Part A - General
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.812(19) - Performance Standards for Float-Free Satellite Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons Operating Through the Geostationary Inmarsat Satellite System on 1.6 GHz - (Adopted on 23 November 1995) - Annex - Recommendation on Performance Standards for Float-Free Satellite EPIRBs Operating Through the Geostationary Inmarsat Satellite System on 1.6 GHz - Part A - General

Part A - General

  1 Introduction

 The satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) should, in addition to meeting the requirements of the Radio Regulations, the relevant ITU-R Recommendations, the relevant Inmarsat technical requirements, and the general requirements set out in Resolution A.694(17), comply with the following performance standards.

  2 General

  2.1 The satellite EPIRB should be capable of transmitting a distress alert to a geostationary satellite.

  2.2 The satellite EPIRB should be of an automatic float-free type. The equipment should be reliable even under extreme conditions.

  2.3 The performance of the float-free arrangements should be in accordance with the requirements of the performance standards for float-free release and activation arrangements for emergency radio equipment set out in Resolution A.662(16).

  2.4 The satellite EPIRB should:

  • .1 be fitted with adequate means to prevent inadvertent activation;

  • .2 be so designed that the electrical portions are watertight at a depth of 10 m for at least 5 min. Consideration should be given to a temperature variation of 45°C during transitions from the mounted position to immersion. The harmful effects of a marine environment, condensation and water leakage should not affect the performance of the beacon;

  • .3 be automatically activated after floating free;

  • .4 be continuously provided with the ship's position data for automatic inclusion in the distress message when activated;

  • .5 be equipped with a search and rescue radar transponder unless integral facilities are included for automatic position updating after activation;

  • .6 be capable of manual activation and manual deactivation;

  • .7 be provided with means to indicate that signals are being emitted;

  • .8 be capable of floating upright in calm water and have positive stability and sufficient buoyancy in all sea conditions;

  • .9 be capable of being dropped into the water without damage from a height of 20 m;

  • .10 be capable of being tested without using the satellite system to determine that the EPIRB is capable of operating properly;

  • .11 be of highly visible yellow/orange colour and be fitted with retroreflective material;

  • .12 be equipped with a buoyant captive lanyard suitable for use as a tether, which should be so arranged as to prevent its being trapped in the ship's structure when floating free;

  • .13 be provided with a low duty cycle light (0.75 cd), active during darkness, to indicate its position to nearby survivors and to rescue units;

  • .14 not be unduly affected by seawater, or oil, or both; and

  • .15 be resistant to deterioration by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

  2.5 The battery should have sufficient capacity to operate:

  • .1 the distress alerting transmitter for 4 h in accordance with Recommendation ITU-R M.632 or for at least 48 h if integral facilities are included for automatic position updating; and

  • .2 any other facilities (e.g. SART and flashing light) for at least 48 h.

  2.6 The satellite EPIRB should be so designed as to operate under any of the following environmental conditions:

  • .1 ambient temperature of -20°C to +55°C;

  • .2 icing;

  • .3 relative wind speeds up to 100 knots; and

  • .4 after stowage at temperature between -30°C and +70°C.

  2.7 The installed satellite EPIRB should:

  • .1 have local manual activation, remote activation may also be provided from the navigating bridge, while the device is installed in the float-free mounting;

  • .2 be capable, while mounted on board, of operating properly over the range of shock and vibrations and other environmental conditions normally encountered above deck on seagoing vessels; and

  • .3 be designed to release itself and float free before reaching a depth of 4 m at a list or trim of any angle.

  2.8 Any connection to the EPIRB, e.g. for the purpose of supply of data or power, should be corrosion-resistant and protected against accidental disconnection.

  3 Distress Function

  3.1 When the satellite EPIRB is manually operated, a distress alert should be initiated only by means of a dedicated distress alert activator.

  3.2 The dedicated activator should:

  • .1 be clearly identified; and

  • .2 be protected against inadvertent operation.

  3.3 Manual distress alert initiation should require at least two independent actions.

  3.4 The satellite EPIRB should not be automatically activated after being manually removed from the release mechanism.

  4 Labelling

 In addition to the general requirements specified in Resolution A.694(17), the following should be clearly indicated on the exterior of the equipment:

  • .1 brief operating instructions; and

  • .2 expiry date for the primary batteries used.

Parent topic: Annex - Recommendation on Performance Standards for Float-Free Satellite EPIRBs Operating Through the Geostationary Inmarsat Satellite System on 1.6 GHz
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