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Epirbs News

26 May 2022

Maritime Safety: ACR, Ocean Signal Develop New EPIRB with Integrated AIS

Photo courtesy ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal

ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal announced the development of next generation EPIRBs.Introducing integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) within their EPIRBs for the first time in conjunction with further new technology, ACR and Ocean Signal will launch the advanced beacons this year ahead of the enforcement of new updated IMO (International Maritime Organization) Maritime Safety Committee EPIRB regulations.AIS EPIRBs will offer both recreational and commercial users the extra reassurance that other nearby vessels will be notified in an emergency…

16 Apr 2020

Ocean Signal Introduces Compact Float-Free EPIRB

Photo: Ocean Signal

Ocean Signal has developed a compact Category 1 (auto-deploy) Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon – the SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro.The new EPIRB1 Pro features a 30 percent reduction in size compared to other EPIRBs, a 10-year battery life and a retail price that makes it one of the most affordable EPIRBs on the market.Providing an essential link to emergency services for both recreational and commercial vessels, the Ocean Signal beacon complies with IMO regulations that require…

10 Jan 2020

Three Rescued from Sinking Tug

The 62-foot tugboat, Gulf Man, and a barge afloat approximately six miles northeast of Andros Island, Bahamas, January 9, 2020. A Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted all three crewmembers and transported them to Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

Three crewmembers were rescued from a sinking tugboat approximately 6 miles northeast of Andros Island, Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard said.Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders directed a helicopter crew to the scene after receiving an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert for the 62-foot Gulf Man at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Thursday.A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived on scene, reported the tug was taking on water, hoisted all three crewmembers and transported them to Nassau, Bahamas.

23 Sep 2019

CG to Set Port Condition ZULU in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan anticipates setting Port Condition Zulu at 8 p.m. Monday in the U.S. Virgins Islands due to the possibility of gale force winds from Tropical Storm Karen arriving to the area within 12 hours.Ports in Puerto Rico will remain in Port Condition X-Ray until further notice.During Port Condition ZULU the port is closed to all vessel traffic with the exception of vessel traffic specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port.Ports in Port Condition X-RAY will remain open to all commercial traffic and all cargo transfer operations at Coast Guard regulated facilities may continue while X-RAY remains…

03 Sep 2019

USCG: Port Condition X-ray for Wilmington, Morehead City, NC

The port of Wilmington, NC (CREDIT: NC Ports)

The Captain of the Port for North Carolina set Port Condition X-ray for the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City as of Tuesday at 4 a.m., due to predicted sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Hurricane Dorian that may arrive within the next 48 hours.All ocean-going commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing North Carolina ports. Vessels desiring to remain in port were required to submit a mooring plan to the Captain…

27 Aug 2019

Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-RAY Ahead of Tropical Storm Dorian

AdobeStock / Photo credit:  mode_list

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan set Port Condition X-RAY at 2 a.m. Monday for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgins Islands due to the possibility of sustained gale force winds greater than 39 mph from Tropical Storm Dorian that may arrive to the area within 48 hours.The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Dorian makes way into Eastern Caribbean waters.During Port Condition X-RAY port…

30 Jan 2019

Survitec Opens Singapore Hub

Photo: Survitec

Survitec opened a new service and distribution hub in Singapore.The complex in Singapore’s Sembawang district covers a 7,153 cu. m. area, of which 1308 cu. m. is outdoors. With more than 200 personnel, it is Survitec’s largest service and distribution center globally, housing three distinct business units: WH Brennan & Co Pte Ltd, Survitec Safety Solutions Pte Ltd and Survitec Fire Solutions Pte Ltd.The Survitec products and services supplied by the Singapore facility include…

21 Jan 2019

USCG Arctic Satellites aim to Add Margin of Safety

SpaceX’s CRS-16 Mission.
Photo: Courtesy SpaceX

The U.S. Coast Guard’s mission of keeping the seas safe will soon get an additional boost from space with two polar satellites. The two satellites, called “cube satellites” or “cubesats” for their small size of about 60 square centimeters, or a little under 2 feet, will be part of a payload on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California Nov. 28. Although the Coast Guard has used satellite technology for years, these two are the first to be entirely dedicated to a Coast Guard mission. The initiative is part of the U.S.

04 Jan 2019

USCG: EPIRBs and False Alerts

After responding to over 700 false alerts in 2018, the Coast Guard is urging anyone with an emergency position indicating radio beacon to properly register their device.An EPIRB is a device that transmits a distress signal to a satellite system called Cospas-Sarsat. The satellites relay the signal to a network of ground units and ultimately to the Coast Guard and other emergency responders.Owners of commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels that carry six or more people, and uninspected commercial vessels are legally required to carry an EPIRB.

06 Sep 2016

Ocean Signal Unveils E101V Float-Free EPIRB

The new Ocean Signal E101V float-free EPIRB with integrated voyage data recorder (VDR) memory capsule is designed according to the latest VDR performance standards as a leading solution for commercial vessels of 3000+ gross tonnage. Developed in collaboration with VDR specialist AMI Marine, the E101V is Cospas Sarsat and MED certified and approved to IEC61097-2 as a float-free EPIRB with built-in memory capsule. Enabling ship owners and operators to meet new mandates for VDRs as defined by IMO Resolution MSC.333(90), the Ocean Signal device can be easily integrated with a vessel’s VDR, a vital on-board system which helps to identify the cause of any accident…

24 Aug 2016

Ocean Signal, AMI Marine Unveil E101V Float-Free EPIRB

Marine communications specialist Ocean Signal and VDR manufacturer AMI Marine will introduce a new float-free EPIRB with integrated voyage data recorder (VDR) memory capsule at this year’s SMM in Hamburg. The Ocean Signal E101V provides a reliable and innovative solution for commercial vessels of 3000+ gross tonnage to store recorded data in a float-free capsule within their VDR systems, as required for compliance with the revised recommendation on performance standards for VDRs. Developed by communication and safety at sea experts Ocean Signal in partnership with AMI Marine, world-leaders in VDR design and manufacturer of marine electronic equipment…

18 Aug 2016

NOAA’s Beacon Registraion Surpasses Half Million

ACR Electronics, Inc., shares a milestone registration update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database which recently hit a record number of 500,000 registered 406 MHz emergency beacons. The beacon to make that milestone was an ACR Electronics ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), owned by a Coast Guard Auxiliary member in Rhode Island. Shortly after that the 500,001st beacon successfully registered was an ARTEX Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Beacons come in three designs used for different applications. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) which are mounted on boats, Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) used by outdoors enthusiasts and Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs), which are installed on airplanes.

28 Jul 2016

Safety and Preparation on the Brownwater Radar

File photo: Thomas Rollins

Weather Channel Forecasters are predicting a “near-average” hurricane season for 2016, but warn that an average season does not mean businesses and residents shouldn’t prepare for the worst. While it is unclear whether the season, which began June 1, will bring about a few mild storms or a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, one thing is for sure: safety and preparation are on the radars of the owners and operators of brownwater vessels. Although forecasters consider this year’s predicted 12 named storms “average”…

07 Jun 2016

Elcome Branches out in the Middle East and Asia

Elcome International, supplier of turnkey solutions for marine electronics, electrical and safety systems for the world maritime industry, has invested in a expansion of its maritime service network with the opening of new facilities in Egypt, Sri Lanka and Singapore. “We are aggressively growing our service and support footprint with Elcome factory-trained technicians and spare parts now available at more than 20 strategic ports from Suez to Singapore, as well as flyaway service on a global scale,” said Surjit Singh, Deputy General Manager – Customer Support of Elcome International. The three new offices are now fully operational, staffed and stocked with essential spares for ready access locally.

25 Apr 2016

Kannad SAFELINK EPIRBs Recalled

Image: USCG

Kannad Marine has issued a recall of all SAFELINK EPIRBs due to a possible defect that could result in the beacon not operating in emergency situations, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a marine safety alert. Those who own or use a SAFELINK EPIRB automatic or manual model as included in the attached SAFELINK Recall Safety Notice you should NOT use it as a primary Search and Rescue beacon onboard your vessel. Kannad recommends that all owners of SAFELINK EPIRBs register their ownership, location and contact details via the dedicated website: http://www.safelinkepirbsupport.co.uk .

25 Jan 2016

Voluntary Recall of SAFELINK EPIRBs Announced

Safety Alert- Kannad Marine has instigated a voluntary global recall program for its SAFELINK auto and manual emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs).   This is due to a potential issue where the SAFELINK EPIRB’s yellow body plastic may prematurely age when subjected to specific environmental conditions. This has the potential to impact on its long-term effectiveness in the field and could result  in the beacon not operating in an emergency situation.   Orolia Limited, Kannad Marine’s owner, has released a Recall Procedure which has further details, and includes a link for owners to follow and complete.

03 Oct 2015

USCG Urge Caution Ahead of Hurricane Joaquin

The Coast Guard urges the public Thursday to use extreme caution and to prepare for the onset of heavy weather, extreme sea conditions, storm surge and high surf throughout the Mid Atlantic region as Hurricane Joaquin approaches the coast. Stay informed: The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hurricane Joaquin through local television, radio and internet. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16. The National Weather Service predicts off shore conditions to include waves reaching up to 53 feet in height. Evacuate as directed by state and local officials: If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed evacuation orders.

01 Oct 2015

CG Sets Port Condition Whiskey in Preparation for Hurricane Joaquin

The Coast Guard set Port Condition Whiskey Wednesday for all navigable waters in the North Carolina Captain of the Port Zone in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Hurricane Joaquin. Gale-force winds of 39 mph are predicted to reach Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 16 (LLNR 8355) within 72 hours, and pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. To enter, transit or remain within this Captain of the Port Zone, vessels must comply with the following requirements. All self-propelled, oceangoing vessels more than 500 tons, all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs, and all tank barges more than 200 tons desiring to remain in port must arrange safe mooring and shall complete and submit in writing…

25 Aug 2015

ACR Electronics Introduces New AISLink CB1

ACR AISLink CB1 Class B transceiver (Image: ACR)

Suited for a range of recreational boaters and commercial vessels across the world, the new AISLink CB1 Class B transceiver is introduced by survival gear specialist ACR Electronics, a Drew Marine Company. ACR’s easy-to-use and reliable Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) option sends and receives wireless navigational data to and from nearby boats and vessels including the vessel’s name, position, course or speed over ground, heading and rate of turn. The competitively-priced transceiver has a small, rugged and waterproof design with multiple interfaces and low power consumption.

06 Jul 2015

Ocean Safety’s New Liferaft Facility Opens

Photo courtesy of Ocean Safety

Ocean Safety, a specialist in the worldwide supply, distribution, service and hire of marine safety equipment, has opened a new liferaft hire division. Ocean Safety trialed the liferaft hire programme for a year before confirming its initial success. The company is now making the liferaft hire service available across all its branches around the UK, which include Aberdeen, Glasgow, Plymouth and Southampton. This solution is an alternative to purchase, favoured by a number of commercial maritime operators, code of practice and charter and leisure customers.

25 Jun 2015

World Record Attempt: Suhay Tries to Break Distance by Dinghy Mark

Photo courtesy of McMurdo

In 2014, Robert Suhay tackled the “longest single-handed distance sailed in a dinghy by a male – 283.5 nautical miles (326.24 miles)” into the face of Hurricane Arthur for a Guinness World Record. Next week, Suhay will attempt to break his own record in a 14-foot Laser dinghy unassisted from Beaufort, N.C. to Annapolis, Md., a distance of about 340 nautical miles that will take him around Cape Hatteras and across dangerous ocean shipping lanes. But, this time, Suhay will be using McMurdo’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) solutions to help keep him safe during the journey.

11 Mar 2015

USCG Rescues 2 from Vessel Near Everglades National Park

Two men are safe after the Coast Guard rescued them from their partially submerged vessel near Everglades National Park Tuesday morning. Coast Guard 7th District Command Center watchstanders received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon signal Tuesday morning, quickly triangulated the area to search and launched a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 dolphin rescue helicopter crew along with a Coast Guard Station Marathon boatcrew to assist. Both assets arrived on scene within an hour and found two men knee deep in water aboard their partially submerged sailboat 10 miles west of Flamingo Marina, Florida. The smallboat crew safely pulled the two men from the vessel using heaving lines due to the shallow depth of water and the possibility of running aground themselves.

19 Nov 2014

Ocean Signal Debuts RescueME EPIRB1

The rescueME EPIRB1 has been developed by Ocean Signal. Featuring a 30% reduction in size compared to other EPIRBs, a 10-year battery life and a retail price that makes it one of the most affordable Class 2 GPS EPIRBs in the market, the rescueME EPIRB1 provides the boat’s essential link to emergency services. The new rescueME EPIRB1 measures just 178mm (height with antenna stowed) by 89mm and weighs 422g. The EPIRB1 is designed to be automatically activated once the unit has been immersed in water.