Ocean Signal RescueMe EPIRB3 User manual

User Manual
English
Class 2, Category 2
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
with AIS and RLS
www.oceansignal.com
EPIRB3

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© 2022 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 EPIRB3 here:
Owners Name: .......................................................
Vessel Name: .......................................................
Beacon HEX ID (UIN): .......................................................

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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 EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 that confirms to the User that the distress
signal from the EPIRB3 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
1.3 AIS System
AIS systems operate on VHF radio bands and transceivers are fitted to all commercial
shipping and an ever growing number of recreational vessels globally. Shortly after
activation, an AIS EPIRB device will activate an alarm on all AIS equipped vessels within
VHF range alerting them to the fact that a person is in the water needing assistance. 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 a casualty in
the water more precisely than any other system.

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1. ABOUT YOUR EPIRB 4
1.1 COSPAS/SARSAT System 4
1.2 Return Link Service 5
1.3 AIS System 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. EPIRB3 OVERVIEW 9
4. INSTALLATION 10
4.1 Location 10
4.2 Mounting Dimensions 10
4.3 Remove the EPIRB3 from the Mounting Bracket 10
4.4 Fit the Manual Mounting Bracket 11
4.5 Fitting the EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3.
Please read this manual completely before using your EPIRB3.
2.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product complies with EN62479 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada).
2.3 Warnings
!It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB3 with your National Authority.
!Only use your EPIRB3 in a situation of grave and imminent danger.
!Deliberately misusing your EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 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. EPIRB3
2. Manual Mounting
Bracket
3. User Guide &
Labels
4. Mounting Screws
(x3)
2.5 Operating Modes
Your EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 should be
removed from its bracket, the antenna extended and then placed
in the sea. Contact with the water will automatically activate the
EPIRB3.
2.5.2 Manual activation on deck
When deploying the EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 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 EPIRB is held outside of the canopy. The
EPIRB3 can also be tethered to the life-raft and allowed to float
alongside.

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!The lanyard is provided to attach the EPIRB3 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 EPIRB3 if the vessel sinks.
!It is important that the vessel details are marked on the EPIRB3. 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. EPIRB3 OVERVIEW
9
11
5
10

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4. INSTALLATION
!Failure to follow the following installation guidelines may cause the EPIRB3 to
operate incorrectly.
!Do not mount the EPIRB3 closer than 1.0 metre to any steering compass as this
may affect the accuracy of the compass.
!Keep the EPIRB3 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.
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 EPIRB3 for emergency use, maintenance and servicing.
4.1 Mounting Dimensions
Shown below is a minimum spacing suggested to allow easy hand access to release the
EPIRB3 from the bracket.
4.2 Remove the EPIRB3 from the Mounting
Bracket
Prior to installation the EPIRB3 must be removed from the
bracket.

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4.3 Fit the Manual Mounting Bracket
Using the dimensions shown, use the three No.6 x 3/4” Countersunk screws supplied to
secure the mounting bracket to a suitable bulkhead in a position that will allow easy access
in the event of abandoning the vessel.
4.4 Fitting the EPIRB3 into the Mounting Bracket
Following installation the EPIRB3 should be refitted to the
bracket.

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5. OPERATION
The EPIRB3 is designed for best operation while floating in water. If used in other situations
ensure that the EPIRB3 is placed in the open, clear of any cover and kept upright. Do not
place the EPIRB3 close to large structures or under cover.
In the event of the vessel starting to sink the EPIRB3 MUST be released from the bracket
and placed in the water. It will activate on contact with the water.
In the case of abandoning ship, if possible, recover the EPIRB3 and tie to the survival craft
or person using the lanyard. For optimum operation, it is recommended that the EPIRB3 be
tied to the life-raft with the lanyard and floated in the sea.
!The EPIRB3 is prevented from activation while mounted in the Manual Mounting
Bracket. For activation the EPIRB3 MUST be removed from the bracket.
!The antenna MUST be FULLY extended for optimum performance.
5.1 Manual Release
5.1.1 Remove from the Manual Mounting Bracket
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF
GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER

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5.1.2 Fully extend the antenna
5.1.3 Break off the red protective tab
5.1.4 Lift the yellow flap up to expose the Red ON/OFF button.

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5.1.5 Press and hold the red ON/OFF button for 1 to 2 seconds to activate.
(Until the green LED starts to flash)
The EPIRB3 will now be operational. The strobe lights will begin to flash at a rate of once
every 2.5 seconds as soon as the unit is activated.
For best performance it is important that the EPIRB3 is in an upright position with a clear
view of the sky and as far away from any metallic structures as possible.
The EPIRB3 contains a GNSS receiver. Ensure that the GNSS antenna is not obstructed and
has a complete, unobstructed view of the sky – as indicated on the top of the EPIRB3.
A lanyard is provided to tether the EPIRB3 to the lifeboat or life raft to ensure that it does
not drift away. Make sure this is firmly attached.
5.1.6 EPIRB3 Automatic Operation
The EPIRB3 will sense when it has been placed in water and automatically begin to operate
after a short delay, in the same manner as described above.
!If the EPIRB3 is mounted in the Manual Bracket this function is disabled until the
EPIRB3 has been released from the bracket.
!The antenna MUST be FULLY extended for optimum performance.

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5.2 Optical Indications on activation
• The LED will illuminate green (blue if RLS is enabled) for 1 second.
• The strobe light will start flashing.
• Within 1 minute* of activation, the indicator LED will flash a quick burst of 5
indicating 406MHz transmission.
• Following the first 406MHz transmission the LED will flash 8 times** (green
if a GNSS fix has been acquired or red if there is no fix) indicating AIS
transmission.
5.2.1 LED Indications with RLS Enabled
LED When Transmit GNSS RLS
(x1) Every 5 s Searching
(x3) Once Fix acquired
(x5) At transmit 406MHz No Fix Request sent
(x5) At transmit 406MHz Fix acquired Request sent
(x8) At transmit* AIS No Fix
(x8) At transmit* AIS Fix acquired
(x1) Every 2.5 s** 121MHz Reply not received
(x1) Every 2.5 s** 121MHz Reply received
(x1) Every 2.5 s
5.2.2 LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol
LED When Transmit GNSS
(x1) Every 5 s Searching
(x3) Once Fix acquired
(x5) At transmit 406MHz No Fix
(x5) At transmit 406MHz Fix acquired
(x8) At transmit* AIS No Fix
(x8) At transmit* AIS Fix acquired
(x1) Every 2.5 s** 121MHz
(x1) Every 2.5 s
* The AIS transmissions will show as 8 flashes (1 every 2 seconds) as a sequence
repeated once every minute
** The 121MHz Homer will not transmit until after the first 406MHz transmission.

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5.3 Deactivation
5.3.1 Deactivation if Manually Activated
If the EPIRB3 has been inadvertently activated or the emergency situation has passed, it
can be turned off simply by pressing and holding for 1 to 2 seconds the ON/OFF key.
It is not possible for the user to replace the red protective cover. Return the EPIRB3 to an
Ocean Signal authorised service centre for checking and replacement.
5.3.2 Deactivation if Automatically Activated
If the EPIRB3 was automatically activated by placing in water, remove from the water and
dry. The EPIRB3 will automatically switch off after approximately 30 seconds.
6. FALSE ALERTS
False alerts are a serious problem - they cause valuable resources to be diverted away
from real emergency situations. If a false alert is initiated, by any means, it is important to
contact the nearest search and rescue authority and inform them of the false alert.
Report the following information:
1. EPIRB3 UIN.
2. Date, time and duration.
3. Cause of activation.
4. Location when the alert was activated.
5. Location at time of deactivation.
If the EPIRB3 was activated by mistake then turn it off. The first emergency transmission
will not occur for approximately 50 seconds. If the unit is turned off within this time then
the EPIRB3 will not have sent an emergency distress alert.
The EPIRB3 is fitted with water activation contacts. Although the Manual Bracket is
designed to prevent accidental activation, if the EPIRB3 is not correctly fitted in its bracket
it is possible that this may cause a false alert situation.
If the unit has been dropped into the water then remove from the water and dry the case.
Wait approximately 30 seconds for the water contacts to de-activate. If the unit is still
flashing after this period, check that the unit has not been manually activated; if so then
follow the procedure to manually switch the EPIRB3 off.
Once the EPIRB3 is switched off, it is advisable to carry out a self test before replacing the
EPIRB3 into the Manual Bracket.
!Should the EPIRB3 fail to deactivate, rewind the antenna and completely wrap in
several layers of aluminium foil , or place in a metal container with a tightly fitting
lid.

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7. TESTING
Routine testing of your EPIRB3 is recommended to ensure it is in good working order if
needed in an emergency. Monthly testing is recommended, but remember that each test
will reduce the battery capacity slightly and reduce the operating time of your EPIRB3
during an emergency.
7.1 NFC and Mobile App.
The EPIRB3 is capable of connection to devices using Near Field Communication (NFC).
NFC technology allows communication between two electronic devices over a distance
of 4cm (1.5”) or less. The benefit of using NFC in the EPIRB3 is that the power used for
communication comes from the mobile device and not the beacon.
The Ocean Signal mobile App allows a user to access the EPIRB3 and see the programmed
details and the latest test results giving a clear indication of the beacon’s condition.
Download the App. here: Android iOS
To use the App touch your mobile device to the top of the EPIRB3 where you see “NFC”.

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7.2 Beacon Test
!Ensure the antenna is fully deployed and above the EPIRB3 before commencing
the test. Rewind the antenna before placing the EPIRB3 back in its bracket.
!Because the test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency of
121.5MHz, please only carry out this test in the first five minutes of each hour.
!It is recommended to test your EPIRB3 once a month.
!A magenta or amber test result indicates the battery has been used for over two
hours or the recommended number of tests has been exceeded. The EPIRB3 will
still operate normally in distress, but the battery should be replaced to ensure the
full operating life when your EPIRB3 is needed.
7.2.1 Functional Test
To test your EPIRB3 is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST key for 1 to 2
seconds. The LED will illuminate red to indicate the key has been pressed, then start
flashing. Release the TEST key now. After a short pause the strobe will flash and
the indicator LED will produce a flash sequence.
The flash sequence indicates the total number of hours that the battery has already been in
use, up to the time that the test was initiated.
7.2.2 LED Indications with RLS Enabled
No. of
Flashes Functional Test Pass Fail
1 0 to 59min 1hr to 1hr 59min 121.5MHz homer
22hrs to 3hrs 59min 406MHz power
34hrs to 5hrs 59min AIS signal
46hrs to 7hrs 59min AIS Power
58hrs to 9hrs 59min Battery failure
610hrs + No GNSS
7.2.3 LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol
No. of
Flashes Functional Test Pass Fail
1 0 to 59min 1hr to 1hr 59min 121.5MHz homer
22hrs to 3hrs 59min 406MHz power
3 4hrs to 5hrs 59min AIS signal
4 6hrs to 7hrs 59min AIS Power
5 8hrs to 9hrs 59min Battery failure
6 10hrs + No GNSS

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!Because this test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency of
121.5MHz, please only carry out this test in the first 5 minutes of each hour.
!The battery must be replaced either prior to the expiry date shown on the rear
label or after the EPIRB3 has been activated.
!If, during a self test, the LED flashes magenta or amber the EPIRB3 may
not have sufficient energy to operate for the specified 24-hour period. Battery
replacement is recommended.
NOTE: The flash sequence will be repeated after a short pause and then the EPIRB3
will automatically power off.
7.2.4 AIS Test
Two AIS transmissions will occur during a Functional Test indicating “EPIRB TEST” on AIS
receivers within range.
!To visualise an indication of a successful AIS transmission during test always
ensure the AIS receiving unit is configured to react to EPIRB Test signals.

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7.3 GNSS Test
!This test should only be performed where the EPIRB3 has a clear and
unobstructed view of the sky. This is required to allow the GNSS receiver to
acquire a signal from sufficient satellites to allow it to determine a position.
Ensure the area marked “GNSS Antenna” is not obstructed.
It is recommended that a GNSS test is carried out at least once every six months to ensure
correct operation of the EPIRB3.
Press and hold the TEST key for 5 seconds. The LED will illuminate red to indicate
the key has been pressed, then start flashing. Shortly after, the LED will cease flashing and
become a steady red light. Release the TEST key now.
During the GNSS test the LED will repeat a long red flash followed by a short green
flash until either a position fix is obtained or the GNSS test fails.
A successful test will be indicated by a number of green LED flashes and an unsuc-
cessful test will be indicated by a number of red LED flashes. The number of flashes
indicates the number of GNSS tests remaining (e.g. 7 flashes = 7 tests remaining).
The test result flashes will be repeated after 2 seconds.
If there are 10 or more tests remaining then the LED will flash 10 times only (repeated).
The EPIRB3 has the capacity to carry out 60 GNSS tests within the lifetime of the battery.
If there are no tests remaining immediately after the current test, the LED will flash green
or red rapidly for three seconds (not repeated) depending on whether the GNSS test
was successful or not, respectively.
When there are no tests remaining, the LED will flash red rapidly for three seconds (not
repeated).
The test can be ended at any time by holding the TEST key for 1 to 2 seconds.
For further information regarding Self Test and Self Test history use the Ocean Signal App
to connect to your EPIRB3 using Near Field Communication (NFC).
Android iOS