CIRCULAR
LETTER
MSC/Circ.1040
GUIDELINES ON ANNUAL TESTING OF 406 MHZ SATELLITE EPIRBS.
(adopted
on 21 May 2002)
1.
The Maritime Safety Committee, at its seventy-fifth session (15 to 24 May 2002)
approved the following guidelines on annual testing of 406 MHz satellite
EPIRBs, as required by new SOLAS regulation IV/15.9.
2.
The testing should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of
performing all the relevant measurements required in these guidelines. All
checks of electrical parameters should be performed in the self-test mode, if
possible.
3.
The examination of the installed 406 MHz satellite EPIRB should include:
.1 checking position and
mounting for float-free operation;
.2 verifying the presence of
a firmly attached lanyard in good condition; the lanyard should be neatly
stowed, and must not be tied to the vessel or the mounting bracket;
.3 carrying out visual
inspection for defects;
.4 carrying out the
self-test routine;
.5 checking that the EPIRB
identification (15 Hex ID and other required information) is clearly marked on
the outside of the equipment;
.6 decoding the EPIRB 15
Hexadecimal Identification Digits (15 Hex ID) and other information from the
transmitted signal, checking that the decoded information (15 Hex ID or MMSI/callsign
data, as required by the Administration) is identical to the identification
marked on the beacon;
.7 checking registration
through documentation or through the point of contact associated with that
country code;
.8 checking the battery
expiry date;
.9 checking the hydrostatic
release and its expiry date, as appropriate;
.10 checking the emission in
the 406 MHz band using the self-test mode or an appropriate device to avoid
transmission of a distress call to the satellites;
.11 if possible, checking
emission-in the 121.5 MHz band using the self-test mode or an appropriate
device to avoid activating the satellite system;
.12 checking that the EPIRB
has been maintained by an approved shore-based maintenance provider at
intervals required by the Administration;