Overview - mcmurdo SMARTFIND G5 EPIRB User Manual

1

OVERVIEW

This Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is intended for carriage on
SOLAS and non-SOLAS vessels. When carrying an EPIRB on board you enjoy the
reassurance of a last resort safeguard against any life threatening incidents that may
occur anywhere in the world. Only operate the EPIRB in situations of grave and imminent
danger to life. False alerts endanger lives. Help prevent them by understanding how to
look after the EPIRB.
Cospas Sarsat system
EPIRBs transmit a unique emergency message identifier via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite
system which can determine your location anywhere on the earth's surface. In most cases
the first emergency alert is received within 5 minutes of activation, depending on satellite
coverage at the time this can sometimes extend to around 45 minutes. When the
emergency alert message is received at a Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) it is cross
referenced by the Unique Identifier Number (UIN) against user registration information.
Details of the alert will be forwarded to the appropriate local Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams. Keeping your vessels registration details up to date is critical to ensuring a quick
SAR response. If you have purchased the GPS version, it has a built-in GPS receiver
which can reduce the time for Search and Rescue teams to arrive on scene, as your
precise coordinates are transmitted within the first few minutes. Non-GPS versions are
pinpointed using Doppler Shift from the over-flying satellites.
EPIRBs have a secondary or 'homing' transmitter which allows SAR teams to direction
find or 'home in' on the EPIRB once they arrive on the scene. Once activated the EPIRB
will continue to transmit emergency alerts for a minimum of 48 hours.
For further information visit Cospas-Sarsat on line at
You must register your EPIRB with the appropriate authorities.
Failure to file a valid user register may slow the rescue and lead to loss of life.
The EPIRB is pre-programmed with a Unique Identity Number (UIN) before it reaches the
end customer. The UIN must be registered with the national authority indicated in the
white area of the label on the rear of the EPIRB. Complete the included user registration
form and return it to the address indicated. As some authorities may require online
registration always check for any guidance notes printed on the registration form. The
country code programmed into your EPIRB is shown on the rear identity label. You must
register your vessel and contact details with the authorities in that country.
Unique
Identity
Number
(UIN)
Example only
How to register
Refer to Annex 1. for details of specific national user registration requirements.
Always ensure that any changes of registration or contact details are promptly notified.
www.cospas-sarsat.org
5
Vessel name
Country code