Section 6 - Care And Maintenance; Routine Maintenance; Battery Replacement; Shore Based Maintenance For Solas Vessels, (Sbm) Imo Msc/Circ. 1039 - ACR Electronics GLOBAL FIX - REV G Product Support Manual

SECTION 6 – CARE AND MAINTENANCE
6.1

Routine Maintenance

At least every ninety days, the float free mounting bracket and beacon should be inspected for deterioration
and/or residue buildup that may affect the function of the beacon or automatic release. Part of the visual check
includes checking the antenna for tightness. Clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove residue
buildups. It is recommended that the beacon and mounting bracket be wiped with a damp cloth.
Carefully inspect the beacon case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture, which could falsely
activate the beacon or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracking observed should be immediately referred
to ACR for evaluation by calling 1-800-432-0227 ext. 2155 in the US, or +1-954-981-3333 ext 2155 elsewhere.
6.2

Battery Replacement

The battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon or every five (5) years, whichever occurs
first. At each inspection, check the time remaining until replacement is required. The battery should be
replaced if the beacon has been activated for any use other than the self test.
Always refer all long life battery replacement and other beacon service to a factory authorized service center.
Battery replacement includes servicing the beacon by replacing all o-rings, testing the water seal and the
electrical properties.
NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the beacon. DO NOT OPEN THE BEACON UNLESS TO
DISABLE IN CASE OF FAULTY ACTIVATION.
For the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com
The beacon may or may not require special shipping instructions due to the lithium batteries and changes in
shipping regulations. Please refer to ACR's website www.acrelectronics.com for proper shipping instructions.
6.3

Shore Based Maintenance for SOLAS Vessels, (SBM) IMO MSC/Circ. 1039

The Maritime Safety Committee approved guidelines for shore-based maintenance of satellite beacons, for the
purpose of establishing standardized procedures and minimum levels of service for the testing and
maintenance of satellite beacons. First Shore Based Maintenance on all ACR EPIRBs is due at the date of the
first battery replacement.
6.4

Annual Testing for SOLAS Vessels, IMO MSC/Circ. 1040

SOLAS regulation IV/15.9 dictates annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs. Testing should be carried out
using suitable test equipment capable of performing the relevant measurements. All checks of electrical
parameters should be performed in the self-test mode, if possible.
SECTION 7 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM
7.1

General Overview

Beacons provide distress alerts via radio transmission on 406 MHz to the LEOSAR satellites of the COSPAS-
SARSAT network. The beacon can also transmit a distress alert (acquired by the internal or external GPS) to
the GEOSAR network that includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates.
The message transmitted is unique for each beacon, which provides identification of the transmitter through
computer access of registration files maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or
other national authority*. Remember, SAR forces will know who you are, what type of vessel you have, your
homeport, and who to contact that might know of your current situation ONLY if your beacon has been properly
registered. This will help expedite the launch of a rescue operation. 406 MHz beacons are required to have
their registration updated every two years.
*The national authority is the governmental body responsible for EPIRB registration database administration
for the country for which the EPIRB is programmed.
Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces determine
who is closest, and then proceed to the beacon using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency.
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