Shore Based Maintenance of McMurdo 406 MHz

EPIRBs
In accordance with IMO MSC/Circ. 1039

Purpose MSC Circular 1039 (attached at Appendix for reference) establishes minimum levels of service
for the testing and maintenance of satellite EPIRBs. This document explains how to maintain
the specified products in order to satisfy the requirements.

All applicable tests are referenced to the relevant sections of the Circular.

}
Applicability McMurdo E5
Smartfind
Sailor SE406-II Non-GPS EPIRBs
collectively called “E5”
Simrad EP50

}
McMurdo G5
Smartfind Plus GPS EPIRBs
collectively called “G5”
Sailor SGE406-II
Simrad EG50
Recording The results from these tests may be recorded on the Orolia Ltd form QA4212 “406 MHz Non-
GPS EPIRB Shore-Based Maintenance Record” for E5 types and on QA4249 “406MHz GPS
EPIRB SBM record” for G5 types.

Equipment Required

Equipment Details/Example
Screened enclosure Sartech FC2
Message reader/121.5 MHz receiver ARG5410MK2 or
BT100A
Immersion bath Any suitable
container
Magnet Orolia part 76-104 or
carry safe bracket
82-897A
GPS Repeater (only required for G5 – see Section 9) Sartech

This list shows the equipment recommended for these tests. Alternative equivalents may be used; it is the
responsibility of the SBM provider to ensure that any such equipment is compatible and suitable.

Section 2 In order to perform the procedures outlined by IMO Circ 1039 you must be approved by
Orolia Ltd. You will therefore need to possess a valid Shore Based Maintenance
certificate. If your company does not have a valid certificate then please contact Orolia
Ltd Customer Service.

Section 3 False alerts

Section 3.2 Tests generate genuine distress messages and live tests must be conducted within a screened
enclosure; the only exception is the self-test. These may be conducted without any screening
as the procedures described do not generate valid distress transmissions.
Note: ITU (International Telecommunication Union) regulations recommend that self test
should only be performed during the first 5 minutes of every hour.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 1 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

Section 4 Maintenance
Section 4.1 The EPIRB should be inspected and tested in accordance with IMO MSC/Circ. 1040, as
documented in Orolia Ltd leaflet 82-1040. The history of Annual Maintenance for the EPIRB
should be verified.

Section 4.2 Shore-based maintenance must be performed at the interval specified by the flag
Administration, which must not exceed five years. (IMO recommend that this maintenance be
performed at the same time as the battery is changed.)

Section 5 Self-test
Note that self test operation should be limited to the first 5 minutes of every hour in accordance with ITU
recommendations.

Section 5.1 Self test

1. Press the TEST button until the red LED lights indicating that the self test is running, then release
the button.
2. The EPIRB will test its internal components and then make test transmissions at 121.5 and 406
MHz whilst monitoring the transmitter output.
3. If all tests are successful, the buzzer will sound and the red LED and white strobe LED will flash
together a number of times.
4. If any test is unsuccessful, nothing will flash and the red LED will go out.

Operation of this test for the Smartfind Plus is identical, except that the green LED will also flash.

The number of times the LEDs flash is an indication of the accumulated time the battery has been in use – as
long as the strobe flashes at least once then the unit has passed self test.

Accumulated Battery Use (hours) Number of flashes/beeps

0 to 4 3
4 to 6 2
More than 6 1

Section 5.3 The EPIRB produces a single 406 MHz transmission during self-test. This may be verified by
continuing to monitor for 406MHz transmission for 1 minute after the EPIRB has successfully
completed the self-test sequence. There should be no further indications from the EPIRB after
the strobe has flashed 3 times.
Note: If the self test button is held down after completion of the test the unit will go
into a GPS test – this may be required as part of the IMO Circ 1039.

Note:
The 121.5MHz transmission made during self test is unmodulated. Therefore it will not be picked up by
the ARG5410 Mk1 message reader or by an air band radio receiver. The self test inherently checks the
121.5 and 406 power as part of the test. However if the 121.5MHz must be checked during self test then a
Spectrum Analyser or a suitable EPIRB tester will be required to record the transmission.

Section 6 Battery change

The EPIRB battery has a shelf life of 5 years minimum from date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is
marked on the battery pack and the expiry date is marked on the front of the EPIRB under the lens dome and
also on the side of the enclosure where applicable.

If the battery requires to be changed at the same time as this maintenance is performed, refer to the appropriate
section of the Orolia Ltd Service Manual (82-992). Replacement batteries are supplied as a kit. The kit contains
all necessary parts including new expiry date labels.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 2 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

Section 7 Distress transmission
Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3
Section 7.1 of the Circular requires that the EPIRB message is read and the frequency checked during live
transmission; accordingly these tests must be performed in a screened enclosure or screened room. The Circular
also requires that the EPIRB is activated using the sea switch contacts.

However, it is not practical or good practice to short circuit the sea switch while the EPIRB is inside the screened
enclosure and damage could occur to the unit. Consequently the testing consists of checking that the EPIRB is
correctly activated using the sea switch, then performing the remaining tests using the EPIRB ON switch.

Sea Switch test

The sea switch contacts are gold plated and so care should be taken not to damage or scratch them
1. Short-circuit the sea switch contacts
2. The red LED should light within 3 seconds and the strobe flash
3. Remove the short circuit
4. The red LED should go out within 8 seconds
5. Place unit into manual bracket or apply magnet to disable the sea switch.
6. Short-circuit the sea switch contacts again
7. The unit should not activate.

To avoid a live transmission the unit must not be allowed to activate for more
than 50 seconds.
If the red LED starts to flash, you have made a live transmission.
Provided that the sea switch test is satisfactory, the remainder of this section may be conducted using the ON
switch to activate the EPIRB. If the EPIRB does not pass the test, it must be serviced.

Live test and Message read

Transmissions may be checked using a Message Reader; a typical instrument is the ARG5410 which will be
used to describe the process. (The complete operation of the Reader is detailed in its handbook and is not
repeated here.) Note that there is a 50 second delay before the EPIRB transmits.

11:25
Mesg#11 NORMAL OK
Typical Reader screen ID: 9D0D071D3B00013
406.0282 MHz PASS

The procedure is as follows:

1. Position the Reader approx. 1 m (3 feet) from the EPIRB in a screened room, or connect the Reader to an
antenna inside the screened enclosure, as appropriate.
2. Use a probe to push back the switch arm and then slide the switch to the ON position.

3. Ensure that the red LED comes on.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 3 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

 4. Confirm the strobe flashes regularly every few seconds, the green (if fitted) and red LEDs lights and the
buzzer sounds.
5. If using a screened box place the unit in the screened box within 50 seconds.
6. On the Reader select Receive mode
7. After approx 50 seconds the Reader should receive a 406MHz transmission.
8. Ensure that the Hex ID is correct. Confirm the Flag state and the Serial No / MMSI / Callsign agree with the
label on the EPIRB.
9. Confirm the frequency is within the limits for the EPIRB: 406.028 MHz
10. If the frequency is not correct, it is permissible to repeat the test several times to allow the EPIRB circuitry
to warm up.
11. Select receive again on the message reader: the EPIRB should now be transmitting on 121.5MHz
(continuous sweep tones) and the reader should detect this. This proves the 121.5 MHz homer is radiating
and modulating correctly. Note: This satisfies Section 8 of the Circular.
12. Wait until completion of the next 121 and 406 transmissions, then open the enclosure, remove the EPIRB
and switch it off by sliding the switch to the right. The EPIRB will stop transmitting immediately.

Section 7.4 Power output

This test verifies the transmitted power of the EPIRB. It uses the self-test mode, and so does not require a
screened enclosure; however, as previously noted, self test operation should be limited to the first 5 minutes of
every hour.

11:29
Mesg#14 S’TEST OK
ID: 9D0D076D3C00017
Typical self-test screen 406.0283 MHz PASS

The procedure is as follows:

1. On the Reader select receive mode
2. Position the Reader 3 m (10 feet) from the EPIRB and clear of obstructions in the direct line
3. Press the TEST button on the EPIRB. Take care not to obstruct the transmission path.
4. After a few seconds the Reader should receive a self test transmission.
5. The Reader should report SELF TEST OK/successful message read

Section 8 121.5 MHz homing transmission

The message reading test in Section 7 includes verification of the 121.5 MHz homing transmission.

Section 9 GNSS test

The GNSS test is required for G5 EPIRBs only. E5 models do not receive GNSS transmissions.

The test is performed by placing a suitable source of GPS data (eg a GPS repeater or simulator) above the
EPIRB in a screened enclosure or room and repeating the Message Read procedure described in Section 7. The
message reading instrument must be capable of decoding correctly the position information contained within the
transmission. The position information produced from the source (which varies according to the type of source
used) must be read correctly. (It may be necessary to scroll through the Reader screens – refer to the
instructions for the particular Reader.)

An alternative method of GNSS test is:

1. Take a message reader and the EPIRB to an area where a GPS position can be received.
2. Press the TEST button to start the self test.
3. Put the message reader into receive mode.
4. On completion of the self test press and hold the TEST button for about 15 seconds until the red LED
lights again. This is the start of the internal long GPS test. This will take 15 minutes.
5. If the GPS receiver acquires a position the green LED will light at the end of the test and the buzzer will
sound 10 times. (for a more detailed description of this test please see the user manual).
6. On completion of the test and after the buzzer the unit will transmit one 406MHz message complete with
GPS position.
7. Confirm GPS position on the message reader.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 4 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

Section 10 Sealing test
The leak test raises the air pressure inside the EPIRB and checks that no air bubbles escape when the EPIRB is
submerged in water. (Since the EPIRB is buoyant it must be retained under the water.)

Section 10.1
Before undertaking leak testing, inspect the EPIRB for cracks and other signs of mechanical damage.

Drain holes Note that the EPIRB is designed to allow water to circulate around the outer edge of
the dome (inside the outer clear plastic edge but outside the waterproof seal),
consequently a volume of water in this area is of no consequence. Drain holes allow
this water to escape – ensure that these are not blocked.

Section 10.3 Gross leak test

Use hot water at +60º ±5º C. Cooler water will not raise the air pressure enough; hotter water is dangerous and
may scald the operator or damage the EPIRB.
1. Fit the unit in the manual bracket or secure a magnet (a rubber band works well) to the EPIRB to
prevent it activating when immersed.
2. Immerse the EPIRB in the hot water, using protective gloves or a holding device. The use of
goggles is recommended.
3. Dislodge ALL trapped air from the unit.
4. For the next 5 minutes check the EPIRB for any escaping bubbles. HOT
5. If there is any sign of escaping bubbles, remove EPIRB quickly.
6. Remove EPIRB from water, wipe thoroughly dry.
7. Remove the magnet or bracket.

Any escape of bubbles must be corrected. Disassemble, rebuild and re-test, following the procedures in the
Service Manual.

Drying out the EPIRB

A gross leak may still lead to water inside the EPIRB. If this occurs, then disassemble the EPIRB and dry its
component parts in an oven at +40 to +60º C. Most parts will dry in a few hours; however the battery packs trap
water and should be left in the oven for at least 16 hours. The oven is necessary; the battery will NOT dry out if
left at room temperature.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 5 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

Section 11 Labelling inspection
Section 11.1.1 Check that the manufacturers Serial Number is recorded on the PCB (seen through the clear
lens on the top of the unit) and on the auto release cover if fitted.

Section 11.1.2 Check that the 15 Hex ID, shown on the label fitted to the rear of the EPIRB, corresponds with
the data recorded during the Message reading test described in Section 7.

Section 11.1.3 The battery expiry date is recorded on the label fitted to the EPIRB.

Section 11.1.4 The fitting of a label showing the date when the next shore-based maintenance is due is the
responsibility of the SBM provider. However, the presence of this label must be checked.

Section 12 SBM report and documentation

Section 12.1 The Maintenance Record, Orolia Ltd document QA4212 or QA4249 (or similar) as appropriate,
must be completed as a record of the maintenance. A label must be affixed to the EPIRB
showing the SBM provider’s details and the date when the next SBM test is due.

Section 12.2 The IMO circ suggests that a tamperproof seal may be fitted. This is not required as a tamper
proof tab is provided with this product.

Section 12.3 If practicable, the EPIRB registration details should be checked with the appropriate beacon
registry for the Flag state of the vessel.

Disclaimer
The information and illustrations contained in this publication are to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print.
We reserve the right to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part of our
policy of continuous product development and improvement. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise without permission in writing from McMurdo Limited. No liability can be
accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in the publication, although every care has been taken to make it as complete and
accurate as possible.

For more information contact:

Orolia Limited
Silver Point, Airport Service Road, Portsmouth, Hants, United Kingdom PO3 5PB
Telephone: Int + 44 (0)23 9262 3900
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mcmurdomarine.com
82-1039N Issue 3

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 6 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

 APPENDIX
MSC/Circ.1039

Reproduction of IMO Circular 1039

28 May 2002

ANNEX

GUIDELINES FOR SHORE-BASED MAINTENANCE OF

SATELLITE EPIRBs

1 Introduction

1.1 The purpose of these guidelines is to establish standardised procedures and minimum levels
of service for the testing and maintenance of satellite EPIRBs to ensure maximum reliability whilst
minimising the risk of false distress alerting.

1.2 The guidelines are intended to be applicable both to 406 MHz EPIRBs and to L-band
EPIRBs, as either type may be carried to comply with the requirements of SOLAS regulation
IV/7.1.6. EPIRBs may include 121.5 MHz transmitters, or Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) receivers.

1.3 The guidelines also apply to service exchange EPIRBs which should be properly encoded to
match the appropriate registration database.

2 Shore-based maintenance (SBM) provider

2.1 The SBM provider should:

.1 have a quality control system audited by a competent authority in respect of its

servicing operation;

.2 have access to adequate calibrated test equipment and facilities to carry out the SBM
in accordance with these guidelines;

.3 have access to batteries and other spare parts to the original equipment specification;

.4 have access to up-to-date technical manuals, service bulletins and the latest software
versions as provided by the original equipment manufacturer;

.5 keep records of maintenance, available for inspection by the Administration as may be

required;

.6 ensure that all personnel responsible for supervising and for carrying out the
maintenance procedures are adequately trained and fully competent to perform their
duties; and

.7 issue a shore-based maintenance report with a list of the test results and maintenance
performed.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 7 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

 APPENDIX
MSC/Circ.1039

3 Prevention of false distress alerts

3.1 Throughout the testing and maintenance process, great care must be taken to avoid the
transmission of false distress alerts. The transmissions may be picked up by aircraft as well as
satellites.

3.2 A radio-frequency-screened room or enclosure should be used for all maintenance procedures
involving, or likely to involve, any transmission from an EPIRB.

3.3 Provision of a 121.5 MHz monitor receiver is required; this will pick up the homing
transmitter and give a warning if the EPIRB is accidentally activated outside the screened enclosure.

3.4 If a distress signal is transmitted accidentally, the local RCC should be contacted immediately
and informed of the co-ordinates of the test site.

4 Maintenance service interval

4.1 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs should be inspected and tested in accordance with MSC/Circ.
1040.

4. 2 Shore-based maintenance of all satellite EPIRBs, as defined in paragraph 1.2, should be

carried out in accordance with these guidelines at intervals specified by the flag Administration and
not exceeding 5 years. It is recommended that the maintenance be performed at the time when the
battery is to be changed.

5 Self-test

5.1 Prior to carrying out any maintenance and, upon completion, a self-test should be performed,
following the instructions on the equipment, and the results noted.

5.2 Attention is drawn to paragraph 3 on the prevention of false distress alerts. Avoidance of live
transmissions is required to prevent unnecessary loading of the satellite channels.

5.3 It should be verified that the self-test mode operates properly. This check could be performed
by holding the switch in self-test mode position for 1 mm after the first self-test mode burst
transmission. All transmissions should cease after releasing the self-test mode switch. Additionally,
for 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs which received the COSPAS-SARSAT type approval after October
1998 (Type Approval Certificates 106 and higher) the number of self-test bursts should be verified to
be no more than one.

6 Battery change

6.1 The main battery should be changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations,
including the replacement of any other routine service parts (e.g. seals, memory battery, desiccant).

6.2 The removed batteries should be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s and/or
national/local recommendations.

6.3 After having changed the battery, the new expiration date should be displayed on the exterior
surface of the EPIRB.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 8 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

 APPENDIX
MSC/Circ.1039

7 Satellite distress transmission

7.1 The satellite EPIRB should be activated in its normal transmitting mode (i.e. not just self-
test). Attention is drawn to paragraph 3 on the prevention of false distress alerts. Where seawater
contacts are fitted, these should be connected together to activate the EPIRB.

7.2 The transmitted signal should be checked with a suitable test receiver to verify the signal
integrity and coding.

7.3 The frequency of the transmitted signal should be recorded and verified to be within the limits
required by the specification to which it is approved.

7.4 The output power of the transmitter should be checked in the self-test mode. A simple method
of the emission verification, such as a low sensitivity receiver placed at an unobstructed distance of at
least 3 m from the EPJRB antenna, may be used for this check. The original equipment manufacturer
may suggest an appropriate method to verify the output power. Attention is drawn to paragraph 3 on
the prevention of false distress alerts.

8 121.5 MHz homing transmission

8.1 The satellite EPIRB should be activated in its normal transmitting mode (i.e. not just self-
test). Attention is drawn to paragraph 3 on the prevention of false distress alerts. Where seawater
contacts are fitted, these should be connected together to activate the EPIRB.

8.2 The transmitted signal should be checked with a suitable test receiver for the characteristic
swept tone modulation.

9 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

9.1 Some satellite EPIRBs are designed to transmit a position derived from a GNSS receiver,
which may be internal or external to the EPLRB.

9.2 The original equipment (EPIRB) manufacturer should be consulted for a method of testing the
correct operation of this function, e.g.: by using a GNSS repeater/simulator or external input. This test
may involve a live transmission from the EPIRB and should be performed in a screened room or
enclosure in accordance with paragraph 3.2. Attention is drawn to paragraph 3 on the prevention of
false distress alerts.

9.3 A test receiver should be used to verify that the signal transmitted by the satellite EPIRB
contains the correctly encoded position data derived from the GNSS receiver. Attention is drawn to
paragraph 3 on the prevention of false distress alerts.

10 Waterproof integrity

10.1 The satellite EPIRB should be inspected for any signs of damage or cracks to the casing, or of
water ingress. Any damaged item should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommended procedures.

10.2 The satellite EPIRB should be tested for waterproof integrity at the end of the SBM. The
equipment manufacturer may suggest an appropriate method to test the integrity of the EPIRB.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 9 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3

 APPENDIX
MSC/Circ.1039

10.3 One method involves immersing the equipment in hot water (20-300C above ambient) for a
period of 1 mm. It can be readily seen if there are any problems with the seals, as the air inside the
beacon expands and escapes as a stream of bubbles. This test should not be carried out with cool
water, as the water may be drawn into the equipment without showing significant release of air
bubbles.

10.4 Satellite EPIRBs equipped with seawater switches should have this function disabled during
the immersion test to prevent activation, unless the complete test is performed inside a screened room.
This disabling may be achieved by immersing the EPIRB complete with a mounting bracket if the
bracket includes an interlock to prevent activation before release. In some cases the EPIRB contains
an inversion switch, so it will not be activated if immersed in the inverted position. The manufacturer
should be consulted for specific guidance.

11 Labelling

11.1 As a minimum, the equipment external labelling should be checked for the following details:

.1 manufacturer’s serial number. This identifies the equipment, even if the programmed
data (e.g. MMSI or callsign) is later changed;

.2 the transmitted identification code:

- for L-band EPIRBs, it will be the Inmarsat System Code; and

- for 406 MHz EPIRBs, this will be the beacon 15 Hexadecimal Identification
(15 Hex ID) and other encoded identification information (MMSI / callsign)
as required by the Administration. It should be verified that the label matches
the information decoded from the self-test mode transmission using the test
receiver. For the COSPAS-SARSAT location protocol beacons, the 15 Hex ID
should correspond to position data set to default values;

.3 the expiration date of the battery; and

.4 the date when the next shore-based maintenance is due (see paragraph 12.1).

11.2 The above checks also apply if a replacement EPIRB is provided by the SBM provider.

12 Shore-based maintenance report and other documentation

12.1 The results of shore-based maintenance should be provided in the form of a shore-based
maintenance report, a copy of which is to be kept on board, and a label affixed to the exterior of the
beacon detailing the name of the SBM provider and the date when the next shore-based maintenance
is due.

12.2 The SBM provider may affix a tamperproof seal or similar device on completion of the SBM.

12.3 Before returning the beacon to the owner, or when providing a replacement beacon, the SBM
provider should check the registration details with the beacon registry, where practicable.

E5/G5 SBM Guidelines Page 10 of 10 82-1039N Issue 3