IEC 61097-5:1997

INTERNATIONAL
IEC
STANDARD 61097-5
First edition
1997-12
Global maritime distress and safety
system (GMDSS) –
Part 5:
Inmarsat-E – Emergency position indicating
radio beacon (EPIRB) operating through the
Inmarsat system – Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and required
test results
Système mondial de détresse et de sécurité
en mer (SMDSM) –
Partie 5:
Inmarsat-E – Balises radioélectriques de position de détresse
du système Inmarsat – Exigences d’exploitation et de
fonctionnement, méthodes d’essai et résultats d’essai exigés

Reference number
IEC 61097-5: 1997(E)
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publication de base incorporant l’amendement 1, et la incorporating amendment 1 and the base publication

publication de base incorporant les amendements 1 incorporating amendments 1 and 2.

et 2.
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se reportera à la CEI 60050: Vocabulaire Electro- IEC 60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
technique International (VEI). (IEV).
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utiliser en électrotechnique, ymboles be used in electrical technology, IEC 60417: Graphical
la CEI 60417: S
graphiques utilisables sur le matériel. Index, relevé et symbols for use on equipment. Index, survey and
compilation des feuilles individuelles, et la CEI 60617: compilation of the single sheets and IEC 60617:
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INTERNATIONAL
IEC
STANDARD
61097-5
First edition
1997-12
Global maritime distress and safety
system (GMDSS) –
Part 5:
Inmarsat-E – Emergency position indicating
radio beacon (EPIRB) operating through the
Inmarsat system – Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and required
test results
Système mondial de détresse et de sécurité
en mer (SMDSM) –
Partie 5:
Inmarsat-E – Balises radioélectriques de position de détresse
du système Inmarsat – Exigences d’exploitation et de
fonctionnement, méthodes d’essai et résultats d’essai exigés

 IEC 1997 Copyright - all rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: +41 22 919 0300 e-mail: inmail@iec.ch IEC web site http: //www.iec.ch
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
PRICE CODE
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International Electrotechnical Commission
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . 5

Clause
1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references. 7

3 Definitions and abbreviations. 8
3.1 Definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 10
4 General and operational requirements. 10
4.1 Purpose . 10
4.2 General . 11
4.3 Operational . 11
4.4 Float-free release . 12
4.5 Maintenance. 12
4.6 Safety precautions. 12
4.7 Safety from electromagnetic RF radiation. 12
4.8 Equipment handbook . 12
4.9 Labelling . 13
4.10 Installation. 14
5 Technical characteristics. 14
5.1 Purpose . 14
5.2 General . 14
5.3 Operational . 14
5.4 Manual distress alert initiation. 15
5.5 Float-free arrangements . 16
5.6 Transmission delay on activation . 16
5.7 Satellite signal frequency. 17
5.8 Technical characteristics and message format . 17
5.9 Distress message. 18

5.10 Ship station identity . 18
5.11 Test facilities . 18
5.12 Modulation, frequency shift and coding . 19
5.13 Antenna characteristics . 19
5.14 Radiation and output power . 19
5.15 Total transmission duration. 19
5.16 Duty cycle . 19
5.17 Power source . 20
5.18 Environment . 20
5.19 Safety precautions. 21
5.20 Interference EMC . 21
5.21 Compass safe distance . 21

61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 3 –
Clause Page
6 Methods of testing and required test results . 21

6.1 General . 21

6.2 Test frequency . 22

6.3 Additional facilities. 22

6.4 Test arrangements . 22

6.5 Test conditions . 23

6.6 Normal test conditions . 23

6.7 Extreme test conditions . 23
6.8 Climatic control systems. . 23
6.9 Test sequence. 23
6.10 Performance check. 24
6.11 Performance test. 24
6.12 Performance criteria . 24
6.13 Measurement uncertainty. 24
7 Environmental tests. 25
7.1 General . 25
7.2 Dry heat . 25
7.3 Damp heat . 25
7.4 Low temperature . 25
7.5 Thermal shock. 25
7.6 Immersion . 25
7.7 Drop test into water . 25
7.8 Vibration. 25
7.9 Ruggedness . 26
7.10 Rain . 26
7.11 Solar radiation . 26
7.12 Oil resistance . 26
7.13 Corrosion . 26
7.14 Safety criteria for batteries. 26
8 Tests of technical characteristics. 27
8.1 General . 27
8.2 Power source capacity test at low temperature test . 30

8.3 Antenna characteristics, radiation and output power. 30
8.4 Output power under extreme test voltage. 31
8.5 Transmitter. 32
8.6 Signal format. 33
8.7 Antenna mismatch. 33
9 Safety . 33
9.1 Electromagnetic RF radiation. 33
9.2 Safety test for VDU. 34
9.3 Safety test for X radiation . 34
10 Compass safe distance . 34

– 4 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
Clause Page
11 Unwanted electromagnetic emission. 34

11.1 Radiated emission . 34

11.2 Conducted emission . 35

12 Electromagnetic immunity . 35

12.1 General . 35

12.2 Conducted LF interference . 35

12.3 Conducted RF interference . 35

12.4 Radiated RF interference. 35
12.5 Immunity to fast transients. 35
12.6 Immunity to surges on a.c. power lines . 35
12.7 Immunity to power supply short term variations . 36
12.8 Immunity to power supply failure. 36
12.9 Immunity to electrostatic discharge . 36
Annexes
A – Sequence of tests . 37
B – Technical standard for 121,5 MHz homing device . 39
C – Manually activated satellite EPIRB without a float-free mechanism. 45

61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

_________
GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) –

Part 5: Inmarsat-E – Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

operating through the Inmarsat system – Operational and performance

requirements, methods of testing and required test results

FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61097-5 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 80:
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting
80/146/FDIS 80/163/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
Annexes A, B and C form an integral part of this standard.
The French version of this standard will be issued separately.

– 6 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) –

Part 5: Inmarsat-E – Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

operating through the Inmarsat system – Operational and performance

requirements, methods of testing and required test results

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61097 specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements,
technical characteristics, methods of testing and required test results of the satellite
emergency position indicating radio beacon used in the Inmarsat-E satellite system (satellite
EPIRB), as required by Regulation IV/7.1.6 of the 1988 amendments to the 1974 International
Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and which is associated with IEC 60945. When a
requirement in this standard is different from IEC 60945, the requirement in this standard shall
take precedence.
This standard incorporates the performance standards of IMO Resolutions A.662(16) and
A.812(19). It also incorporates the relevant ITU Radio-Regulations and the technical
characteristics for satellite EPIRBs as contained in Recommendation ITU-R M 632-2 (formerly
CCIR Recommendation 632), and takes account of the general requirements contained in
IMO Resolution A.694(17), as detailed in IEC 60945.
This standard does not incorporate the Inmarsat system requirements needed for Inmarsat
type approval and for which the latest edition of the Inmarsat-E System definition manual
should be consulted. When a requirement in this standard is different from that in the Inmarsat-E
System definition manual, reference shall be made to the most recent IMO and ITU applicable
documents to resolve the difficulty.
This standard covers the following categories of satellite EPIRB:
Category 1 – Satellite EPIRB with position updating from the ship’s navigational installation and
9 GHz SART.
Category 2 – Satellite EPIRB with position updating from an integral facility for automatic
position updating.
Category 1 or 2 with the addition of a 121,5 MHz homing transmitter.
Category 1 or 2 with remote control meeting the requirements of Regulation IV subclauses
1)
10.1.4.3 and 10.2.3.2.2 of the 1988 amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention.
Both categories of EPIRBs are to be considered as “portable”, as defined in IEC 60945 except
as required in 5.18.2 for the release mechanism. The remote control unit, if included, shall be
considered as “protected” equipment.
–––––––––––
1)
To meet the requirements for remote activation, a remote control unit is required which is capable of remote
activation and deactivation and feeding “nature of distress” information to the satellite EPIRB.

61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 7 –
This standard also includes minimum performance standards for a manually activated satellite
EPIRB without float-free release mechanism (see annex C).

Preconditioning as defined in IEC 60945 is not required before beginning the type testing
procedure.
All text of this standard, the wording of which is identical to that in the IMO SOLAS Convention
as amended and IMO Resolutions A.658(16), A.662(16), A.694(17), A.702(17) and A.812(19),

and Recommendation ITU-R M.632-2 (formerly CCIR Recommendation 632) will be printed in

italics and the resolution or recommendation and paragraph number indicated between

brackets.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of IEC 61097. At the time of publication, the editions indicated
were valid. All normative documents are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based
on this part of IEC 61097 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent edition of the normative documents indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60050:1970, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV)
IEC 60086-4:1996, Primary batteries – Part 4: Safety standard for lithium batteries
IEC 60945:1996, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems –
General requirements – Methods of testing and required test results
IEC 61097-1:1992, Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) – Part 1: Radar
Transponder – Marine search and rescue (SART) – Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and required test results
IEC 61108-1:1996, Global navigational satellite systems (GNSS) – Part 1: Global positioning
system (GPS) – Receiver equipment – Performance standards, methods of testing, and
required test results
International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): 1974 as amended – Chapter IV:
Radiocommunications
IMO Resolution A.658(16):1989, Use and fitting of retro-reflective materials on life-saving
appliances
IMO Resolution A.662(16):1989, Performance standards for float-free release and activation
arrangements for emergency radio equipment
IMO Resolution A.689(17):1991, Testing of life-saving appliances
IMO Resolution A.694(17):1991, General requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming
part of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) and for electronic navigational
aids
IMO Resolution A.702(17):1991, Radio maintenance guidelines for the GMDSS related to sea
areas A3 and A4
– 8 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
IMO Resolution A.802(19):1995, Performance standards for survival craft radar transponders
for use in search and rescue operations

IMO Resolution A.812(19):1995, Performance standards for float-free satellite EPIRBs

operating through the geostationary Inmarsat satellite system on 1,6 GHz

IMO Resolution A.819(19):1995, Performance standards for shipborne Global positioning

system (GPS) receiver equipment

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations:1996

Recommendation ITU-R M.632-3 (formerly CCIR Recommendation 632):1997, Transmission

characteristics of a satellite emergency indicating radio beacon (Satellite EPIRB) system
operating through geostationary satellites in the 1,6 GHz band
Recommendation ITU-R M.690-1 (formerly CCIR Recommendation 690):1995, Transmission
characteristics of emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) operating on the
carrier frequencies of 121,5 MHz and 243 MHz
Report ITU-R M.1178 (formerly report CCIR 1178) – Efficient use of the band 1 544 MHz –
1 545 MHz and 1 645,5 MHz – 1 646,5 MHz
Inmarsat:1997, Inmarsat-E System Definition Manual (SDM)
3 Definitions and abbreviations
Definitions, abbreviations and symbols listed hereunder are taken from IEC 60050:
International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) or specially defined for use in this standard.
3.1 Definitions
For the purpose of this part of IEC 61097, the following definitions apply:
3.1.1
activation
a specific action or event which causes the satellite EPIRB to transmit distress alerts according
to the specified time schedule
3.1.2
deactivation
a specific action or event which causes the transmitting satellite EPIRB to cease its activated
mode until reactivated
3.1.3
equipment
a satellite EPIRB, its release mechanism and any remote control unit which may be associated
with it
3.1.4
externally mounted equipment
units of the equipment intended for external (outside) mounting, namely the satellite EPIRB and
its release mechanism
61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 9 –
3.1.5
frequency (message content test)

the frequency allocated to the message content test facility, namely 1 645 600 000 Hz

(Channel 000) used for checking the message content by suitably qualified personnel equipped

with a test receiver
3.1.6
frequency (operational)
early models of Inmarsat-E EPIRBs were required to transmit alternately in the frequency
bands 1 644,3 MHz to 1 644,5 MHz and 1 645,6 MHz to 1 645,8 MHz to allow compatibility with

the first and second generations of Inmarsat space segments. Inmarsat has now declared

(1997-03-19) that the Inmarsat first generation space segment (spare and operational) has
been completely replaced and that henceforth, all Inmarsat-E EPIRBs submitted to Inmarsat for
type approval will be permitted to transmit in the frequency band from 1 645,6 MHz to
1 645,8 MHz only. With effect from June 1 1997, it will be mandatory for Inmarsat-E EPIRBs
submitted for type approval to transmit in the band 1 645,6 MHz to 1 645,8 MHz only
3.1.7
frequency (type testing)
until further notice by Inmarsat, the operational frequency allocated for transmission during
st nd
type testing shall be 1 645 799 800 Hz. Where the EPIRB transmits in both the 1 and 2
generation space segment frequency bands, this frequency shall be used for type testing in
both bands
3.1.8
internally mounted equipment
units of the equipment, e.g. remote control unit, intended for internal mounting (below deck)
3.1.9
Inmarsat-E SDM
Inmarsat-E System definition manual. A document produced and maintained by Inmarsat which
gives all system technical requirements for the 1,6 GHz EPIRB and for its approval for
utilisation of the space segment. It also reflects the applicable IMO performance requirements
3.1.10
peak effective power (PEP)
the average power during one radio frequency cycle at the crest of the modulation envelope
(see annex B)
3.1.11
radiated power
the power supplied to the antenna by the transmitter (measured at the highest crest of the
modulation envelope) multiplied by the gain of the antenna in a given direction
3.1.12
release mechanism
a fixture which allows the satellite EPIRB to float free automatically
3.1.13
remote control unit
a unit which allows the satellite EPIRB, while mounted in the release mechanism, to be
activated from a position other than its installation point

– 10 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
3.1.14
satellite EPIRB
an earth station in the mobile satellite service (MSS) the emissions of which are intended to

facilitate search and rescue (SAR) operations

3.1.15
standby mode
the satellite EPIRB is ready to be activated, manually or automatically and thus capable of

subsequent manual or automatic activation when floating free of its release mechanism

3.2 Abbreviations
eirp equivalent isotropically radiated power
EPFD Electronic Position Fixing Device
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
FSK Frequency Shift Keying
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GPS Global Positioning System
IMO International Maritime Organization
Inmarsat International Mobile Satellite Organisation
MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity
nm nautical mile
PEP Peak Effective Power
RHCP Right Hand Circular Polarised
SAR Search And Rescue
SART Search and Rescue Radar Transponder
SOLAS International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea

4 General and operational requirements
4.1 Purpose
This clause includes the requirements for which no repeatable or verifiable test can be
specified or for which the test is limited to the verification of the documentation presented by
the manufacturer. It contains all operational tests, particularly those involving subjective
judgement and which shall be conducted by qualified personnel.
The requirements listed in this clause are in addition to the relevant requirements of 4.2 of
IEC 60945.
61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 11 –
4.2 General
4.2.1 (SOLAS IV/7.1.6.3) The satellite EPIRB shall be ready to be manually released, be

capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft, incorporate a permanently

attached antenna, and be designed as one integral unit. No part of it shall be detachable

without the use of tools.
4.2.2 The manufacturer shall present evidence to show that transmission only occurs if

battery voltage is sufficient to ensure correct operation (see 5.17.6), frequency lock is achieved

and transmitter output power sufficient to generate an eirp of at least –3 dBW is detected.

4.3 Operational
The satellite EPIRB shall:
4.3.1 (A.812(19)/2.4.1) be fitted with adequate means to prevent inadvertent activation and
deactivation. The satellite EPIRB shall not be activated when water washes over it while it is in
its release mechanism.
4.3.2 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.6) be capable of manual activation and manual deactivation.
4.3.3 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.7) be provided with means to indicate that signals are being emitted.
(See also 5.3.6.)
The satellite EPIRB shall be provided with either an audible or a visual indication or both to
show that signals are being emitted.
An indication shall be given also at all places from which EPIRB activation is possible.
4.3.4 (A.662(16)/5) be capable of being released manually from the float-free mechanism
without tools.
4.3.5 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.11) be of highly visible yellow/orange colour and be fitted with retro-
reflective material.
A band of retro-reflective material, at least 25 mm wide, encircling that part of the satellite
EPIRB body which is normally above the waterline, shall be acceptable.
Documentation shall also be provided to show that the retro-reflective material meets the
performance requirements of A.658(16) Annex 2 for type II material.

4.3.6 (SOLAS III/33.2.3) have all controls of sufficient size for simple and satisfactory
operation and also be capable of being operated by a person wearing a survival suit.
4.3.7 (A.812(19)/A.2.7.1) have local manual activation, remote activation may also be
provided from the navigating bridge, while the device is installed in the float-free mounting.
4.3.8 (A.812(19)/2.8) Any connection to the EPIRB, e.g. for the purpose of supply of data or
power, shall be corrosion resistant and protected against accidental disconnection.

– 12 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
4.4 Float-free release
The float-free arrangement shall:

4.4.1 (A.662(16)/2.3) be constructed of non-corrosive compatible materials, so as to prevent

deterioration which may cause any malfunction of the unit. Galvanizing or other forms of

metallic coating on parts of the float-free release mechanism shall not be accepted. (See 7.1.3).

4.4.2 (A.662(16)/2.5) including the label not be unduly affected by seawater or oil or both or

prolonged exposure to sunlight.

4.4.3 have its release mechanism fitted with adequate means to prevent inadvertent
activation.
4.4.4 (A.662(16)/4) It shall be possible to assess the proper functioning of the automatic
release mechanism by a simple method without activation of the satellite EPIRB.
4.5 (A.702(17)/3.2) Maintenance
It shall be recognised that despite the use of other methods, some reliance on shore based
maintenance to ensure the availability of the functional requirements of the GMDSS will always
be necessary.
As defined in 4.2 the satellite EPIRB is a single integral unit which is not suited for on-board
repairs. As a consequence, the equipment shall be so constructed that it is readily accessible
for inspection and testing purposes only.
Documentation shall be presented to show that provision is made for detection of fault
conditions to the extent compatible with the above paragraph.
4.6 Safety precautions
4.6.1 All practicable steps shall be taken to ensure that the equipment is in accordance with
A.694(17)/(7.1 and 7.2) as detailed in 4.8.1 of IEC 60945.
4.6.2 The exterior of the satellite EPIRB shall have no sharp edges or projections which might
damage inflatable liferafts or injure personnel.
4.6.3 Documentation shall be provided to show compliance with IEC 60086-4 (see also 7.14).
4.6.4 It shall not be possible to connect the battery with reverse polarity.

4.7 Safety from electromagnetic RF radiation
Documentation shall be submitted by the manufacturer to demonstrate that in no case can the
2)
power level exceed the required safety limits during operation of the equipment.
4.8 Equipment handbook
Adequate information, as needed to comply with 4.5, shall be provided to enable the equipment
to be properly installed, operated, and tested.
–––––––––––
2) 2
If a maximum eirp of +3 dBW is assumed, a power density level of 100 W/m can be expected at a distance of
40 mm from the antenna centre.

61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 13 –
Instructions shall also be included concerning:

– limitation of self-testing to the minimum necessary to ensure confidence in the operation of

the satellite EPIRB;
– battery replacement; and
– the avoidance of false alarms.

4.9 Labelling
4.9.1 Labelling for the satellite EPIRB

(A.694(17)/9) Each unit of equipment shall be marked externally with the following information
which, where practicable, shall be clearly visible in the normal installed position:
a) identification of the manufacturer;
b) equipment type number or model identification under which it was type tested;
c) serial number of the unit (see 4.11 of IEC 60945).
(A.812(19)/4) In addition to the items specified in IMO Resolution A.694(17) on general
requirements the following shall be clearly indicated on the exterior of the equipment. (see also
Inmarsat-E SDM Module 2A Part 1);
1 (A.812(19)/A.4.1) brief operating instructions in English, to provide for manual activation
and deactivation and self test;
2 a warning to the effect that the satellite EPIRB shall not be operated except in an
emergency;
3 (A.812(19)/A.4.2) type and expiry date for the primary power source (batteries) used.
(see 5.17). Simple means shall be provided for changing this date when the battery is
replaced;
4 compass safe distance (see clause 10)
5 in addition, space for name, call sign or MMSI of the ship, and any other nationally required
item.
4.9.2 (A.662(16)/2.9) Labelling for the float-free release mechanism
The float-free release mechanism shall carry a label or labels affixed in such a position as to
be visible when it is installed and indicating clearly in English:
1 the operating instructions for manual release;
2 the type designation;
3 maintenance and/or replacement dates (as applicable);
4 compass safe distance.
4.9.3 Labelling for the remote control panel
If a remote control panel is fitted, the following shall be clearly indicated in English on the
exterior of the equipment:
a) brief operating instructions to provide for activation, deactivation and self-test of the EPIRB;
and
b) a warning to the effect that “the satellite EPIRB shall not be operated except in an
emergency”;
c) compass safe distance.
– 14 – 61097-5 © IEC:1997(E)
4.10 Installation
Instructions shall be included in the equipment manual to ensure that the installed satellite

EPIRB shall:
4.10.1 (SOLAS IV/7.1.6.2) be installed in an easily accessible position;

4.10.2 (A.694(17)/2) be installed in such a manner that it is capable of meeting the

requirements of this standard;

4.10.3 (A.662(16)/2.8) be mounted in such a way that the satellite EPIRB, after being

released, is not obstructed by the structure of the sinking ship.
5 Technical characteristics
5.1 Purpose
This clause includes all IMO/ITU requirements for which a repeatable method of measurement
has been specified. The related test methods and required test results can be found in clause 6
and the following.
5.2 General
5.2.1 (A.812(19)/A.1) The satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) shall,
in addition to meeting the requirements of the Radio Regulations, the relevant ITU-R
Recommendations, the relevant Inmarsat technical requirements (Inmarsat-E SDM), and the
general requirements set out in resolution A.694(17), which is linked with IEC 60945, comply
with the performance standards set out in A.812(19).
5.2.2 (A.812(19)/A.2.1) The satellite EPIRB shall be capable of transmitting a distress alert to
a geostationary satellite, (Inmarsat space segment) when floating and shall also be capable of
operation on board a ship and on a survival craft.
5.2.3 The satellite EPIRB shall meet all requirements of this standard, except for those in
8.3.1 (radiated power), under any condition of antenna mismatch, such as that caused by
immersion, without being damaged in any way.
5.3 Operational
The satellite EPIRB shall:
5.3.1 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.2) be so designed that the electrical portions are watertight at a depth
of 10 m for at least 5 min. Consideration shall be given to a temperature variation of 45 °C
during transitions from the mounted position to immersion. The harmful effects of a marine
environment, condensation and water leakage shall not affect the performance of the beacon.
5.3.2 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.3) be automatically activated after floating free, or when floating
irrespective of the setting of any control. Manual deactivation shall cause the EPIRB to revert
to standby mode.
5.3.3 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.5) be equipped with a search and rescue radar transponder unless
integral facilities are included for automatic position updating after activation. The EPIRB shall
include a 9 GHz search and rescue radar transponder (SART) to enable it to be located by
interrogation and/or an integrated navigation receiver (EPFD) capable of updating the distress
alerts with the actual position of the EPIRB whilst it is afloat.

61097-5 © IEC:1997(E) – 15 –
A SART, if fitted, shall comply with IMO Resolution A.802(19) and clauses 3, 4, 5 and 6 of
IEC 61097-1.
A GPS receiver used as an EPFD, if fitted, shall comply with IMO Resolution A.819(19) as
applicable, and clauses 4 and 5 of IEC 61108-1.

5.3.4 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.8) be capable of floating upright in calm water and have positive
stability and sufficient buoyancy in all sea conditions.

5.3.5 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.12) be equipped with a buoyant captive lanyard, firmly attached to it
suitable for use as a tether for survivors or from a survival craft in the water. It shall be so

arranged as to prevent its being trapped in the ship’s structure when floating free.
The buoyant lanyard shall have a length of between 5 m and 8 m and a breaking strength of at
least five times the weight of the satellite EPIRB.
5.3.6 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.13) be provided with a low duty cycle light (of at least an effective
luminous intensity of 0,75 cd) activated by darkness or operating continually, and flashing at a
–6
rate not less than 20 times per minute, with a flash duration of between 10 to 1 second to
indicate its position when activated for the survivors nearby and rescue units. If the low duty
cycle light is operating continuously, it may also be used to satisfy the requirements of 4.3.3 by,
for example, use of a higher flash rate when signals are being emitted.
The light shall be mounted so that it is visible over as great a portion of the upper hemisphere
as is practical.
5.3.7 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.10) be capable of being tested without using the satellite system, to
determine that the EPIRB is capable of operating properly.
5.3.8 (A.812(19)/A.2.4.4) be continuously provided with the ship’s position data for automatic
inclusion in the distress message when activated.
5.3.9 (A.812(19)/A.2.2) The satellite EPIRB shall be an automatic float-free type.
5.3.10 (A.694(17)/1.2) Where a unit of equipment provides a facility which is additional to the
minimum requirements of this standard such as a homing function, the operation, and as far as
is reasonably practicable, the malfunction of such additional facility shall not degrade the
requirements of this standard. Such an additional facility shall, as a minimum, meet the
requirements of 4.1 of IEC 60945 as applicable. If the additional facility is a homing device on
121,5 MHz, it shall meet the requirements of annex B.

Where such an additional facility exists it shall not prevent the satellite EPIRB from fully
conforming to the requirements of this standard during normal combined operation.
Any and all such additional facilities where fitted shall be simultaneously activated at the same
time as the EPIRB is activated.
5.4 Manual distress alert initiation
5.4.1 (A.812(19)/A.3.1) When the satellite EPIRB is manually operated, a distress alert shall
be initiated only by means of a dedicated distress alert activator.
...