Ingangsdatum: 23-11-1996
2.1 The satellite EPIRB should be capable of
transmitting a distress alert to a polar orbiting satellite.
2.2 The EPIRB should be of an automatic float-free type.
The equipment, mounting and releasing arrangements should be reliable, and should
operate satisfactorily under the most extreme conditions likely to be met with at
sea.
2.3 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 degrees 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 capable of manual activation and manual deactivation;
.5 be provided with means to indicate that signals are
being emitted;
.6 be capable of floating upright in calm
water and have positive stability and sufficient buoyancy in all sea conditions;
.7 be capable of being dropped into the water without
damage from a height of 20 m;
.8 be capable of being
tested, without using the satellite system, to determine that the EPIRB is capable
of operating properly;
.9 be of highly visible
yellow/orange colour and be fitted with retroreflecting material;
.10 be equipped with a buoyant 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;
.11 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;
.12 not be unduly
affected by seawater, or oil, or both;
.13 be resistant
to deterioration in prolonged exposure to sunlight; and
.14
be provided with a 121.5 MHz beacon primarily for homing by aircraft.
2.4 The battery should have sufficient
capacity to operate the satellite EPIRB for a period of at least 48 h.
2.5 The satellite EPIRB should be so
designed as to operate under any of the following environmental conditions:
.1 ambient temperatures of -20 degrees C to +55 degrees C;
.2 icing;
.3 relative wind speeds up to 100 knots; and
.4 after stowage, at temperatures between -30 degrees C
and +70 degrees C.
2.6 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 ranges of shock
and vibration and other environmental conditions normally encountered above deck
on seagoing ships; 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.