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This manual is applicable to the Smartfind G8 AIS, Smartfind G8 and Smartfind E8 EPIRBs. The G8 models contain a GNSS receiver for improved positional accuracy; some parts of this manual are applicable only to the G8 models and are marked accordingly.
SAFETY NOTICES An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is for use in maritime emergencies and is approved for these contingencies. It is not designed or recommended for use on land or in the air. Use the EPIRB only in situations of grave and imminent danger. False alerts endanger lives.
MANDATORY REGISTRATION WARNING! You must register your EPIRB with the appropriate authorities. Failure to register may slow the rescue and lead to loss of life. In the USA failure to register may result in a fine. In the UK you are legally required to register your EPIRB. Overview Every EPIRB is pre-programmed with a unique identity before it reaches the customer.
DESCRIPTION This EPIRB is a powerful self-contained distress transmitter and once activated it will operate for at least 48 hours. It operates best while floating in water. Although it can be operated on board a vessel or in a life raft, it is not recommended to do so.
EPIRB controls and indicators 3.1.1 Top view Antenna Strobe lights Must be vertical Three high intensity LEDs. and have a clear When EPIRB is activated, the view of the sky for strobe lights flash, providing a optimum visual means of locating the performance.
3.1.2 Back view Test button Initiates self-test (see page 25). Sea Contacts Detects when EPIRB is immersed in water and automatically initiates an alert. Sea contacts are disabled when the EPIRB is mounted in the manual bracket, carry-safe bracket or float-free enclosure. Lanyard For best operation, leave the EPIRB floating in the sea near...
Carry handle The carry handle (if fitted) allows hands-free carrying of the EPIRB in an emergency situation. 1. Twist the base of the EPIRB anti-clockwise to remove the cover. 2. Remove handle from base. 3. Adjust the carry handle to secure the EPIRB across the body, around a shoulder, arm or wrist during emergency evacuation prior to activation.
Manual bracket If you purchased the manually activated EPIRB variant, this is supplied with a bulkhead-mounting manual bracket. The manual bracket should be located in plain view near an emergency exit (see page 19). To prevent accidental activation due to contact with water, the manual bracket contains a magnet which deactivates the sea contacts.
Float-free enclosure If you purchased the automatically activated variant - also known as the “float- free” version - then your EPIRB is supplied in a fully protective enclosure. 3.4.1 Automatic activation The float-free enclosure is spring loaded to automatically release the EPIRB if your vessel sinks.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE An EPIRB is a piece of life saving equipment. Its sole purpose is to call for help. It must only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger. Misuse can involve a severe penalty. Abandon ship! If it is safe to do so, release the EPIRB from its mounting bracket or float-free enclosure as described on pages 10 &...
4.1.1 Float-free enclosure If there has been no time to retrieve the EPIRB from the float-free enclosure during evacuation, it will automatically release itself as the vessel sinks. The EPIRB will float to the surface and start to operate automatically. The EPIRB is best used to mark the location of survivors, not the accident scene.
Release from float-free enclosure 1. Locate the 2. Push the dial locking dial at in and turn anti- the top of the clockwise to the enclosure unlocked cover. position. 3. Remove the cover by pulling the top away from the bulkhead.
Manual activation 1. Locate the ON button on the 2. Lift the cover, press the ON top dome under the red cover. button for >2 seconds and release. WARNING – There is a tamper-evident seal over the red cover which will be broken when lifting the cover.
Optimising onboard performance The EPIRB is designed and optimised to be used floating in the sea. However, in emergencies when it is not necessary to evacuate the vessel, you may want to deploy the EPIRB onboard. Find a suitable position for the EPIRB according to the following guidelines: ...
Deactivation Once the EPIRB has been activated for a distress situation, it should not be switched off until the SAR agency directs this. 2. Lift the cover, press the OFF 1. Locate the OFF button on button for >2 seconds and the top dome under the grey release.
Stowage 4.7.1 Manual bracket 1. Locate the right hand end of the 2. Swing the strap open. manual bracket strap and push it in and forwards to open the strap. 3. Slide the EPIRB into the bracket 4. Swing the strap closed with the lanyard positioned towards and secure the end tab in the rear until it is held securely.
4.7.2 Float-free enclosure 1. Locate the locking dial. 2. Push the dial in and turn anti- clockwise to the unlocked position. 3. Remove the cover 4. Position the EPIRB in the enclosure by pulling the top away with the lanyard towards the rear. from the bulkhead.
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7. Push the EPIRB into the 8. Refit cover squarely onto enclosure to engage the back plate, engaging the retaining clip. guides at the lower end first. 9. Push and rotate dial clockwise to locked position. CAUTION: Failure to fit EPIRB correctly may impair its ability to float free in an emergency.
FALSE ALERTS False alerts are a serious problem for the rescue services. About 90% of EPIRB-initiated distress alerts turn out to be false alerts. If your EPIRB should cause a false alert, follow the instructions below. Notify rescue services It is most important that you contact the nearest search and rescue authorities and tell them it was a false alert, so that they can stand down any rescue services.
INSTALLATION Manual bracket 6.1.1 Siting The manual bracket should ideally be sited on a bulkhead in plain view near an emergency exit. When choosing a suitable mounting position you should also consider: Ease of access in an emergency, and ...
6.1.3 Mounting instruction plate The EPIRB is supplied with a self-adhesive instruction plate which has basic visual instructions showing how to operate the EPIRB in an emergency. Mount the instruction plate next to the EPIRB so that it is easily visible in an emergency.
Float-free enclosure 6.2.1 Siting The enclosure should be mounted upright against a vertical bulkhead. Alternatively, it may be mounted horizontally on a flat surface such as a cabin roof. No other orientations are recommended. It is critical that you choose a location suitable for automatic deployment. The EPIRB should be sited so that it can float free regardless of the attitude of the vessel during or following capsize.
6.2.2 Mounting procedure Mount the back plate on a flat surface using 4 fixing points. Refer to the illustration for fixing point dimensions or, alternatively, use the back plate of the enclosure as a marking guide. To do this, push down and turn the cover dial anti-clockwise then remove the enclosure cover.
The enclosure is supplied with a set of stainless steel fixings. If the rear of the mounting surface is inaccessible, use self-tapping screws. Offer the back plate into the chosen position and mark through the mounting holes. Drill appropriately sized holes where you have marked. You will need a 4mm hex key to tighten the bolts.
Contacting McMurdo Group direct Contacting a distributor of McMurdo Group products If the EPIRB has to be returned, the original packaging should be used if possible (see page 33). Check your beacon for any damage or wear and tear according to the manufacturer’s instructions (please refer to...
Self-test & inspection The EPIRB has a built-in self-test capability that can be used as a confidence check. This self-test confirms that the battery is healthy, that the GPS receiver and distress transmitters are functional and that the strobe light is operational.
7.2.2 Long self-test (GNSS variants only) A long self-test consumes battery life and can only be performed 20 times per battery replacement. You should only run a long self-test if you suspect the GNSS receiver is faulty. Choose a location where the EPIRB may be expected to acquire a GNSS satellite signal –...
Due to the impact of the marine environment on vessel equipment stored or regularly exposed to often harsh climate conditions, McMurdo strongly recommends owners obtain a five- year external health check at an authorised McMurdo Service Centre. Locations of authorised service dealers can be found at www.mcmurdogroup.com WARNING –...
HRU replacement If you have an EPIRB mounted in a float-free enclosure, then it contains a Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU). This has a replacement interval which is marked on the HRU and on the float-free enclosure (typically every 2 years – see page 24).
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Assemble the HRU: HRU Replacement Kit (23-134-002B) Mark the HRU and enclosure cover with the new expiry date. Position the HRU in the hole in the lever arm and push lever arm down. Engage the HRU flange into the enclosure back plate by pushing back and sliding down.
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Re-fit the EPIRB as shown on page 16. Refit the cover and secure by turning the dial clockwise to the locked position. Check that the cover is seated correctly and is secure. Update expiry date on autohousing label. Remove or cover existing HRU expiry date.
Battery maintenance The EPIRB is powered by a replaceable battery pack (Orolia Ltd Part No. 23- 270). This is a non-rechargeable sealed unit containing three 3V battery packs with each pack containing two 1.5V lithium iron disulphide cells. The battery pack needs to be replaced every 10 years or by its expiry date. If the EPIRB is covered by SOLAS regulations, then it will need to be changed every 5 years or as required by any local or ship registration requirements (see schedule on page 24).
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2. Twist base of EPIRB 4. Untie and remove 3. Remove cover. anti-clockwise. carry handle (if fitted). 5. Using a 4mm hex key, unscrew retaining bolt until loose. Do not remove at this stage. 6. The battery pack is held in place by two waterproof seals.
EPIRB with installed battery pack Class 9 hazardous Battery pack only Class 9 hazardous For further information, please refer to the McMurdo Group website: www.mcmurdogroup.com GMDSS inspections If your vessel is subject to GMDSS regulations then you can expect to get regular visits from ship surveyors enforcing national legislation.
END OF LIFE STATEMENT At the end of the EPIRB’s useful life, it is vital that the battery pack be removed from the main unit to prevent false alarms. False alarms cause expensive disruption to Search and Rescue services and may endanger lives as a consequence.
PRODUCT WARRANTY 10.1 Orolia Ltd Warranty Registration Congratulations on purchasing your beacon. As standard, your unit has a one year (12 months) warranty from the date of purchase shown on your invoice, however, this can be extended by a further four years by simply registering your unit on-line within 90 days of purchase at: www.mcmurdogroup.com then follow the REGISTER WARRANTY link at...
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All enquiries relating to this warranty or Approved Service Agents should be sent to: Orolia Ltd, Silver Point, Airport Service Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5PB Telephone: Int + 44 (0) 23 9262 3900 Fax: Int + 44 (0) 23 9262 3998 Web: www.mcmurdogroup.com Email: mservice.mcmurdo@orolia.com Page 37...
A 121.5 MHz transmission can be detected by overflying aircraft and Search & Rescue (SAR) homing receivers. For EPIRB models equipped with AIS (SmartFind G8 AIS), an additional transmission operates at 162 MHz. The AIS message includes the unit ID, GPS position and a simple text message and is repeated 8 times per minute using an ‘Impolite AIS Protocol’...
COSPAS-SARSAT SATELLITE SYSTEM The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme is a satellite-based search and rescue distress alert detection and information distribution system, best known for detecting and locating emergency beacons activated by aircraft, ships and hikers in distress. Since its launch in 1982, Cospas-Sarsat has helped to save over 40,000 lives.
12.3 MEOSAR Compatibility Explained Smartfind G8 AIS, Smartfind G8 and Smartfind E8 EPIRBs are fully compatible with the Early Operation Capability (EOC) and Full Operating Capability (FOC) MEOSAR systems and will benefit from the improved detection and location capabilities of this new infrastructure.
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MEOSAR component to provide increased detection, return link service, enhanced data fields and is targeted for introduction at MEOSAR FOC, or shortly thereafter. Further information on MEOSAR and the Cospas- Sarsat network is available at the McMurdo website www.mcmurdogroup.com Page 41...
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR EPIRB EPIRB registration is now available on-line. This is the preferred method of registration. The website address for various countries is given below: Country Website address Australia www.amsa.gov.au/beacons New Zealand www.beacons.org.nz forms.dft.gov.uk/mca-sar-epirb www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov Other (COSPAS-SARSAT) www.406registration.com Go to the registration website for your country/flag state and follow the instructions.
otherwise there will be a delay whilst further alerts from the same source are received and verified. 13.2 Registration Information for Australia & New Zealand For Australia and New Zealand, the preferred method of registration is online www.amsa.gov.au/beacons www.beacons.org.nz respectively. 13.2.1 Advice for EPIRB purchase or transfer Registration of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs with the EPIRB Registration Section of the national authority* is mandatory because of the global alerting nature of...
Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand PO Box 30050, Lower Hutt 5040 Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand Online registration: www.beacons.org.nz (RCCNZ) Fax: +64 4 577 8041 Email: 406registry@maritimenz.govt.nz Phone: +64 4 577 8042 13.3 Online warranty registration Please complete the online warranty registration form: http://info.mcmurdogroup.com/Warranty-Registration.html Failure to do this may delay any future warranty claim.
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For most other countries, the EPIRB must be re-programmed with either the new vessel’s Maritime Mobile Station Identity (MMSI) or its radio call sign, whichever is required by the country controlling the new vessel. Since the EPIRB identity contains a country code, it follows that changing the flag state of the vessel also means the EPIRB must be re-programmed.
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Orolia Ltd Silver Point Airport Service Road Portsmouth PO3 5PB United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)23 9262 3900 Fax: +44 (0)23 9262 3998 Email: service@mcmurdogroup.com Website: www.mcmurdogroup.com 23-024-EN Issue A00 An Orolia Group Business...