OCEAN SIGNAL AIS EPIRBS RECEIVE FCC AND USCG APPROVAL

Ocean Signal’s new Category I and II AIS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) are approved in the U.S. and will be introduced to U.S. boaters for the first time at this year’s Miami International Boat Show. These new Category I and II AIS EPIRBs are shipping and now available.

Combining the power of the latest safety technologies, the next generation Cospas-Sarsat certified Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB3 and safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro units have now received the equipment authorization from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and approval from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The beacons significantly increase the speed of location and aid for survivors in an emergency, enhancing the chance of rescue for recreational and commercial users, whether cruising, fishing, working or sailing offshore.

The EPIRB3 is available with a Category II manual release bracket. The EPIRB3 Pro comes with the Category I auto release, float-free bracket providing full IMO regulatory compliance for SOLAS vessels.

Carried by a vessel, an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is traditionally activated in a life-threatening event, such as sinking, medical emergencies, collision and accidents, to transmit a 406 MHz distress signal via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system to contact global rescue services.

Ocean Signal’s new slim, lightweight beacons, with 10-year battery life, include GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning, 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat distress signal with MEOSAR compatibility and 121.5 MHz local homing signal. The EPIRB3 series is compatible with Return Link Service alerting technology and can provide confirmation that the international satellite system has received a distress message and location.

By incorporating AIS within its beacons for the first time, Ocean Signal can now offer EPIRB3 owners the extra reassurance that other nearby vessels will also be alerted in an emergency. A distress signal will be received by all ships, boats and aircraft equipped with AIS in the vicinity, enabling them to respond with immediate assistance. The EPIRB3 has an infrared strobe, as well as visible light, to facilitate rescue in poor visibility or at night.

The EPIRBs also feature NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for use with the free Ocean Signal mobile app, delivering a new way for beacon owners to monitor their beacons, review self-test results, view GNSS test locations, and monitor beacon performance and maintenance.

For more information on Ocean Signal’s AIS EPIRB range of safety equipment, go to www.oceansignal.com.