The VHF emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB),
in addition to meeting the requirements of the Radio Regulations,
the relevant ITU-R Recommendations and the general requirements set
out in Resolution A.694(17), should
comply with the following performance standards.
2.1 The EPIRB should be capable of transmitting
a VHF distress alert and of providing a locating signal by means of
a 9 GHz radar transponder. These two functions may be provided in
an integral unit. The radar transponder (SART) should comply with
the Recommendation on Performance Standards for Survival Craft Radar
Transponders for Use in Search and Rescue Operations (Resolution A.802(19)) and should be capable of indicating
the location of a unit in distress on the assisting units' radars
by means of a series of equally spaced dots as specified in resolution
A.530(13).
2.2 The EPIRB should be of an automatic float-free
type. The equipment and the mounting and releasing arrangements should
be reliable even under extreme conditions.
2.3 The VHF EPIRB should:
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.1 be capable of being easily activated by unskilled
personnel;
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.2 be fitted with adequate means to prevent inadvertent
activation;
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.3 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;
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.4 be automatically activated after floating free;
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.5 be capable of manual activation and manual
deactivation;
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.6 be provided with means to indicate that signals
are being emitted;
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.7 be capable of floating upright in calm water,
and have positive stability and sufficient buoyancy (preferably more
than 20 N) in all sea conditions;
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.8 be capable of being dropped into the water
without damage from a height of 20m;
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.9 be capable of being tested on board, without
radiating an alerting signal, to determine that it is capable of operating
properly;
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.10 be of highly visible yellow/orange colour
and be fitted with retroreflecting material;
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.11 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;
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.12 be provided with a low duty cycle light (0.75
cd), activated during darkness, to indicate the beacon's position
for the survivors nearby and rescue units;
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.13 not be unduly affected by seawater or oil;
and
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.14 be resistant to deterioration by prolonged
exposure to sunlight.
2.4 The battery should have sufficient capacity
to operate the VHF EPIRB for a period of at least 48 h.
2.5 The VHF EPIRB should be so designed as to
operate under any of the following environmental conditions:
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.1 ambient temperatures of -20°C to +55°C;
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.2 icing;
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.3 relative wind speeds up to 100 knots; and
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.4 after stowage, at temperatures between -30°C
and +65°C.
2.6 The installed VHF EPIRB should:
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.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;
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.2 be capable, while mounted on board, of operating
properly over the ranges of shock and vibrations and other environmental
conditions normally encountered above deck on seagoing vessels; and
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.3 be designed to release and float free before
reaching a depth of 4 m at a list or trim of any angle.
In addition to the items specified in Resolution A.694(17) on general requirements, the
following should be clearly indicated on the exterior of the equipment: