APPENDIX 5 CODING OF THE FLOAT-
FREE DRU
Similarly to a satellite EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicate Radio Beacon), the capsule of the
float-free DRU is coded before installation. The ship's MMSI, name, call sign, etc. are recorded to
the capsule during coding, and this information is indicated on the capsule.
The expiration date of both the battery in the capsule and the hydrostatic release unit is coded into
the capsule of the float-free DRU as shown below.
Battery in the capsule
The expiration date of the battery is calculated from the year and month of manufacture. The year
and month manufacture for the battery is indicated on the sticker at the side of the capsule.
The expiration date is calculated as follows;
• Year and month of coding
The expiration date is 5 years after the year and month of coding.
• Year and month of coding > Year and month of manufacture + 2.5 years:
This battery cannot be used.
The calculated expiration date is marked as follows;
Example: When the expiration date is April 2019.
The expiration date is indicated on this sticker.
The year and month of manufacture
Year and month of manufacture + 2.5 years:
"2019" is cut out or filled
with
a permanent marker.
"4" is cut out or filled with
a permanent marker.
AP-31