Ocean Signal EPIRB1 Pro User manual

User Manual
English
EPIRB1 Pro
www.oceansignal.com
Category 1
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

© 2020 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 specifi cations 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 SafeSea® are registered trademarks of Ocean Signal Ltd.
For ease of access please record details of your EPIRB1 Pro here:
Owners Name: .......................................................
Vessel Name: .......................................................
Beacon HEX ID (UIN): .......................................................

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EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF
GRAVE OR IMMINENT DANGER
MANUAL ACTIVATION
1 2 3
4 5
678
Pull the pin Release the catch Turn the knob
Remove the cover Release the EPIRB
Break the tab Lift the fl ap Press the button

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1. GENERAL 5
1.1 Introduction 5
1.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy 5
1.3 Warnings 5
1.4 What’s in the Box 5
1.5 Operating Modes 6
2. EPIRB1 PRO OVERVIEW 7
3. INSTALLATION 8
3.1 Location 8
3.2 Fitting the Float Free Housing 10
4. LOADING THE EPIRB1 PRO 12
5. OPERATION 14
5.1 Manual Activation 15
5.2 Deactivation 17
6. FALSE ALERTS 18
7. TESTING 18
7.1 Beacon Test 19
7.2 GPS Test 20
7.3 Inspection 21
8. COSPAS/SARSAT SYSTEM 22
9. APPENDIX 23
9.1 HRU Replacement 23
9.2 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 24
9.3 Batteries 24
9.4 Transport 24
9.5 Disposal 24
9.6 Specifi cations 25
9.7 Approvals 26
9.8 Registration 26
9.9 Optional Accessories 26
9.10 Limited Warranty 27

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1. GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
This manual provides valuable information for the installation, operation and routine
maintenance of the EPIRB1 Pro complete with the Float Free Housing.
Please read this manual completely before using your EPIRB1 Pro.
1.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product complies with EN62479 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada).
1.3 Warnings
! It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB1 Pro with your National Authority.
! Only use your EPIRB1 Pro in a situation of grave and imminent danger.
! Deliberately misusing your EPIRB1 Pro or setting it off accidentally may result in
prosecution and a fi ne.
! Your EPIRB1 Pro contains small lithium batteries.
! Please see section 9.3 for information on safe transportation.
! The battery in your EPIRB1 Pro 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.
! The EPIRB1 Pro is supplied with an automatic release housing for external instal-
lation only. See the installation guidelines in section 2 for further information.
! Please read these instructions carefully. Failure to follow the guidance in this
manual may result in loss of warranty.
1.4 What’s in the Box
1. EPIRB
Cat1 Assembly
2. User Guide &
Labels
3. Adapter Bracket
& Mounting Screws

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1.5 Operating Modes
Your EPIRB1 Pro may be operated in a variety of modes.
1.5.1 Automatic Release
Should the vessel sink the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically be
released from its housing and fl oat to the surface. Contact with
the water will automatically activate the EPIRB1 Pro.
1.5.2 Manual activation on deck
When deploying the EPIRB1 Pro 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.
1.5.3 Manual activation in a life raft
The EPIRB1 Pro may be deployed in a life-raft, where it should be
held in a vertical position so that there is a clear view of the sky,
preferably outside of the canopy.

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! The lanyard is provided to attach the EPIRB1 Pro 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 EPIRB1 Pro if the vessel sinks.
! It is important that the vessel details are marked on the EPIRB1 Pro. Please use
a fi ne 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
5
6
7
1) ON Key (Under fl ap)
2) Indicator LED
3) Break Off Tab
4) Antenna
5) Strobe light
6) TEST Key
7) Lanyard under rubber band
8) Serial Number/ UIN Label
9) Programming Details Label
2. EPIRB1 PRO OVERVIEW
8 9

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3. INSTALLATION
! Failure to follow the following installation guidelines may cause the EPIRB1 Pro to
operate incorrectly.
! Do not mount the EPIRB1 Pro closer than 1.0 metre to any steering compass as
this may affect the accuracy of the compass.
! Keep the EPIRB1 Pro away from any strong magnetic sources such as
loudspeakers, compass compensation magnets, etc.
3.1 Location
The location selected must be suffi ciently 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 EPIRB1 Pro for maintenance and servicing.
To ensure that the EPIRB1 Pro will always fl oat free from the sinking vessel ensure that the
fl oat free housing is located high up on the superstructure, free from any obstructions and
located in a position that it will not be trapped, regardless of the angle the sinking vessel
may be in. Always leave at least 150mm (6”) around the Float Free Housing to ensure the
cover releases reliably.

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3.1.1 Removing the EPIRB from the Float Free Housing
Prior to installation the EPIRB must be removed from the housing.
1. Remove the pin
2. Release the safety catch from the release knob
3. Turn the knob anti-clockwise to release the cover
4. Pull the cover free and discard.
5. Lift the Hydrostatic clip and remove the EPIRB1 Pro from the mount
1 2 3
4 5

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3.2 Fitting the Float Free Housing
Using the dimensions shown, use the four No10 x 1” screws supplied to secure the fl oat
free housing to the chosen structure using the holes marked ‘O’ on the diagram . For
mounting surfaces constructed of a material unsuitable for these screws use suitable
fi xings (not supplied).
Fixing holes ‘E’ are provided to match the Ocean Signal E100/E100G if this product is being
used to replace these older models.
3.2.1 Mounting Dimensions

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EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL
3.2.2 Retro-fi t Adapter Bracket
The EPIRB1 Pro Float Free Housing comes with an adapter bracket that allows easy
installation where older EPIRBs from other manufacturers have been fi tted. Attach the
adapter bracket to the Float Free Housing using the two holes ‘A’ and the self tapping
screws provided.
The Adapter bracket provides fi xing holes suitable for:
• J - Jotron Tron 60S
• M - McMurdo E5/G5

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4. LOADING THE EPIRB1 PRO
! When replacing the EPIRB1 Pro in the Float Free Housing please ensure that the
unit is clean and dry. The area around the activation controls and the lanyard
should be free from water and dirt to ensure reliable operation.
The EPIRB1 Pro is held in place inside the Float Free Housing by the Hydrostatic Release
Unit (HRU) which locks into position using a spring.
Following installation (or after maintenance, testing, etc.) it is necessary to replace the
EPIRB1 Pro into the Float Free Housing.
1. Pull back the HRU
2. Load the EPIRB1 Pro, controls
facing up, into the location seat,
ensuring to carefully fold the
antenna back behind the EPIRB1
Pro.
3. Gently lower the HRU back into
the locked position - this holds
the EPIRB1 Pro securely in place.
4. Place the housing cover over
the back, by placing the locating
holes (on the side of the housing)
over the clips.

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5. When installing your EPIRB1
Pro for the fi rst time, the expiry
date on the HRU label should be
completed with an indelible pen .
NOTE: The expiry date should be two years
from the date of installation on to
your vessel, but no more than three
years from the date of manufacture
provided.
6. Clearly mark the expiry date on
to the separate label provided for
use on the outside of the Housing.
7. Push and rotate the housing release knob into the locked position (right).
8. Fold the latch up over the release knob
9. Insert the pin to retain the latch
10. Complete the provided identifi cation label using a UV stable indelible pen.
Fit to the side of the ARH100 cover left hand side in an easily visible position
and use the clear protective label to cover it. Fix the HRU Expiry label to the
housing in the rectangular recess and cover with the clear protective label.
An activation instruction label is provided and should be positioned
close to the installation to assist any member of the crew or
passengers in the activation procedure should they need to manually
remove and activate the EPIRB1 Pro.
7 7 9
Push & Turn the knob Close the catch Insert the pin

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5. OPERATION
The EPIRB1 Pro is designed for best operation while fl oating in water. If used in other situa-
tions ensure that the EPIRB1 Pro is placed in the open, clear of any cover and kept upright.
Do not place the EPIRB1 Pro close to large structures or under cover.
In the event the vessel sinks the EPIRB1 Pro will automatically be released from the
housing and will activate on contact with the water.
In the case of abandoning ship, if possible, recover the EPIRB1 Pro and tie to the survival
craft or person using the lanyard. For optimum operation, it is recommended that the
EPIRB1 Pro be tied to the raft with the lanyard and fl oated in the sea.
! The EPIRB1 Pro is prevented from accidental activation while mounted in the Float
Free Housing. For manual activation the EPIRB1 Pro MUST be removed from the
housing.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF
GRAVE OR IMMINENT DANGER

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EPIRB1 Pro USER MANUAL
5.1 Manual Activation
5.1.1 Removing from the Enclosure
1. Remove the pin
2. Release the safety catch from the release knob
3. Turn the knob anti-clockwise to release the cover
4. Pull the cover free and discard.
5. Lift the Hydrostatic clip and remove the EPIRB1 Pro from the mount
1 2 3
4 5

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5.1.2 EPIRB1 Pro Manual Activation
1. Break off the red protective tab from the top of the EPIRB1 Pro.
2. Lift the yellow fl ap up to expose the Red ON/OFF button.
3. Press and hold the red button for 1 second to activate.
(Until the green LED starts to fl ash)
The EPIRB1 Pro will now be operational. The strobe lights will begin to fl ash at a rate of
once every 2.5 seconds as soon as the unit is activated.
For best performance it is important that the EPIRB1 Pro is in an upright position with a
clear view of the sky and as far away from any metallic structures as is possible.
The EPIRB1 Pro contains a GPS receiver, ensure that the GPS antenna is not obstructed
and has a complete, unobstructed view of the sky – as indicated on the top of the EPIRB1
Pro.
A lanyard is provided to tether the EPIRB1 Pro to the lifeboat or life raft to ensure that it
does not drift away. Make sure this is fi rmly attached.
1 2 3

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5.1.3 EPIRB1 Pro Automatic Operation
The EPIRB1 Pro 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 EPIRB1 Pro is mounted in the fl oat free housing this function is disabled
until the EPIRB1 Pro has been released.
If the EPIRB1 Pro is mounted in the fl oat free housing in the event that the vessel sinks the
EPIRB1 Pro will automatically be ejected from the housing allowing it to fl oat to the surface
and begin transmission.
Note: The fi rst alert is transmitted after 50 seconds to allow time to deactivate the
unit if accidentally turned on . The homing beacon is not activated until the
fi rst 406MHz alert is sent.
5.2 Deactivation
5.2.1 Deactivation if Manually Activated
If the EPIRB1 Pro has been inadvertently activated or the emergency situation has passed,
it can be turned off simply by pressing and holding for 2 seconds the TEST key. It is not
possible for the user to replace the red protective cover. Return the EPIRB1 Pro to an Ocean
Signal authorised service centre for checking and replacement.
5.2.2 Deactivation if Automatically Activated
If the EPIRB1 Pro was automatically activated by placing in water, remove from the water
and dry. The EPIRB1 Pro will automatically switch off after approximately 30 seconds.
Should the EPIRB1 Pro fail to deactivate, bend the antenna down and completely wrap in
several layers of aluminium foil , or place in a metal container with a tight fi tting lid.
EPIRB Mode Green Indicator Red Indicator
Initial EPIRB
activation On for 1 second
Acquiring GPS
position 1 fl ash every 5 seconds
GPS position
acquired * 3 quick fl ashes
121.5MHz Tx 1 fl ash, with strobe
light, every 2.5
seconds
406MHz Tx, with
GPS position 5 quick fl ashes
406MHz Tx, without
valid GPS position 5 quick fl ashes

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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. EPIRB1 Pro 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 EPIRB1 Pro was activated by mistake then turn it off. The fi rst emergency trans-
mission will not occur for approximately 50 seconds, if the unit is turned off within this time
then EPIRB1 Pro will not have sent an emergency distress.
The EPIRB1 Pro is fi tted with water activation contacts. Although the fl oat free housing is
designed to prevent accidental activation in heavy seas and adverse weather conditions, if
the EPIRB1 Pro is not correctly fi tted in its housing 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
fl ashing after this period, check that the unit has not been manually activated; if so then
follow the procedure to manually switch the EPIRB1 Pro off.
Once EPIRB1 Pro is switched off, it is advisable to carry out a self test before replacing the
EPIRB1 Pro into the fl oat free housing.
Should the EPIRB1 Pro fail to deactivate, bend the antenna down and completely wrap in
several layers of aluminium foil , or place in a metal container with a tight fi tting lid.
7. TESTING
Routine testing of your EPIRB1 Pro 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 EPIRB1 Pro
during an emergency.

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7.1 Beacon Test
! Ensure the antenna is free and above the EPIRB1 Pro before commencing the test.
Fold the antenna back behind the EPIRB1 Pro as you replace it in the housing.
! Because the test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency of
121.5MHz, please only carry out this test in the fi rst fi ve minutes of each hour.
! It is recommended to test your EPIRB1 Pro once a month.
! The amber test result indicates the battery has been used for over one hour or
the recommended number of tests has been exceeded. The EPIRB1 Pro will still
operate normally in distress, but the battery should be replaced to ensure the full
operating life when your EPIRB1 Pro is needed.
To test your EPIRB1 Pro is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST key for at least
one second. The red LED will come on to indicate the switch is depressed, followed by
the red LED fl ashing rapidly, indicating test mode is activated. The switch may now be
released. The strobe light will fl ash once (indicating that the 406 and 121.5MHz signal has
been transmitted).
After a short pause, the indicator LED will produce a fl ash sequence:
! This fl ash sequence is repeated a second time after a short delay and then the
EPIRB1 Pro will automatically turn off.
The number of green/amber fl ashes in each group indicates the number of hours the
battery has been used for as shown in the table.
Green/Amber
Indicator Red Indicator Status
No. of
Flashes Test Passed No. of Hours Used Failure Type
1 Flash 0 to 1hr (Green) 121.5MHz homer
1 to 2hrs (Amber)
2 Flashes 2 to 4hrs (Amber) 406MHz generation
3 Flashes 4 to 6hrs (Amber) 406MHz power
4 Flashes 6 to 8hrs (Amber) Faulty battery
5 Flashes 8 to 10hrs (Amber) Other failure
6 Flashes Over 10hrs (Amber)

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7.2 GPS Test
! As testing the GPS receiver expends signifi cant amounts of battery energy, do
not test the GPS operation more than once a year. Testing the GPS receiver is
limited to 12 tests over the lifetime of the battery, after this the GPS test will fail
to activate.
! This test must only be performed where the EPIRB1 Pro has a clear and
unobstructed view of the sky. This is required to allow the GPS receiver to acquire
a signal from suffi cient satellites to allow it to determine a position. Make sure
the area marked ‘GPS Antenna’ is not obstructed.
Press and hold the TEST key. The LED will illuminate red to indicate the key has been
pressed, then start fl ashing. After approximately ten seconds the LED will cease fl ashing
and become a steady red light.
The TEST key can now be released.
Note: If the TEST key is released before ten seconds, the EPIRB1 Pro will
enter the beacon test mode.
During the GPS test the LED will repeat a long red fl ash followed by a short green fl ash
until either a position fi x is obtained or the GPS test fails.
A successful test will be indicated by the strobe fl ashing and the green LED fl ashing. The
number of green fl ashes indicates one more than the number of GPS tests remaining (e.g.
8 fl ashes = 7 tests remaining). The unit automatically turns off after the test indication.
If after fi ve minutes the GPS receiver has not received a position, a failure will be indicated
by the red LED fl ashing after which the unit will turn off.
The test can be ended at any time by holding the ON key for one second or by holding the
TEST key for fi ve seconds.