IEC 61097-2:2002

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
61097-2
Second edition
2002-09
Global maritime distress and safety
system (GMDSS) –
Part 2:
COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB –
Satellite emergency position indicating radio
beacon operating on 406 MHz –
Operational and performance requirements,
methods of testing and required test results

Reference number
Publication numbering
As from 1 January 1997 all IEC publications are issued with a designation in the

60000 series. For example, IEC 34-1 is now referred to as IEC 60034-1.

Consolidated editions
The IEC is now publishing consolidated versions of its publications. For example,

edition numbers 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 refer, respectively, to the base publication, the

base publication incorporating amendment 1 and the base publication incorporating

amendments 1 and 2.
Further information on IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC,
thus ensuring that the content reflects current technology. Information relating to
this publication, including its validity, is available in the IEC Catalogue of
publications (see below) in addition to new editions, amendments and corrigenda.
Information on the subjects under consideration and work in progress undertaken
by the technical committee which has prepared this publication, as well as the list
of publications issued, is also available from the following:
• IEC Web Site (www.iec.ch)
• Catalogue of IEC publications
The on-line catalogue on the IEC web site (http://www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut.htm)
enables you to search by a variety of criteria including text searches, technical
committees and date of publication. On-line information is also available on
recently issued publications, withdrawn and replaced publications, as well as
corrigenda.
• IEC Just Published
This summary of recently issued publications (http://www.iec.ch/online_news/
justpub/jp_entry.htm) is also available by email. Please contact the Customer
Service Centre (see below) for further information.
• Customer Service Centre
If you have any questions regarding this publication or need further assistance,
please contact the Customer Service Centre:
Email: custserv@iec.ch
Tel: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
61097-2
Second edition
2002-09
Global maritime distress and safety
system (GMDSS) –
Part 2:
COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB –
Satellite emergency position indicating radio
beacon operating on 406 MHz –
Operational and performance requirements,
methods of testing and required test results

 IEC 2002  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, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch  Web: www.iec.ch
PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
W
International Electrotechnical Commission
Международная Электротехническая Комиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4

INTRODUCTION .5

1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references. 6

3 Performance requirements. 7

3.1 Compliance . 7

3.2 General . 8
3.3 Operational. 8
3.4 Distress function.10
3.5 Float-free arrangements .11
3.6 Environment .11
3.7 Environment for float-free arrangement.12
3.8 Interference – electromagnetic compatibility .12
3.9 Maintenance.12
3.10 Safety precautions.12
3.11 Equipment manuals .13
3.12 Labelling.14
3.13 Installation.14
4 Technical characteristics .15
4.1 Transmitted frequency .15
4.2 Signal and message format .15
4.3 Distress message memory.15
4.4 Beacon identification code .15
4.5 121,5 MHz homing signal.15
4.6 Power source.15
4.7 Antenna characteristics (C/S T.001) .16
5 Methods of testing and required test results.16
5.1 General .16
5.2 General tests .18
5.3 Operational tests .19
5.4 Distress function.21

5.5 Float-free arrangements .22
5.6 Environment .22
5.7 Maintenance.23
5.8 Safety precautions.23
5.9 Equipment manuals .23
5.10 Labelling.23
5.11 Installation.23
5.12 Power source.23
5.13 Environment .24
5.14 Interference testing.26
5.15 Spurious emissions.26
5.16 Compass safe distance.26
5.17 Conducted interference.26

61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 3 –
Annex A (normative) Sequence of tests.27

A.1 Compulsory sequence of tests .27

A.2 Additional tests .27

Annex B (normative) List of COSPAS-SARSAT tests.29

B.1 Power output .29

B.2 Digital message .29

B.3 Digital message generator .29

B.4 Modulation.29
B.5 406 MHz transmitted frequency.30
B.6 Spurious emissions (into 50 Ω) .30
B.7 406 MHz VSWR check.30
B.8 Self-test mode .30
B.9 Thermal shock (30 °C change).30
B.10 Operating lifetime at minimum temperature.31
B.11 Temperature gradient (5 °C/h) .31
B.12 Long-term frequency stability.31
B.13 Protection against continuous transmission .31
B.14 Satellite qualitative tests .31
B.15 Antenna characteristics.31
B.16 Beacon Coding Software.32
B.17 Navigation System.32
Annex C (normative) Standard for a manually activated satellite EPIRB without a
float-free mechanism.33
C.1 Requirements .33
Annex D (normative) Technical standard for 121,5 MHz homing device.34
D.1 General .34
D.2 Performance requirements.34
D.3 Technical characteristics .34

D.4 Methods of testing and required test results.35
Annex E (informative) User experience of COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB operation .40

– 4 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) –

Part 2: COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB – Satellite emergency position

indicating radio beacon operating on 406 MHz –

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 specifications, 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 61097-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 80:
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1994, of which it
constitutes a technical revision.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting
80/348/FDIS 80/351/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.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
2007. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
This revision of IEC 61097-2 is due to changes to the Radio Regulations, COSPAS-SARSAT

requirements and amendments to the IMO performance standards for 406 MHz Satellite

emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs).

The document has been renumbered and rearranged to comply in certain aspects with

ISO/IEC Directives, and the requirements have been regrouped in a more logical order.

– 6 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) –

Part 2: COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB – Satellite emergency position

indicating radio beacon operating on 406 MHz –

Operational and performance requirements,

methods of testing and required test results

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61097 specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical charac-
teristics and type-testing requirements of the satellite emergency position-indicating radio
beacon used in the COSPAS-SARSAT 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 (General requirements).
When a requirement in this standard is different from IEC 60945, the requirement in this
standard shall take precedence.
This standard also includes minimum performance standards for a manually activated satellite
EPIRB without float-free release mechanism (see annex C).
This standard incorporates the performance standards of IMO Resolutions A.810(19)
Performance Standards for float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons
(EPIRBs) operating on 406 MHz and A.662(16) Performance Standards for float-free release
and activation arrangements for emergency radio equipment, the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations as well as the technical characteristics for
such transmitters contained in Recommendation ITU-R M.633 (as amended), and takes
account of the general requirements contained in IMO Resolution A.694(17).
All texts of this standard, whose wording is identical to that in the IMO SOLAS Convention
1974 as amended in 1988 and Resolutions A.658(16), A.662(16), A.689(17), A.694(17),
A.696(17), A.702(17) and A.810(19)and Recommendation ITU-R M.633 will be printed in
italics and the Resolution/Recommendation and paragraph number indicated between
brackets.
NOTE 1 Classes of satellite EPIRB's considered in this document are:
– Class 1: Float-free (–40 °C to +55 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) should be capable of
operating throughout the temperature range of –40 °C to +65 °C.
This class is not required by IMO Resolutions but may be applied at the discretion of each Administration.

– Class 2: Float-free (–20 °C to +55 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) should be capable of
operating throughout the temperature range of –30 °C to +65 °C.
NOTE 2 Non-float-free, manually activated satellite EPIRB's in both classes are considered in annex C.
NOTE 3 All classes shall include a 121,5 MHz homing device, described in annex D.
User experience of COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB operation leading to some clarification of IMO
performance standards, and providing some useful information for satellite EPIRB users is
included in annex E.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 7 –
IEC 60945, Marine navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – General

Requirements – Methods of testing and required test results

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 equipments

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.696(17):1991, Type approval of satellite emergency position-indicating
radio beacons (EPIRBs) operating in the COSPAS-SARSAT system
IMO Resolution A.702(17):1991, Radio maintenance guidelines for the global maritime
distress and safety system (GMDSS) related to sea areas A3 and A4
IMO Resolution A.810(19):1995, Performance standards for float-free satellite emergency
position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) operating on 406 MHz
ITU-R Recommendation M.585 as amended, Assignment and use of maritime mobile service
identities
ITU-R Recommendation M.633, Transmission characteristics of a satellite emergency
position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB) system operating through a low polar-
orbiting satellite system in the 406 MHz band
ITU-R Recommendation M.690-1, Technical characteristics of emergency position indicating
radio beacons (EPIRBs) operating on the carrier frequencies of 121,5 MHz and 243 MHz
COSPAS-SARSAT
C/S T.001, as amended, Specification for COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz distress beacons and
C/S T.007, as amended, COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz distress beacon type approval standard
(as applicable to EPIRBs).
IMO Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention 1974, as amended. (GMDSS)

3 Performance requirements
3.1 Compliance
(A.810(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 and the general requirements set out in resolution A.694(17) comply with
the following performance Standard.
In addition to this performance Standard, the satellite EPIRB shall comply with the
requirements of COSPAS-SARSAT documents C/S T.001 and C/S T.007, as amended.
The radio frequency of operation of the equipment shall at all times be within the limits
defined by the Radio Regulations.

– 8 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
3.2 General
a) The satellite EPIRB shall be (IV/7.1.6.3) ready to be manually released and capable to be

carried by one person into a survival craft.

b) (A.810(19)/A.2.1) The satellite EPIRB shall be capable of transmitting a distress alert to

a polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band.

c) It shall be designed to operate according to this standard when floating in the sea and

shall also be capable of operating on board a ship and on a survival craft.

d) (A.810(19)/A.2.2) The satellite EPIRB shall be of an automatic float-free type.
The equipment, mounting and releasing arrangements shall be reliable and operate

satisfactorily under the most extreme conditions likely to be met with at sea.

e) (A.662(16)/1) Float-free release and activation arrangements shall enable the automatic
release of the satellite EPIRB from a sinking ship and its automatic activation. Table 1
shows the correct combination of control functions to prevent or enable activation.
Table 1 – EPIRB control functions
EPIRB-mount or release
Control position EPIRB condition Transmitter status
mechanism status
ON READY WET* DRY OUT IN ON OFF
XX X X
XX XX
XXX X
XX XX
XX X X
XX X X
XXX X
XX X X
* Floating or immersed in water
f) (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 an EPFE (Electronic Position-Fixing
Equipment) or the possibility of connecting external data, the operation, and as far as is
reasonably practicable, the malfunction of such additional facility shall not degrade the
performance of the equipment below those minimum standards. The additional facility
shall, as a minimum, meet the appropriate requirements of IEC 60945, as applicable.
Where such an additional facility exists, it shall not prevent the satellite EPIRB fully
conforming to the requirements of this standard during normal combined operation.

g) The satellite EPIRB shall be a single integral unit. No part of it shall be detachable without
the use of tools.
3.3 Operational
3.3.1 Prevention of inadvertent activation
The satellite EPIRB shall:
a) (A.810(19)/A.2.3.1) be fitted with adequate means to prevent inadvertent activation and
deactivation;
b) not automatically activate when water washes over it while in its release mechanism. See
table 1;
c) be designed to limit any inadvertent continuous 406 MHz transmission to a maximum of 45 s.

61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 9 –
3.3.2 Immersion, buoyancy and drop into water

The satellite EPIRB shall:
a) (A.810(19)/A.2.3.2) 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;
b) (A.810(19)/A.2.3.6) be capable of floating upright in calm water and have positive

stability and sufficient buoyancy in all sea conditions;

c) (A.810(19)/A.2.3.7) be capable of being dropped into the water without damage from a
height of 20 m.
3.3.3 Activation
a) The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.3) be automatically activated after floating free
or when floating in the water, irrespective of the settings of any control. See table 1.
b) The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.4) be capable of repetitive manual activation
and manual deactivation.
Manual deactivation shall not prevent automatic activation of the satellite EPIRB when
automatically released from its release mechanism or when floating in the water.
c) The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.11) be provided with a low-duty cycle light (of
at least effective 0,75 cd) active during darkness or operating continually, and flashing at
–6 –2
a rate of 20 to 30 times per minute, with a flash duration of between 10 s and 10 s to
indicate its position for the nearby survivors and rescue units.
The light shall be mounted so that it is visible over as great a portion of the upper
hemisphere as is practical.
d) When the satellite EPIRB is manually activated, the low-duty cycle light (see 3.3.3 c)) shall
begin flashing within 2 s, in any lighting condition, and no distress signal shall be emitted
until at least 47 s and at most 5 min after the satellite EPIRB has been manually activated.
e) After start of transmission of the distress signal, the operation of low-duty cycle light
should be in accordance with 3.3.3 c).
f) The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.5) be provided with means to indicate that
signals are being emitted. If a low-duty cycle light operating in accordance with 3.3.3 c), is
not active during daylight, alternative indication during this time shall be provided.
g) The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.14) be provided with a 121,5 MHz beacon
primarily for homing by aircraft.

3.3.4 Self-test
The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.8) be capable of being tested, without using the
satellite system, to determine that the satellite EPIRB is capable of operating properly.
When the self-test mode (C/S T.001) is activated, the satellite EPIRB shall emit a single burst
which shall always provide the beacon 15 Hex ID. The frame synchronization pattern shall be
"011010000" (i.e. the last eight bits are complemented so that this test burst will not be
processed by the satellite equipment and the burst duration shall be 440 ms or 520 ms).
For location protocol beacons, the content of the encoded position data field of the self-test
message should be the default values specified in (C/S T.001). Successful completion of the
test shall be indicated. Activation of the test facility shall reset automatically. Any
transmission in the self-test mode shall be limited to one burst. If the 121,5 MHz auxiliary
radio-locating device signal is transmitted during the self-test, it should not exceed 3 audio
sweeps or 1 second, whichever is greater.

– 10 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
3.3.5 Colour and retro-reflecting material

The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.9) be of highly visible yellow/orange colour and be

fitted with retro-reflecting material.

A band of retro-reflective material, at least 25 mm wide, encircling that part of the satellite

EPIRB's body which is normally protruding above the water-line, shall be acceptable.

The retro-reflective material shall also meet the performance requirements of IMO Resolution

A.658(16) annex 2.
3.3.6 Lanyard
The satellite EPIRB shall (A.810(19)/A.2.3.10) be equipped with a buoyant 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 5 m to 8 m. The breaking strength of the lanyard
and its attachment to the satellite EPIRB shall be at least five times the weight of the satellite
EPIRB.
3.3.7 Exposure to the marine environment
The satellite EPIRB shall not (A.810(19)/A.2.3.12), including the labelling, be unduly affected
by sea water or oil or both; and (A.810(19)/A.2.3.13) be resistant to deterioration in prolonged
exposure to sunlight.
3.3.8 Ergonomics
The satellite EPIRB shall have all controls of sufficient size for simple and satisfactory
operation and also be capable of being operated by a person wearing an immersion suit as
defined in the IMO Lifesaving Appliance Code (Resolution MSC.48(66)), section 2.3.
3.3.9 Indication of previous activation
The satellite EPIRB shall be provided with means to indicate that the satellite EPIRB has
been previously activated, to advise the users of a possible reduction of the required battery
capacity. These means shall not be capable of reset by the user.
For example, manual activation of the satellite EPIRB shall require the breaking of a seal,
which shall not be replaceable by the user. This seal shall not be broken when using the self-
test facility.
3.4 Distress function
(A.810(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. See table 1.
The dedicated activator shall:
a) (A.810(19)/A.3.2.1) be clearly identified; and
b) (A.810(19)/A.3.2.2) be protected against inadvertent operation.
(A.810(19)/A.3.3) Manual distress alert initiation shall require at least two independent actions
neither of which on its own shall activate the satellite EPIRB.

61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 11 –
The following actions shall not be counted as one of the two independent actions required to
activate the EPIRB
– breaking a seal provided to comply with 3.3.9;

– manual removal from the bracket; or

– inversion.
(A.810(19)/A.3.4) The satellite EPIRB shall not be automatically activated after being

manually removed from the release mechanism. (Dry EPIRB condition.)

3.5 Float-free arrangements
3.5.1 General
The float-free arrangement shall:
a) (A.662(16)/2.1) be designed so that the release mechanism shall operate before reaching
a water depth of 4 m in any orientation. Any hydrostatic release unit used in the float-free
release mechanism shall comply with IMO Lifesaving Appliance Code (Resolution
MSC.48(66)) paragraph 4.1.6.3.
b) (A.662(16)/2.4) be constructed to prevent release when seas wash over the unit.
c) have its release mechanism fitted with adequate means to prevent its inadvertent
activation. See table 1.
d) (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.
e) (A.662(16)/2.5) including the labelling, not be unduly affected by seawater or oil or
prolonged exposure to sunlight.
3.5.2 External power or data connection
(A.662(16)/3) For the satellite EPIRB requiring external power or data connection, or both, the
means of connection shall not inhibit the release from the release mechanism or activation of
the satellite EPIRB.
3.5.3 Ability to check the automatic release
(A.662(16)/4) With the exception of single-use hydrostatic units, it shall be possible to
assess the proper functioning of the automatic release mechanism by a simple method
without activation of the satellite EPIRB.

3.5.4 Manual release
(A.662(16)/5) It shall be possible to release the satellite EPIRB manually from the float-free
mechanism, without tools.
3.6 Environment
(A.810(19)/A.2.5) The satellite EPIRB shall be so designed as to operate under any of the
following environmental conditions:
3.6.1 Temperature and icing
a) Ambient temperatures of –40 °C to +55 °C for class 1.
b) Ambient temperatures of –20 °C to +55 °C for class 2.
c) Icing.
– 12 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
3.6.2 Wind speed
(A.810(19)/A.2.5.3) Relative wind speeds up to 100 knots (52 m/s).

3.6.3 Stowage
After stowage at temperatures between –40 °C and +70 °C for class 1 and between –30 °C

and +70 °C for class 2.
3.6.4 Shock and vibration
(A.810(19)/A.2.6.2) Be capable, while mounted on board, of operating properly over the
ranges of shock and vibration and other environmental conditions normally encountered
above deck on sea-going vessels.
3.7 Environment for float-free arrangement
The float-free arrangement shall:
a) (A.662(16)/2.2) be capable of operating throughout the temperature range of –40 °C to
+65 °C for class 1 and –30 °C to +65 °C for class 2.
b) (A.662(16)/2.6) be capable of operating properly after exposure to shock and vibration
and other severe environmental conditions encountered above deck on seagoing vessels.
c) (A.662(16)/2.7) if the ship navigates in areas where icing may be expected, be so
designed as to minimize the formation of ice and prevent its effects from hindering the
release of the satellite EPIRB as far as practicable.
3.8 Interference – electromagnetic compatibility
(A.694/6.1) All reasonable and practicable steps shall be taken to ensure electromagnetic
compatibility between the equipment concerned and other radiocommunication and
navigational equipment carried on board in compliance with the relevant requirements of
chapters III, IV and V of the SOLAS Convention.
Refer to the appropriate clauses of IEC 60945 for the requirements.
3.9 Maintenance
(A.702(17)/3.2) It should be recognized 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 3.2 g), 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.
3.10 Safety precautions
All practicable steps shall be taken to ensure that the equipment is in accordance with the
appropriate clauses of IEC 60945.
In addition, the battery shall not release toxic or corrosive products outside the satellite
EPIRB during or subsequent to storage at temperatures between –55 °C and +75 °C, and:
a) during a full or partial discharge at any rate up to and including an external short circuit;

61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 13 –
b) during a charge or forced discharge of a cell or cells by another cell or cells within the

battery;
c) after a full or partial discharge.

The satellite EPIRB shall include measures to protect the batteries from reversal of polarity,

shorting, and the effects of self-heating, cell-to-cell charging, and forced discharging.

Moreover, care shall be taken that the satellite EPIRB and specially the battery shall not be

hazardous to any person handling, using or performing manufacturer approved servicing of

the device or to any vehicle or equipment in which it is transported, housed or installed under

any of the conditions specified in this standard.

3.11 Equipment manuals
Adequate information, as needed to comply with 3.9 and 3.13, shall be provided to enable the
equipment to be properly stowed, installed, operated and tested.
The information supplied with the EPIRB should include pictorial operating instructions on a
waterproof placard, suitable for mounting on a bulkhead. Numerals may be used to indicate
the order of the illustrated operations, but words should not be used as part of the
instructions.
The equipment manual shall also include:
– an overview of the COSPAS-SARSAT system;
– instructions for registration, registration renewal and a discussion on the importance of
accurate registration;
– battery information including replacement instructions, battery type, and safety information
regarding battery use and disposal;
– an instruction to replace the battery after EPIRB is operated for any purpose other than a
test;
– the minimum operating life-time and operating and storage temperatures;
– the purpose of the lanyard and precaution against using it to secure EPIRB to ship;
– a recommendation against attempting to operate inside life raft or under any similar cover
or canopy;
– the servicing and/or replacement of any hydrostatic release unit and any associated
components subject to ageing, such as release rods;
– manufacturer recommendations, if any, on periodic functional testing, possibly in
connection with battery replacement;

– a note to keep the original EPIRB packaging, since it may be needed if the EPIRB has to
be shipped for servicing. UN requirements for shipping some batteries as hazardous
goods require certain packaging standards and labelling;
– warranty information;
– a warning to the effect that the Satellite EPIRB shall not be operated except in an
emergency;
– a warning against installation near strong magnetic fields, if that might activate the EPIRB;
– a recommendation to mounting the EPIRB as high as possible, especially on small
vessels. This will help ensure operation of the hydrostatic float-free release unit, in the
event the vessel capsizes without sinking;
– a recommendation to limit self-testing to the minimum necessary to ensure confidence in
the operation of the EPIRB;
– for EPIRBs which emit a 121,5 MHz signal during self-test, a warning to limit testing to the
first five minutes of the hour;

– 14 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
– if appropriate a list of approved external position fixing devices for those EPIRBs

accepting external navigation inputs.

The equipment manual shall include information explaining the necessity to report satellite

EPIRB false alarms by the most expedient means to the nearest search and rescue

authorities. The information that should be reported includes the satellite EPIRB 15-Hex ID;
date, time, duration and cause of activation; and location at time of deactivation.

3.12 Labelling
3.12.1 Equipment labelling
The label shall be placed on the satellite EPIRB itself and on its container, if any, as needed.
(A.810(19)/A.4) In addition to the items specified in IMO Resolution A.694(17) 6.3 and 9
(see appropriate clauses of IEC 60945) on general requirements, the following shall be clearly
indicated on the exterior of the equipment:
a) (A.810(19)/A.4.1) Brief operating instructions at least in English, to enable manual
activation, deactivation and self-test (see 3.3.4);
b) a warning to the effect that the satellite EPIRB shall not be operated except in an
emergency;
c) type designation and class (see clause 1, note) as specified by the manufacturer, type of
battery and (A.810(19)/A.4.2) expiry date for the primary battery used (see 4.6). Means
shall be provided to change this date when the battery is replaced;
d) the name of the ship and beacon identification data:
1) (A.810(19)/A.4.3) the identity code programmed into the transmitter of the satellite
EPIRB (i.e. hexadecimal representation of bits 26 to 85 of the digital message, as
described in C/S T.001), together with the call sign or mmSI of the ship as required by
the Administration and the MID;
2) country (i.e. name of country as programmed in the MID).
3.12.2 Float-free arrangement labelling
(A.662(16)/2.9) The float-free arrangement shall carry a label or labels indicating clearly at
least in English:
a) the operating instructions for manual release;
b) the type designation;
c) the satellite EPIRB class;
d) the maintenance and/or replacement date for the release mechanism, if applicable.
If this label or labels are not readily visible in the installed arrangement, they shall be
provided in addition, for installation close to the float-free arrangement. These instructions
may in addition be shown in pictorial form.
3.13 Installation
The equipment manual shall contain instructions to ensure that the installed satellite EPIRB
shall:
a) (IV/7.1.6.2) be installed in an easily accessible position.
b) (A.694(17)/2) be installed in such a manner that it is capable of meeting the
requirements of this standard.
c) (A.810(19)/A.2.6.1) have local manual activation; remote activation may also be provided
from the navigating bridge, while the device is installed in the float-free mounting.

61097-2  IEC:2002(E) – 15 –
d) (A.810(19)/A.2.6.3) release itself and float-free before reaching a water depth of 4 m at a

list or trim of any angle.
e) (A.662(16)/2.8) be mounted in such a way that, after being released, it is not obstructed

by the structure of the sinking ship.

4 Technical characteristics
4.1 Transmitted frequency
The satellite EPIRB distress alerting signal shall be transmitted on a frequency in the

406 MHz band as specified in C/S T.001.

4.2 Signal and message format
(A.810(19)/B.1) The technical characteristics of the transmitted signal and the message
format shall be in accordance with the requirements of the COSPAS-SARSAT System
document C/S T.001.
4.3 Distress message memory
(A.810(19)/B.2) Provisions shall be included for storing the fixed portion of the distress
message in the satellite EPIRB using non-volatile memory.
4.4 Beacon identification code
(A.810(19)/B.3) A unique beacon identification code shall be made part of all messages.
This identification code shall include a 3-digit code for the country in which the beacon is
registered, followed by either:
a) the trailing 6 digits of the ship station identity in accordance ITU-R
Recommendation M.585 as amended or
b) a unique serial number; or
c) a radio call sign.
Preference is given to method a).
4.5 121,5 MHz homing signal
(A.810(19)/B.4) The 121,5 MHz homing signal shall:
a) have a continuous duty cycle except that it may be interrupted for up to a maximum of 2 s

during the transmission of the 406 MHz signal;
b) with the exception of the sweep direction, meet the technical characteristics from ITU-R
Recommendation M.690-1. The sweep may either be upward or downward.
4.6 Power source
4.6.1 General
(A.810(19)/A.2.4) The battery shall have sufficient capacity to operate the satellite EPIRB for
an uninterrupted period of at least 48 h, under the extreme operating temperature conditions
corresponding to the class of the satellite EPIRB.
The satellite EPIRB shall be designed so that the electronic and electrical components are not
damaged in the event of a leaking battery.

– 16 – 61097-2  IEC:2002(E)
4.6.2 Battery life and expiry date

The life of the battery as defined by its expiry date shall be at least three years.

The expiry date of the battery shall be the battery manufacturing date plus no more than half

the useful life of the battery.

The useful life of the battery is defined as the period of time after the date of battery

manufacture that the battery will continue to meet the input power requirements of the

satellite EPIRB.
To define the useful life of the battery, the following losses at the temperature of +20 °C
± 5 °C shall be included:
a) self-testing, as recommended by the manufacturer or as required by the Administration,
whichever is more demanding;
b) self-discharge of the battery;
c) stand-by loads.
4.6.3 Expiry date indication
The satelli
...