marine rescue sMRT V100 User manual

790000022_sMRT V100 User Manual
Version 2.0_20150112
January 2015
sMRT V100
User Manual

sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
2
Table of Contents
Part I Introduction 3
Part II Glossaryof Terms & Acronyms 5
Part III Warnings & SafetyInformation 6
Part IV sMRT V100 Overview 8
1.............................................................................. 10 sMRT V100 Features
Part V sMRT V100 Operation 12
1.............................................................................. 16 Cancelling Alerts
2.............................................................................. 17 Testing
Part VI Recertification and Servicing 20
Part VII Declaration of Conformity 22
Part VIII Warranty 23
Part IX Terms of Sale 25
Part X Disclaimer 35
Part XI Trademark Notice 36
Part XII Technical Specifications 37
Index 38

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 3
1 Introduction
This user manual provides all the information required to operate and test the
sMRT V100. The following symbols and conventions are used to indicate
important information. Always observe these instructions. Ensure you read
the Warnings and Safety Information section of this manual before first use
of the device.
Warnings: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in death or
serious personal injury caused by incorrect operation of the
equipment. These must be observed for safe operation.
Cautions: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in personal injury
or material damage caused by incorrect operation of the equipment.
These must be observed for safe operation.
Important Note: Important instructions that should be adhered to
during operation.
Typographic Conventions
1. sMRT V100 hardware features are displayed in bold uppercase
letters, e.g. SWITCH LOCK.
2. sMRT V100 operation states are displayed in bold uppercase letters
surrounded by square brackets, e.g. [READY].
Using your sMRT V100 for the First Time
Carefully read the Warnings and Safety Information section in this
manual prior to using the sMRT V100 for the first time. To operate
correctly, the sMRT V100 should be professionally fitted to an MRT
approved PFD by a service centre authorised by MRT. Visit the MRT
website www.mrtsos.com for specific instructions on accessing the
sMRT V100.
Prior to first use perform a full system test to confirm the device has
been correctly programmed with your destination MMSI numbers. A
device MMSI number is programmed into the unit at the factory and
recorded on the label on the rear of the device. Destination MMSI

4 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
numbers are also required for alerting vessels in your fleet during closed
loop alerting sequences in an emergency. These numbers are
programmed into VHF DSC radios on vessels in your fleet. They should
be supplied to MRT, or an authorised service agent, in order to configure
these destination MMSI numbers into each unit prior to being fitted into
an MRT approved PFD.
Warnings: DO NOT unzip the main PFD zip. Use the sMRT V100
access point zip in the life jacket to prepare the sMRT V100 for use.
sMRT V100 Record of Ownership
Manufacturers of man overboard devices maintain an ownership
database in order to assist Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities in the
event of an emergency. Registration of your product updates this
database and is necessary to validate the device warranty. To register
online, go to www.mrtsos.com and select ‘Product Registration’ from
the Support menu.

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 5
2 Glossary of Terms & Acronyms
AIS
Automatic Identification System: Automatic tracking system
used on ships and by vessel traffic services for identifying
and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data with
other nearby ships, AIS base stations, and satellites.
AMSA
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
DSC
Digital Selective Calling – technology used to automate
calling on terrestrial marine radio systems.
ECDIS
Electronic Chart Display and Information System
EPIRB
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
FCC
US Federal Communications Commission
MAYDAY
Voice distress priority message
MMSI
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (DSC identity number)
MSLS
Maritime Survivor Locating System
mW
Unit of power measurement; one thousandth of a Watt
PFD
Personal Flotation Device
PLD
Personal Locating Device
RTCM
Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services
SAR
Search and Rescue
USCG
US Coast Guard
VHF
Very High Frequency radio band – 30 to 300 MHz.
W
Watt - unit of electrical power measurement

6 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
3 Warnings & Safety Information
WARNING:
The sMRT V100 is not an EPIRB and its emergency transmission
is not detected by orbiting satellites. The sMRT V100 is a short
range Personal Locating Device (PLD), that transmits an
emergency message via VHF DSC and AIS only.
Before first use perform a full system test and confirm that the
device has been correctly assigned with device and destination
MMSI numbers. After deployment into active service, a regular full
system test of the sMRT V100 should be performed every 3
months. Do not test the device more than once per month to avoid
affecting battery performance in an emergency.
The sMRT V100 should ONLY be used in an emergency.
DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY.
The destination MMSI numbers of vessels in your fleet must be
configured into the sMRT V100, or VHF DSC closed loop alerts
will not be transmitted by the device during the first minutes of
activation in an emergency. This could delay rescue and lead to
loss of life.
Annual inspection and recertification of the sMRT V100 by MRT
Ltd. or an authorised service agent is required every 12 months.
Do not dismantle the sMRT V100 as it contains no user-
serviceable parts. MRT Ltd. and authorised service agents offer a
full and comprehensive service and repair facility for recertification
of units and battery replacement.
The sMRT V100 emits radio frequency radiation when in use.
Avoid handling the antenna when activated.
The high intensity strobe light on the unit may cause discomfort if
it is viewed for long periods. Avoid staring directly at it when
operational.
The sMRT V100 uses positional data derived from its internal GPS
antenna to define the location of a man overboard. A clear view of
the sky is required to obtain a GPS position. Please note that the
device is only as accurate as the positional data it receives. The
GPS system is currently managed and maintained by the US
Government, who can from time-to-time alter its effective
accuracy.
Contains lithium batteries; do not puncture, deform, short-circuit,
recharge or incinerate the V100.

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 7
LIFE JACKET & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
USAGE WARNINGS:
The sMRT V100 must only be fitted/attached to life jackets
approved by MRT Ltd.
Only MRT approved attachment kits/pouches are to be used to
attach the unit to the life jacket.
The sMRT V100 must be fitted strictly in accordance with the life
jacket manufacturer & MRT's instructions as supplied.
The sMRT V100 must only be fitted by an approved service centre
authorised by MRT.
The life jacket is to be serviced according to the manufacturer's
specifications.
It is the user's responsibility to ensure that any ancillary
equipment, such as survival suits/harnesses, PPE, clothing etc.,
does not interfere with the operation of the sMRT V100.
CAUTION:
Do not paint your sMRT V100 or clean it with aggressive
detergents or solvents. Some cleaning materials may damage the
seals and affect the integrity of the device.
To ensure the sMRT V100 operates as intended in an emergency:
oAvoid dropping the unit.
oAvoid leaving the unit unnecessarily in full sun where it may
be exposed to excessively high temperatures.
oInspect the device periodically for signs of wear and tear,
visible cracks or other damage.

8 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
4 sMRT V100 Overview
The sMRT V100 is a multi-system Personal Locating Device designed to
RTCM Standard 11901.1 specifications for use during an emergency at sea.
The integration of VHF DSC and AIS technologies equips mariners in
distress with life-saving technology to vastly improve the likelihood of rapid
location and recovery by a vessel or Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities.
How the sMRT V100 Works
The sMRT V100 uses the marine VHF radio band to transmit distress
alerts and updated GPS positions regularly from the survivor in the water
to VHF DSC radios, as well as AIS equipped vessels within range. A 30
second delay period prior to activation is designed to avoid the device
being activated accidentally.
The sMRT V100 transmits AIS and emergency VHF DSC transmissions
after activation. AIS transmissions take precedence over VHF DSC
transmissions and will be transmitted first. The sMRT V100 uses an
internal GPS receiver to acquire a position within approximately one
minute of activation. The device then sends VHF DSC and AIS
transmissions containing the survivor's current position.
Some marine radios are able to output a waypoint of the GPS position
embedded within distress alerts to chart plotters. AIS alerts are
routinely displayed on Electronic Chart Display and Information
Systems (ECDIS). Compatible chart plotters or ECDIS can use these
waypoints to provide the direction and rate of drift of the survivor, as well
as range and bearing information.
Emergency alerts operate on a timing schedule and are repeated at
regular intervals to update rescue teams and assist in tracking the
survivor in the water. The STROBE light on the device flashes once per
second after activation and assists with visual homing at night or in poor
weather conditions.

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 9
sMRT V100 Transmissions
1W AIS transmissions after activation and every minute thereafter.
500mW VHFDSCtransmission after activation, after GPS position acquired, then
every 5 mins for 30 mins, then every 10 mins until DSCacknowledgment or battery
expires.
Open loop transmissions until DSCAcknowledgment received.
Closed loop transmission period. Note: the RTCMoperation profile includes 5
minutes closed loop activation; ETSIprofile includes 10 minutes closed loop
activation.
2 minute VHF DSCreceiver activation period after VHF-DSCtransmissions; VHF
radio acknowledgment may be received by sMRT V100.
Prevention of Accidental Activation
The flush-mounted design of the SWITCH LOCK, ACTIVATION
SWITCH and ON TAB prevents the device from being accidentally
activated. In addition, manual activation is a two stage process,
requiring the user to remove the SWITCH LOCK and slide the
ACTIVATION SWITCH to the [READY] position to arm the device. The
user must also remove the ON TAB to activate the device.
If the device is accidentally activated, the deliberate warning period after
automatic activation enables the user to switch the device [OFF] before
transmissions commence. To help prevent false alarms:
1. Keep the device away from young children and educate all users in
device operation and the ramifications of false alarms.
2. Disarm the device from the [READY] state when not in use for long
periods.

10 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
4.1 sMRT V100 Features

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 11
Water Activation Sensor
The sMRT V100 features an automatic WATER SENSOR. After the
PFD inflates and the WATER SENSOR is submerged continuously for 5
seconds, the device will automatically activate after a 10 second time
delay.
Test Spot
A TEST SPOT is located on the left side of the sMRT V100. Place the
TEST MAGNET over the TEST SPOT to activate a full device test and
verify GPS acquisition is functioning. For more information see Testing.

12 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
5 sMRT V100 Operation
WARNING: DO NOT unzip the main PFD zip. Use the sMRT V100
access point zip in the life jacket to prepare the sMRT V100 for use.
The ON TAB is attached to the PFD. DO NOT remove the ON TAB
from the sMRT V100 during setup as this will activate the device
when it is in the [READY] position and send distress alerts. The
sMRT V100 should only be used in an emergency. DELIBERATE
MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY.
The sMRT V100 must be professionally fitted to an MRT approved PFD to
operate correctly. This ensures the device is in the most effective position for
water activation and emergency transmissions, while the PFD assists the
casualty to remain afloat and face-up when in the water. The water sensor
and antenna are attached and the device is inserted into a purpose-built
pouch for stability. The device is [OFF] when shipped and needs to be
configured in the [READY] state prior to use.
WARNING: See the MRT website www.mrtsos.com for specific
instructions on accessing the sMRT V100 inside your sMRT PFD.
Remove the sMRT PFD from its
plastic shipping package.
Open the device access point zip
in the PFD. The SWITCH LOCK
is attached to the PFD to prevent
it being lost.

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 13
Remove the yellow SWITCH
LOCK from the device and slide
the red ACTIVATION SWITCH to
the [READY] position. Both LEDs
will turn solid blue for 5 seconds
to confirm it is in [READY] mode.
Reinsert the SWITCH LOCK
above the ACTIVATION SWITCH
to lock it in the [READY] position.
Conduct a self test using the test
procedure.
Reattach the Velcro tab and close
the access point zip securely.
The sMRT V100 and PFD is now
ready for use.
WARNING: After arming the unit it can remain in the life jacket for
12 months until the jacket and beacon require servicing and
recertification. Before returning the unit for servicing and
recertification it must be made safe:

14 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
1. Remove the SWITCH LOCK if it is in place and slide the
ACTIVATION SWITCH from [READY] to the [OFF] position.
2. Replace the SWITCH LOCK to ensure the device remains
inactive while transported.
How to Activate the Device when Armed
When the sMRT V100 is armed in the [READY] position it can activate
as follows:
1. Automatically via the water sensor after 2 seconds of continuous
immersion.
2. Automatically when the PFD inflates in an emergency. Note:
When the life jacket inflates it removes the ON TAB from the
sMRT V100 and automatically activates the device.
3. Manually by removing the ON TAB from the device.
Device Indications after Activation
When activated the sMRT V100 features a 10 second warning period,
during which:
1. The PIEZO beeps initially for two seconds, and
2. LEFT LED blinks blue and RIGHT LED illuminates solid blue.
After the 10 second warning period the sMRT V100 will commence AIS
and emergency VHF DSC transmissions. The internal GPS receiver will
acquire a position within approximately one minute of activation and the
device can then send VHF DSC, and AIS transmissions containing the
survivor's current position.
The STROBE light on the device flashes once per second to assist with
visual homing at night or in poor weather conditions.

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 15
sMRT V100 LED Indications
During operation the LEFT LED indicates a range of device operation
states and the RIGHT LED indicates GPS operation status. The
STATUS LEDs may display the following indications:
LEFT LED
LED Colour
RIGHT LED
LED
Colour
No Destination MMSI
Configured
Short Red
Blinks
GPS Error
Solid Red
Radio Transmission Error
Solid Red
No GPS Position
Acquired
Solid
Blue
Warning period
immediately following
device activation
Short Blue
Blinks
GPS Position
Acquired
Solid
Green
Alert Transmission OK
Solid Blue
DSC Acknowledge
Received
Solid Green
Less than 12 hours
battery life
Magenta
WARNING: The destination MMSI numbers of vessels in your fleet
must be configured into the sMRT V100, or VHF DSC closed loop
alerts will not be transmitted by the device during activation in an
emergency. This could delay rescue and lead to loss of life.

16 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
5.1 Cancelling Alerts
Cancelling the Distress Alert after Recovery of a Man
Overboard or Accidental Activation
To deactivate the device and cancel the distress alert:
1. Remove the SWITCH LOCK if it is in place and slide the
ACTIVATION SWITCH from [READY] to the [OFF] position.
Then insert the SWITCH LOCK to ensure the device remains
inactive.
2. Use a VHF radio to broadcast an “all stations” voice message
cancelling the alert over the emergency VHF marine channel in
your region (channel 16 in most regions).
Example of message to cancel the distress alert:
ALL SHIPS ALL SHIPS ALL SHIPS
THIS IS {vessel call sign repeated 3 times}
CANCEL DISTRESS ALERT FROM {MMSI number}
3. Contact the Coast Guard or Search and Rescue Coordination
Centre serving your region at the earliest possible opportunity to
advise them that you have cancelled the alert.
Important Note: If you do not have access to a VHF marine
radio, contact your search and rescue authority by telephone.

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 17
5.2 Testing
A full system test is performed prior to the sMRT V100 being installed into
an MRT approved PFD. The device is [OFF] when shipped in a PFD and
needs to be configured in the [READY] state prior to use. A full system test
should also be performed.
After deployment into active service, a regular full system test of the sMRT
V100 should be performed every 3 months. Do not test the device more than
once per month as this could affect battery performance in an emergency.
MRT also mandates each device is returned to MRT, or an authorised
service agent, for annual servicing and recertification.
WARNINGS:
1. DO NOT unzip the PFD. Use the device access point to prepare
the sMRT V100 for use. DO NOT remove the ON TAB during
setup as this will activate the device and send distress alerts.
2. Ensure the device has a clear view of the sky during testing to
receive a GPS signal.
3. If the sMRT V100 fails any element of a self-test or any full
system test, take it out of service immediately.
4. If the battery test indicates less than 12 hours of battery life
remaining, return the device to MRT or an authorised MRT service
agent for battery replacement.
5. DO NOT ignore a low battery warning as the device may not
operate to full capacity in a man overboard emergency.
6. The destination MMSI number of the VHF DSC marine radio used
for testing must be configured into the sMRT V100 to verify a test
VHF DSC transmission. If no destination MMSI is configured,
during the first 5 minutes of testing no VHF DSC message will be
sent. GPS acquisition and AIS test transmissions will proceed as
normal.
Self-Test
The sMRT V100 performs a self-test when the ACTIVATION SWITCH is
moved from the [OFF] position to [READY]. Self-test LED indications
are displayed for several seconds at this point and may display as
follows:

18 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
LEFT LED
LED
Colour
RIGHT LED
LED
Colour
Battery critically low or VHF
transmitter error; remove
device from service
Solid Red
GPS error; remove
device from service
Solid Red
No Destination MMSI
Configured
Red Blinks
GPS self test OK
Solid Blue
VHF Self Test OK
Solid Blue
Less than 12 hours battery
life; remove device from
service
Solid
Green
The LEFT LED indicates a range of device test states and the RIGHT
LED indicates GPS test status.
Full System Test
1. The ACTIVATION SWITCH can be in the [OFF] or [READY]
positions when performing a full system test.
2. Open the sMRT V100 access point zip in the PFD. Insert the TEST
MAGNET and hold it over the TEST SPOT for three seconds to
activate test mode.
During the activation period:
The LEFT LED and RIGHT LED will turn solid blue if the device
self check is OK.
The STROBE flashes 3 times
The PIEZO beeps three times.
3. The unit will remain in test mode and attempt to acquire a GPS

MRT Ltd. © 2014
sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0 19
position for a maximum of 5 minutes. Ensure the device has a clear
view of the sky to receive a GPS signal. The RIGHT LED illuminates
solid green after a GPS position has been acquired.
4. VHF DSC and AIS test transmissions are sent after a position is
acquired, or after 5 minutes if no GPS position has been acquired.
Check your VHF DSC test radio to confirm a test message has been
sent. This will include GPS coordinates if acquired.
5. A test AIS message is sent within 30 seconds of the VHF DSC
message being sent. This will also include GPS coordinates if
acquired.
6. Test mode is then complete and the unit will return to its original
state.
Important Note: Depending on conditions during testing it is
possible that a VHF DSC and/or AIS transmission may not be
picked up by the receiving equipment. Normally AIS data is
transmitted every minute, which allows the receiver to identify
and display a new target. If a VHF DSC or AIS message is not
picked up by the receiver this does not necessarily indicate that
the device is not working, unless either LED on the V100 turns
red, which would indicate there is a fault with the device. If any
red LED is displayed the device should be removed from service
and returned to MRT or an authorised MRT service agent.
Cancel a Full System Test
1. To stop the system test before completion, open the access point in
the PFD and hold the TEST MAGNET over the TEST SPOT for three
seconds.

20 sMRT V100 User Manual v2.0
MRT Ltd. © 2014
6 Recertification and Servicing
Annual recertification is necessary to ensure the sMRT V100 operates
effectively in a lifesaving situation when fitted to an MRT approved PFD. Do
not use your sMRT V100 if there are any signs of wear and tear, or if any
functional tests fail. MRT Ltd. and authorised service agents offer a full and
comprehensive service and repair facility for recertification of units and
battery replacement.
WARNING:
If annual recertification is not undertaken prior to the certification
expiry date each year, the operability and reliability of the unit will be
severely affected and the unit will NOT BE CERTIFIED FOR ANY
FURTHER USE. In this circumstance any warranty will be void and
MRT is not liable for any defect or failure of the unit and any resulting
cause including Personal Injury or Death.
Cracks in seals or housings could allow moisture inside the unit, rendering it
unreliable or unusable. If cracking is observed, or if it is possible that the unit
has been damaged, please contact MRT or an authorised MRT service
agent for it to be assessed, repaired or replaced as required.
How to Return Units for Recertification and Servicing
Please contact MRT at [e-mail], or your authorised
service agent, to obtain an RMA tracking number for any units being
returned for recertification and servicing. Record the RMA number and
include it when returning units as it is used to track the device during
the servicing and recertification process.
Operational Life
The sMRT V100 has a service life of 5 years and must be
recertified annually. The battery must be replaced during annual
servicing and the device should be replaced after 5 years. If the
device fails a battery self-test at any time it should be returned to MRT,
or an authorised MRT service agent for testing and recertification.