Ocean Signal EPIRB2 User manual

User Manual
English
Class 2, Category 2
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
with RLS
www.oceansignal.com
EPIRB2

EPIRB2 USER MANUAL
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© 2023 Ocean Signal Ltd
The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this manual were believed
to be correct at the time of print. Ocean Signal Ltd reserve the right to change specifica-
tions and other information contained in this manual as part of our continual improvement
process.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form, electronic or otherwise, without the prior permission of Ocean Signal Ltd.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual.
Ocean Signal® and rescueME® are registered trademarks of Ocean Signal Ltd.
For ease of access please record details of your EPIRB2 here:
Owners Name: .......................................................
Vessel Name: .......................................................
Beacon HEX ID (UIN): .......................................................

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EPIRB2 USER MANUAL
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF
GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER
MANUAL ACTIVATION
1 2
345

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1. ABOUT YOUR EPIRB
1.1 COSPAS/SARSAT System
The basic Cospas-Sarsat concept is illustrated in the figure below.
The System is composed of:
• distress radio beacons (ELTs for aviation use, EPIRBs for maritime use, and
PLBs for personal use) which transmit signals during distress situations
• instruments on board satellites in geostationary and low-altitude Earth
orbits which detect the signals transmitted by distress radio beacons
• ground receiving stations, referred to as Local User Terminals (LUTs), which
receive and process the satellite downlink signal to generate distress alerts
• Mission Control Centers (MCCs) which receive alerts produced by LUTs and
forward them to Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs), Search and Rescue
Points Of Contacts (SPOCs) or other MCCs
The Cospas-Sarsat System includes two types of satellites:
• satellites in low-altitude Earth orbit (LEO) which form the LEOSAR System
• satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) which form the GEOSAR System
The future Cospas-Sarsat System will include a new type of satellite in the medium-al-
titude Earth orbit (MEO) which will form the MEOSAR System. The EPIRB2 is fully
compatible with the new MEOSAR satellites.

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1.2 Return Link Service
The Galileo Return Link Service (RLS) is a free-of-charge global service available to
Cospas-Sarsat RLS compatible beacons. The new functionality, currently offered uniquely
by Galileo, enables a communication link that relays a Return Link Message (RLM) back to
the originating beacon through the Galileo Navigation Signal in Space.
The RLS feature is an indication on the EPIRB2 that confirms to the User that the distress
signal from the EPIRB2 has been localised by the Cospas-Sarsat system and is being
sent to the SAR authorities. It does NOT mean that a search and rescue mission has been
launched, but only confirms that the distress alert has been received by the Cospas-Sarsat
system and is being routed to the appropriate SAR agencies.
The RLS aims to send an acknowledgment to the beacon within 30 minutes following
activation (the response may not be received by the beacon for significantly longer).
RLS is an optional function and may not be permitted in all countries.
The full RLS specification can be found here:
https://gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-SAR-SDD.pdf

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1. ABOUT YOUR EPIRB 4
1.1 COSPAS/SARSAT System 4
1.2 Return Link Service 5
2. GENERAL 7
2.1 Introduction 7
2.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy 7
2.3 Warnings 7
2.4 What’s in the Box 8
2.5 Operating Modes 8
3. EPIRB2 OVERVIEW 9
4. INSTALLATION 10
4.1 Location 10
4.2 Mounting Dimensions 10
4.3 Remove the EPIRB2 from the Mounting Bracket 11
4.4 Fit the Manual Mounting Bracket 11
4.5 Fit the EPIRB2 into the Mounting Bracket 11
5. OPERATION 12
5.1 Manual Release 12
5.2 Optical indications on activation 15
5.3 Deactivation 16
6. FALSE ALERTS 16
7. TESTING 17
7.1 NFC and Mobile App. 17
7.2 Beacon Test 18
7.3 GNSS Test 20
8. BEACON REGISTRATION 21
8.1 Advice to owners of EPIRBs 21
8.2 Country Specific Registration Information 21
8.3 UNREGISTERED BEACON 22
9. APPENDIX 22
9.1 Maintenance 22
9.2 Batteries 23
9.3 Decommissioning and Disposal 23
9.4 Transport 24
9.5 Specifications 25
9.6 Approvals 26
9.7 Spares 26
10. WARRANTY INFORMATION 27
10.1 Limited Warranty 27
10.2 Extended Warranty 27

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2. GENERAL
2.1 Introduction
This manual provides valuable information for the installation, operation and routine
maintenance of the EPIRB2.
Please read this manual completely before using your EPIRB2.
2.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product complies with EN62479 (EU) at a separation distance of 25 mm and with
RSS-102 (Canada).
2.3 Warnings
!It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB2 with your National Authority.
!Only use your EPIRB2 in a situation of grave and imminent danger.
!Deliberately misusing your EPIRB2 or setting it off accidentally may result in
prosecution and a fine.
!Contains Lithium batteries:
- store between -30°C (-22ºF) to+70°C (+158ºF)
If the EPIRB2 is stored at higher temperatures the battery life may be
degraded and should be replaced earlier than the date stated. Failure to
do this may result in the EPIRB2 not fulfilling the stated 48hr operating
life.
The effect is more pronounced as the temperature increases.
- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES YOURSELF
unauthorised opening and battery replacement may put
your life at risk.
- do not short circuit, incinerate or recharge.
!Please see section 9.4 for information on safe transportation.
!The battery in your EPIRB2 should be replaced immediately if it has been
activated, or if the test indicator shows the battery as ‘used’, or if the expiry date
marked on the unit has been exceeded.
!Battery replacement must be carried out at an Ocean Signal authorised battery
replacement centre using manufacturer supplied battery components.
!Please read these instructions carefully. Failure to follow the guidance in this
manual may result in loss of warranty.

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2.4 What’s in the Box
1. EPIRB2
2. Manual Mounting
Bracket
3. User Guide &
Labels
4. Mounting Screws
(x3)
2.5 Operating Modes
Your EPIRB2 may be operated in a variety of modes.
2.5.1 Manual Release and Automatic Activation
Should the vessel be in danger of sinking the EPIRB2 should be
removed from its bracket, the antenna extended and then placed
in the sea. Contact with the water will automatically activate the
EPIRB2.
2.5.2 Manual activation on deck
When deploying the EPIRB2 on a deck, ensure it is vertical and
clear of obstructions that might impede a clear view of the sky. If
the unit is thrown into the water then it will activate automatically.
2.5.3 Manual activation in a life raft
The EPIRB2 may be deployed from a life-raft, where it should be
held in a vertical position so that there is a clear view of the sky.
It is recommended that the EPIRB2 is held outside of the canopy.
The EPIRB2 can also be tethered to the life-raft and allowed to
float alongside.

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!The lanyard is provided to attach the EPIRB2 to the life raft or your person, once
it is activated. Do not use it to attach it to the ship, as this may result in the loss of
the EPIRB2 if the vessel sinks.
!It is important that the vessel details are marked on the EPIRB2. Please use a
fine tip UV resistant indelible pen to clearly mark the MMSI, Vessel Name and
Call Sign in the spaces provided. Cover this label with the clear protective label
provided to protect the text from wear.
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
1) ON/OFF Key (Under flap)
2) Indicator LED
3) Break Off Tab
4) Antenna
5) Antenna Rewind Knob
6) Strobe light
7) TEST Key
8) NFC Antenna
9) Lanyard under rubber band
10) Serial Number/ UIN Label
11) Programming Details Label
3. EPIRB2 OVERVIEW
9
11
5
10

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4. INSTALLATION
!Failure to follow the following installation guidelines may cause the EPIRB2 to
operate incorrectly.
!Do not mount the EPIRB2 closer than 1.0 metre to any steering compass as this
may affect the accuracy of the compass.
!Keep the EPIRB2 away from any strong magnetic sources such as loudspeakers,
compass compensation magnets, etc.
!Do not install or operate in a location subject to high intensity RF fields (e.g.radar
or communications antennas)
!GNSS operation may be impaired if operated within 10m of GMDSS sat-com
systems.
4.1 Location
The location selected must be sufficiently robust to support the weight of the entire unit.
Exposure to the elements and surrounding hazards along with vibration should also be
taken into consideration when choosing the location. Ensure that the mounting location
allows easy access to the EPIRB2 for emergency use, maintenance and servicing.
4.2 Mounting Dimensions
Shown below is a minimum spacing suggested to allow easy hand access to release the
EPIRB2 from the bracket.