Ocean Signal M200 Manual

Ocean Signal Ltd.
Unit 4, Ocivan Way,
Margate, Kent, CT9 4NN
United Kingdom
help@oceansignal.com
www.oceansignal.com
912S-05965 Issue 01.01
1. ABOUT YOUR M200
1.1 AIS
The AIS system operates on the VHF band. Transceivers are fitted to all commercial ships and an ever-
growing number of recreational vessels globally. Shortly after activation an AIS location device, such as
the M200, will activate a MOB target and message on all plotters in AIS equipped vessels within the VHF
range, alerting them to the fact that emergency assistance is required. Often it is a vessel in the close
vicinity of an incident that is able to react and effect
a rescue quicker than the emergency services.
Emergency service craft are fitted with AIS receivers
allowing them to pinpoint emergencies in the water
more precisely than any other system.
The method in which an AIS message is displayed
will depend on the reception equipment being used.
AIS enabled plotters will display a ship or Man
Overboard target with the M200 preprogrammed
AIS unique ID, that identifies it as a Man Overboard
device.
1.2 DSC
Your M200 is supplied with open loop* DSC enabled. In the event of a man-overboard emergency
situation, the M200 will continue to transmit the AIS distress messages as well as a DSC distress alert
that is sent to all ships and stations within range that have a DSC VHF Radio. This distress alert will
contain the current GNSS position of the casualty in the water (once a GNSS fix is obtained) and is sent
via VHF channel 70, maximising the chances of rescue from a nearby vessel in the event that your own
vessel is unable to assist.
The originating MMSI displayed on the DSC receiving radio will be the unique self-identification
number pre-programmed into the M200 which cannot be changed. This number will always start with
'972' irrespective of the country it was purchased in and will allow the DSC receiver to immediately
identify a man-overboard situation requiring immediate assistance.
If your own vessel has a DSC enabled VHF radio, it is strongly recommended to programme your
vessel's MMSI number into your M200 for testing purposes only. This is achieved using NFC and the
Ocean Signal Mobile App. Once the app is downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to add your
vessel MMSI to the M200.
It is also possible using the mobile app to restrict the DSC functionality of your M200 to closed loop*
DSC. If restricted to closed loop DSC, the M200 will only transmit a DSC distress alert to your vessel's
MMSI that has been programmed within the M200, for the first twelve minutes of activation. It will not
immediately transmit to all ships and stations within range. However, if the DSC transmission from the
M200 is not acknowledged by your vessel within these first twelve minutes, the M200 will then revert to
open loop DSC and will begin to transmit to all ships within range.
It is not recommended to switch to a closed loop function unless your personal circumstances dictates
it to be necessary.
* NOTE: DSC Closed Loop refers to the transmission of an addressed message to a closed user group,
specifically the vessel's MMSI that you have programmed into your M200 as described above.
The distress alert from the M200 is sent only to your vessel's DSC VHF radio, also known as
the mothership.
DSC Open Loop refers to an "all-ships" call that alerts all ships with a DSC VHF radio within
range.
11/02/2025
Interface diagram showing typical usage
M200 Class M MSLD
Man-Overboard Maritime Survivor Locating Device
1.3 M200 Box Contents
1 M200
2 Quick Start Guide
3 Fixing Buckle
4 Adhesive Buckle Patch
5 Cord
6 Antenna Winder
7 Activation Tape
8 Oral Tube Bracket
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Use only in situations of grave or imminent danger
If the M200 is correctly fitted to the life jacket, it will automatically activate when the life jacket
inflates. For life jacket fitting see full user manual, available at www.oceansignal.com.
Only activate your M200 in emergency situations requiring assistance. Deliberate
misuse of your M200 may result in a fine.
This guide shows how to manually activate the M200.
1. Press either of the grey arming
retainers down.
2. Slide the grey Activation Slide
sideways to remove it. This will release
the antenna and activate the M200.
3. If the strobe light does not start
flashing, manually activate the M200
by pressing the ON Key.
The strobe light will start flashing. The M200 will automatically start to transmit after approximately
25 seconds.
Hold your device with the antenna standing vertically. Keep the area marked 'DO NOT OBSTRUCT' free
and clear whilst in use. Obstruction or covering of this area may interfere with GNSS reception.
Upon activation, the indicator LED will show eight double flashes during AIS transmission, with one
long flash or four rapid flashes during DSC transmission. The table in section 1.5 details the flash
sequence that can be seen during activation of the M200.
Take great care to keep well clear of eyes and face as the antenna will be released very
quickly. Keep at least 30cm (12") clear to avoid possible injury.
When operating the M200, tether the device to your body or life jacket to avoid accidental
loss.
1.4 Deactivation
To deactivate your M200 after use or if it is accidentally activated, press and hold the TEST/OFF
until the red LED flashes twice, then release.
incorporating AIS and DSC
GET THE MOBILE
APP TO SEE YOUR
M200'S TEST
INFORMATION
Android
Communication
Enabled
DOWNLOAD
THE FULL
USER GUIDE
https://www.oceansignal.com/
products/M200/
1
2
3
4
PUSH DOWN REMOVE GREY
IF LED FAILS TO
ARMING ACTIVATION
FLASH, PRESS
RETAINER SLIDER
iOS
5
6
7
8
'ON' KEY
Key