Acr News

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

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…

Vigor Delivers Los Angeles' New Pilot Boats

The Los Angeles Pilot Service has taken delivery of two customized 56-foot Camarc Design pilot boats built by Vigor Industrial at its Vancouver, Wash. facility, located on the northern side of the Columbia River. The Angels Pilot and Angels Navigator were handed over to the LA Pilot Service at Vigor’s shipyard on Swan Island in Portland, Ore. in early October.Camarc designs are optimized to function in the most extreme climates in the world. The UK firm's pilot boat designs are deployed throughout Europe…

VIDEO: U.S. Navy’s Fast-attack Submarine Montana Christened

The U.S. Navy’s latest fast-attack submarine Montana (SSN 794) was christened on Saturday at Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipbuilding division, in what was the shipyard's first virtual christening ceremony.Namely, due to COVID-19 restrictions on the size of public gatherings, the christening ceremony was hosted virtually at Newport News’ Module Outfitting Facility.Former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell the ship’s sponsor, smashed a bottle of sparkling wine across the…

Future USS South Dakota Delivered to US Navy

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the 17th submarine of the Virginia class, the future USS South Dakota (SSN 790), on September 24.The next-generation attack submarine began construction in 2013 and is scheduled to be commissioned in early 2019.South Dakota is the seventh Virginia-class Block III submarine. Block III submarines feature a redesigned bow with enhanced payload capabilities, replacing 12 individual vertical launch tubes with two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes, each capable of launching six Tomahawk cruise missiles.

AIS Transponders to be Showcased at SMM

Ocean Signal is highlighting the ATA100 Class A and ATB1 Class B AIS transponders when it joins forces will fellow exhibitor ACR Electronics to offer a comprehensive line-up of safety equipment at this year’s SMM in Hamburg.Offering fully compliant solutions to increase visibility, aid collision-avoidance and enhance navigational safety, the transponders are suitable for a wide range of vessels.Incorporating Ocean Signal’s trusted technology within a compact design, the ATA100 is the only Class A AIS transponder available rated to the IPX7 waterproofing standard.

US Navy to Commission Submarine USS Colorado

The U.S. Navy will commission its newest fast attack submarine, the future USS Colorado (SSN 788), during a ceremony Saturday, March 17, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. The principal speaker will be U.S. Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado. Annie Mabus, daughter of 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, will serve as the ship’s sponsor. “USS Colorado is a true marvel of technology and innovation, and it shows the capability that our industrial partners bring to the fight,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. The future Colorado, which began construction in 2012, is the 15th Virginia-class fast attack submarine and the fifth Virginia-class Block III submarine. Colorado will be the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned with a name honoring the state of Colorado.

USS Washington Commissioned

The U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia class submarine, USS Washington (SSN 787), was officially commissioned during a ceremony on board Naval Station Norfolk, Va. on October 7. Washington, named in honor of the 42nd state, is the 14th Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine to join the Navy's operational fleet. Elisabeth Mabus, daughter of the 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, served as the submarine’s sponsor. Washington is the fourth of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built.

Future USS Washington Delivered

The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Washington (SSN 787), the 14th submarine of the Virginia-class, May 26. Washington is the fourth of eight Virginia-class Block III submarines and the seventh of the class to be delivered to the Navy by Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. Washington began construction in September 2011 and will be commissioned later this year in Norfolk, Virginia. The submarine's sponsor is Elisabeth Mabus, daughter of the 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Washington's delivery continues our commitment to deliver Virginia-class submarines within budget and ready to deploy and execute Fleet tasking," said Capt. Washington will be the third U.S.

Galasso Named Ocean Signal Sales Manager

Communication and safety at sea specialist Ocean Signal has announced the appointment of Rich Galasso as its new US Sales Manager. Galasso will assist with the company’s sales growth strategy in the US as demand continues to increase for Ocean Signal’s communication and safety products for the recreational and commercial markets, including 406MHz beacons, AIS man overboard devices and flares. Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in the marine industry to the role, Galasso joins…

Navy to Christen Submarine Colorado

The Navy will christen its newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the future USS Colorado (SSN 788), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Dec. 3 at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. His daughter, Anne Mabus, is serving as the ship's sponsor. "The christening of the future USS Colorado is an example of our enduring partnership with our nation's shipbuilders, and this ceremony marks a milestone along the journey to add another submarine to our Navy fleet-a fleet that will reach more than 300 ships by 2019," Mabus said. Colorado (SSN 788) is the 15th Virginia-class fast attack submarine and the fifth Virginia-class Block III submarine.

MN100: ACR Electronics, Inc.

ACR Electronics, Inc. a Drew Marine Company, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products for the marine industries and various worldwide government agencies. Products include Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Personal Locator Beacons, ARTEX Emergency Locator Transmitters, Search and Rescue Transponders, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Boat Search Lights, and other associated safety accessories. The firm is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary in 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.

This Day In Naval History: July 12

1836 - Charles H. Haswell is commissioned as the first regularly appointed Engineer Officer. In Oct. 1844, he is promoted to Engineer in Chief of the Navy. 1916 - The AB-3 flying boat, piloted by Lt. Godfrey de Chevalier, is catapulted from USS North Carolina (ACR 12) while underway in Pensacola Bay, Fla. The launch completes calibration of the first catapult designed for shipboard use. 1943 - USS Taylor (DD 468) sinks Japanese submarine (RO 107), east of Kolombangara, Solomon Islands.

ACR Electronics Debuts New Products at Posidonia

Safety and survival technologies company ACR Electronics is introducing several new products at Posidonia 2016 taking place in Athens, Greece from June 6-10. ACR Electronics’ new GlobalFIX V4 EPIRB is a new professional grade design EPIRB, offering the latest in marine electronic lifesaving technology and featuring high-efficiency electronics for reliable performance which owners and operators in the commercial shipping and offshore industries can trust to ensure the safety of their crew.

ACR Electronics Turns 60

ACR Electronics, a Drew Marine Company, is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years ACR has manufactured lifesaving equipment for military forces, aviation and space programs, along with maritime and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The company was founded by the late David Rush and has traded ownership four times since its inception in 1956. Throughout ACR Electronics ownership changes, location moves and company acquisitions, a few things have remained the same, one of which is, the company said, is its commitment to quality. Dating back to the 1970 penlight which helped save the crew on the Apollo 13 mission, ACR lights have led troops through treacherous nights. ACR maritime safety gear is a top choice of the U.S.

ACR to Debut Pathfinder PRO SART at OTC

An important addition to any commercial vessel’s survival gear kit, the Pathfinder PRO SART is introduced by ACR Electronics, Inc. at this year’s OTC. The new search and rescue transponder expands the broad range of commercial maritime survival products offered by ACR, global leader in safety and survival technology. The Pathfinder PRO is a fully-approved SART that complies with IMO SOLAS regulations and is suitable for all commercial vessels that are mandated to carry a SART, including vessels that must conform to GMDSS and those carrying more than one life raft. Greatly enhancing search and rescue efforts, the manually-activated ACR device can be used on ships, lifeboats and life rafts.

AIS Regulations: New Responsibilities and Opportunities

March Coast Guard deadline represents milestone for AIS use in U.S. From increasing situational awareness and enhancing the safety and security of maritime transportation, to its use in accident investigation, search and rescue, Aids to Navigation and asset monitoring, the role of AIS (Automatic Identification System) as a flexible and developing technology continues to grow in significance. The month of March 2016 – has come and gone – and represents an important milestone which will increase the prevalence and general awareness of AIS.

Drew Marine Acquires NAL Research Corporation

Drew Marine, a provider of technical solutions and services for the maritime, defense and aviation industries, announced its acquisition of NAL Research Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of Iridium tracking and communications equipment. The financial terms of the acquisition were not released. NAL Research will team up with ACR Electronics, Inc., a brand of Drew Marine known as a leader in safety and survival technologies. The acquisition allows Drew Marine to expand its footprint into the Iridium tracking and communication product offering. NAL brings an experienced research and development team that specializes in Iridium satellite modems and tracking terminals from design through integration for the defense, research and commercial sectors.

Epoxy Systems Curb Cavitation Threat

In the Marine industry, cavitation commonly occurs on hydrofoils, rudders, stabilizers, as well as on propulsion systems. Cavitation damage can lead to severe erosion problems and render equipment useless if left untreated. Millions are spent every year on replacing equipment damaged by cavitation. This is not only expensive and time consuming, but the like for like replacement solution will not solve the problem. Repair methods involving welding will not stop the problem from reoccurring either, and the heat introduced can cause HAZ (Heat Affected Zones) and stress corrosion cracking.

ACR Electronics Introduces New AISLink CB1

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.

ACR Electronics Acquires Ocean Signal

ACR Electronics, Inc., a Drew Marine company, announced its acquisition of Ocean Signal, Ltd. “Ocean Signal has pioneered a number of innovations in marine safety,” said Gerry Angeli, President of ACR Electronics. “Their ability to create a strong brand in a short period of time is a testament to their product design, quality and understanding of the market. The combination of the ACR and Ocean Signal brands bolster the product lines for the marine marketplace. Together the companies offer a range of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons…

ACR Electronics Debuts USCG Approved Distressed Flares

ACR Electronics, Inc.expands their marine survival gear offerings by adding two new USCG approved distress flares, the Aurora Red Hand Flare and the Orange Hand Smoke signal. Built by the world leading manufacturer of commercial marine pyrotechnics, these non-SOLAS flares are the first specifically designed to perform like commercial marine flares, but at half the price. ACR has a longstanding history of manufacturing and providing high-quality emergency safety products. With the addition of Aurora pyrotechnics, ACR will be the only company to provide the U.S. consumer market end-to-end safety signaling solutions. The Aurora Red Hand Flare is USCG approved for day or night emergency signaling.

McAllister Towing Celebrates 150 in Style

McAllister Towing hosted a dual celebration in New York City on Friday, September 19, a gala in honor of the company’s 150th anniversary and a traditional christening of the Buckley McAllister, the latest high tech tractor tug added to the company’s fleet. Pier 60 at Chelsea piers was packed with a veritable “Who’s Who” in the maritime industry as Captain Brian A. McAllister, Chairman (4th generation); Buckley McAllister, President (5th generation) and Eric McAllister, CFO (5th generation) presided over the signature New York event.