For best performance it is important that the EPIRB1 Pro is in an upright position with a clear view of the sky and as far away from any metallic structures as is possible. The EPIRB1 Pro contains a GPS receiver, ensure that the GPS antenna is not obstructed and has a complete, unobstructed view of the sky as indicated on the top of the EPIRB1 Pro. A lanyard is provided to tether the EPIRB1 Pro to the lifeboat or life raft to ensure that it does not drift away. Make sure this is rmly attached. 14 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 5.1.3 EPIRB1 Pro Automatic Operation The EPIRB1 Pro 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.
If the EPIRB1 Pro is mounted in the oat free housing this function is disabled until the EPIRB1 Pro has been released. If the EPIRB1 Pro is mounted in the oat free housing in the event that the vessel sinks the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically be ejected from the housing allowing it to oat to the surface and begin transmission. EPIRB Mode Green Indicator Red Indicator Initial EPIRB activation Acquiring GPS position GPS position acquired *
121.5MHz Tx On for 1 second 1 ash every 5 seconds 3 quick ashes 5 quick ashes 406MHz Tx, with GPS position 406MHz Tx, without valid GPS position 1 ash, with strobe light, every 2.5 seconds 5 quick ashes Note: The rst alert is transmitted after 50 seconds to allow time to deactivate the unit if accidentally turned on . The homing beacon is not activated until the rst 406MHz alert is sent. 5.2 Deactivation 5.2.1 Deactivation if Manually Activated If the EPIRB1 Pro has been inadvertently activated or the emergency situation has passed, it can be turned off simply by pressing and holding for 2 seconds the TEST key. It is not possible for the user to replace the red protective cover. Return the EPIRB1 Pro to an Ocean Signal authorised service centre for checking and replacement. 5.2.2 Deactivation if Automatically Activated If the EPIRB1 Pro was automatically activated by placing in water, remove from the water and dry. The EPIRB1 Pro will automatically switch off after approximately 30 seconds. Should the EPIRB1 Pro fail to deactivate, bend the antenna down and completely wrap in several layers of aluminium foil , or place in a metal container with a tight tting lid. 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 15 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 6. 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. Report the following information:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. EPIRB1 Pro UIN. Date, time and duration. Cause of activation. Location when the alert was activated. Location at time of deactivation. If the EPIRB1 Pro was activated by mistake then turn it off. The rst emergency trans-
mission will not occur for approximately 50 seconds, if the unit is turned off within this time then EPIRB1 Pro will not have sent an emergency distress. The EPIRB1 Pro is tted with water activation contacts. Although the oat free housing is designed to prevent accidental activation in heavy seas and adverse weather conditions, if the EPIRB1 Pro is not correctly tted in its housing it is possible that this may cause a false alert situation 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 ashing after this period, check that the unit has not been manually activated; if so then follow the procedure to manually switch the EPIRB1 Pro off. Once EPIRB1 Pro is switched off, it is advisable to carry out a self test before replacing the EPIRB1 Pro into the oat free housing. Should the EPIRB1 Pro fail to deactivate, bend the antenna down and completely wrap in several layers of aluminium foil , or place in a metal container with a tight tting lid. 7. TESTING Routine testing of your EPIRB1 Pro is recommended to ensure it is in good working order if needed in an emergency. Monthly testing is recommended, but remember that each test will reduce the battery capacity slightly and reduce the operating time of your EPIRB1 Pro during an emergency. 16 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 7.1 Beacon Test
! Ensure the antenna is free and above the EPIRB1 Pro before commencing the test. Fold the antenna back behind the EPIRB1 Pro as you replace it in the housing.
! Because the test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency of 121.5MHz, please only carry out this test in the rst ve minutes of each hour.
It is recommended to test your EPIRB1 Pro once a month.
! The amber test result indicates the battery has been used for over one hour or the recommended number of tests has been exceeded. The EPIRB1 Pro will still operate normally in distress, but the battery should be replaced to ensure the full operating life when your EPIRB1 Pro is needed. To test your EPIRB1 Pro is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST key for at least one second. The red LED will come on to indicate the switch is depressed, followed by the red LED ashing rapidly, indicating test mode is activated. The switch may now be released. The strobe light will ash once (indicating that the 406 and 121.5MHz signal has been transmitted). After a short pause, the indicator LED will produce a ash sequence:
Green/Amber Red Indicator Indicator Status No. of Flashes Test Passed No. of Hours Used Failure Type 1 Flash 121.5MHz homer 0 to 1hr (Green) 1 to 2hrs (Amber) 2 Flashes 2 to 4hrs (Amber) 406MHz generation 3 Flashes 4 to 6hrs (Amber) 406MHz power 4 Flashes 6 to 8hrs (Amber) Faulty battery 5 Flashes 8 to 10hrs (Amber) Other failure 6 Flashes Over 10hrs (Amber)
! This ash sequence is repeated a second time after a short delay and then the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically turn off. The number of green/amber ashes in each group indicates the number of hours the battery has been used for as shown in the table. 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 17 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 7.2 GPS Test
! As testing the GPS receiver expends signi cant amounts of battery energy, do not test the GPS operation more than once a year. Testing the GPS receiver is limited to 12 tests over the lifetime of the battery, after this the GPS test will fail to activate.
! This test must only be performed where the EPIRB1 Pro has a clear and unobstructed view of the sky. This is required to allow the GPS receiver to acquire a signal from suf cient satellites to allow it to determine a position. Make sure the area marked GPS Antenna is not obstructed. Press and hold the TEST key. The LED will illuminate red to indicate the key has been pressed, then start ashing. After approximately ten seconds the LED will cease ashing and become a steady red light. The TEST key can now be released. Note:
If the TEST key is released before ten seconds, the EPIRB1 Pro will enter the beacon test mode. During the GPS test the LED will repeat a long red ash followed by a short green ash until either a position x is obtained or the GPS test fails. A successful test will be indicated by the strobe ashing and the green LED ashing. The number of green ashes indicates one more than the number of GPS tests remaining (e.g. 8 ashes = 7 tests remaining). The unit automatically turns off after the test indication. If after ve minutes the GPS receiver has not received a position, a failure will be indicated by the red LED ashing after which the unit will turn off. The test can be ended at any time by holding the ON key for one second or by holding the TEST key for ve seconds 18 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 8. COSPAS/SARSAT SYSTEM The COSPAS/SARSAT system utilises two satellite arrays to provide distress alert and location data to search and rescue authorities:
The GEOSAR system can provide near immediate receiving satellite. alerting within the coverage of the The LEOSAR system provides coverage of the polar region beyond the range of the GEOSAR system. It can calculate the location of distress events using Doppler processing techniques and is less susceptible to obstructions which could block a signal in a given direction. The system is comprised of instruments on board the satellites which detect the signals from the distress beacons. Ground receiving stations, referred to as Local Users Terminals
(LUTs) receive and process the satellite downlink signal to generate the distress 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. 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 19 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 9. APPENDIX 9.1 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Your EPIRB1 Pro will require little maintenance except periodic cleaning, if required. Always use a damp cloth to clean the case and dry thoroughly. Do not use solvents or other cleaning uids as this may cause the plastics to deteriorate. Ensure the antenna is free to unwind.
! There are no user serviceable parts inside the EPIRB1 Pro 9.2 Batteries The EPIRB1 Pro contains Lithium batteries for long operating life. Your battery must be replaced either after the expiry date or after the EPIRB1 Pro has been activated, even if only for a short period of time. Battery replacement must be done at an Ocean Signal authorised battery replacement centre. All Lithium batteries self discharge slowly over time at a rate that is related to temper-
ature. Maximum performance of the battery is achieved with long term storage at an average temperature of no greater than 20C. 9.3 Transport When shipping your EPIRB1 Pro the following guidance and regulations should be followed, but you are advised to contact your nearest battery replacement centre or Ocean Signal prior to shipping as regulations may have changed. Always pack your EPIRB1 Pro securely in a stout cardboard carton. Ocean Signal advises that you keep the original packaging in case of return for service. For surface transport the EPIRB1 Pro may be shipped under special provision 188. For air transport the EPIRB1 Pro should be shipped as category UN3091 and packed under IATA packing instruction 970 section II. If you are hand carrying your EPIRB1 Pro on an aircraft please contact your airline for advice 9.4 Disposal Care should be taken when disposing of your EPIRB1 Pro when it is no longer required. It is recommended to remove the battery from the EPIRB by removing the case lid. The case screws are covered by the top label. Dispose of the battery in accordance with local waste regulations. Please note that the EPIRB1 Pro is not user serviceable and removing the lid will invalidate the warranty. 20 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 9.5 Speci cations 406MHz Transmitter 121.5MHz Transmitter Frequency Output Power Modulation Encoding Rate Frequency Output Power Modulation Modulation Depth Frequency Stability Duty Cycle Light Type Flash Rate Battery Low Duty Cycle Strobe Type Operating Time Battery Replacement Period GPS Receiver Satellite Channels Sensitivity Cold Start Re-acquisition GPS Antenna General Dimensions of Float Free Housing Weight IEC60945 Category Operating Temperature Storage Temperature Waterproof (EPIRB) Auto Release Depth Approvals Cospas Sarsat Standards Test Standards 406.040 MHz 1KHz 12W EIRP Phase 1.1 Radians Pk (16K0G1D) Biphase L 400 bps 121.5 MHz 40mW2dB Swept Tone AM (3K20A3X)
~97%
50ppm
~35%
Dual High Intensity LED 20-30 per minute Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)
>48Hours @ -20C 10 years 66 (Acquisition)
-148dBm
-163dBm Microstrip Patch 205mm x 191mm x 121mm
(7.3 x 7.5 x 4.8) 422grams (14.9oz) Portable Class 2 -20C to +55C Class 2 -30C to +70C 10m depth for 1 hour 4m maximum T.001, T.007 IEC61097-2, RTCM SC11000-2 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 21 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 9.6 Approvals 9.6.1 Marine Equipment Directive The EPIRB1 Pro is approved under the EU Marine Equipment Directive under Annex A,1/5.6 of the current implementing regulation for carry off purposes only. The Declaration of Conformity can be downloaded from:
www.oceansignal.com/products/epirb1pro. 9.6.2 Industry Canada Approval This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. 9.7 Registration It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB1 Pro with your national authority. Failure to do so may result in prosecution. Accurate registration will help the authorities if your EPIRB1 Pro is activated and may speed up your rescue. To register your beacon, contact your national registration authority via post, email or online. Provide your 15 digit HEX ID (UIN), 5 digit checksum if required, your contact details and emergency contact information. Some countries also require additional information such as boat type and identi cation or alternative emergency contacts. For UK registrations go to: www.gov.uk/406beacon For USA registrations go to: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov For Australia go to: www.amsa.gov.au/beacons For New Zealand go to: www.beacons.org.nz Details of other authorities may be found at:
www.406registration.com/countriessupported.aspx It is important to make sure that registration details are kept up to date and that the authority is advised of change of ownership or disposal of your EPIRB1 Pro. 9.8 Optional Accessories ARH1 Pro Replacement Automatic Release Housing HR1E Replacement Hydrostatic Release Unit 703S-03414 701S-00608 22 912S-03403-01.01 06/03/2020 EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL 9.9 Limited Warranty Your Ocean Signal EPIRB1 Pro is warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase and in accordance with the following conditions. Ocean Signal will at its discretion, repair or replace faulty product free of charge excluding the cost of shipping. Proof of purchase shall be required in order for a warranty claim to be valid from the original purchaser. All claims shall be made in writing to Ocean Signal or an approved service dealer. Ocean Signal shall not be liable to the buyer under the above warranty:
for any repairs or modi cations carried out on the EPIRB1 Pro using parts that are not supplied or approved by the manufacturer Ocean Signal including batteries and for work carried out other than by Ocean Signal or approved service dealers, for any part, material or accessory that is not manufactured by Ocean Signal the consumer will be covered by the guarantee / warranty offered to Ocean Signal by the manufacturer or supplier, for product which has not been fully paid for, for any product supplied by Ocean Signal to a customer under an alternative warranty agreement, for the cost of return shipping product from the customer. The battery is only warranted until the date of expiry and provided the unit is tested in accordance with the information in the user manual. This warranty does not apply to a used battery as indicated by the electronic witness (see page 17). This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. This warranty is to be interpreted under English law. To see the full Terms and Conditions for the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services please visit www.oceansignal.com/tandc. For further assistance please contact our Technical Service Department. Email: info@oceansignal.com 06/03/2020 912S-03403-01.01 23 Ocean Signal Ltd. Unit 4, Ocivan Way Margate CT9 4NN United Kingdom info@oceansignal.com www.oceanginal.com