scope:

This part of IEC 61097 specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics and type-testing requirements of the emergency position-indicating radio beacon used in the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system (EPIRB), as required by the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as amended, and which is associated with IEC 60945. When a requirement in this document is different from the requirements in IEC 60945 or other standards, the requirement in this document takes precedence.

This document incorporates the performance standards of IMO Resolution MSC.471(101), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations as well as the technical characteristics for such transmitters contained in Recommendation ITU-R M.633, and takes account of the general requirements contained in IMO Resolution A.694(17).

This document also includes minimum performance standards for a non-float-free EPIRB without float-free release mechanism (see Annex C).

NOTE 1 Although a number of the requirements and tests can be similar, this document is not intended to be used with 406 MHz ship security alert system (SSAS) beacons.

All texts of this document, whose wording is identical to that in the IMO Resolutions A.662(16), A.694(17), and MSC.471(101) will be printed in italics and the Resolution/Recommendation and paragraph number indicated between brackets.

NOTE 2 Classes of EPIRBs considered in this document are:

- Class 0: Category 1 Float-free (-55 °C to +70 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) is capable of operating throughout the temperature range of -30 °C to +65 °C and of surviving a stowage temperature range of -55 °C to +70 °C.

- Class 1: Category 1 Float-free (-40 °C to +55 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) is capable of operating throughout the temperature range of -30 °C to +65 °C and of surviving a stowage temperature range of -40 °C to +65 °C.

These classes are not required by IMO Resolutions but can be applied at the discretion of each Administration.

- Class 2: Category 1 Float-free (-20 °C to +55 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) is capable of being stowed and of operating throughout the temperature range of -30 °C to +65 °C.

NOTE 3 Category 2 Non float-free, EPIRBs in all classes are considered in Annex C.

NOTE 4 All classes include a 121,5 MHz homing device, described in Annex D.

NOTE 5 All classes include an AIS locating signal, described in Annex E.

NOTE 6 All classes include beacon position data, obtained from a navigation device internal to the EPIRB and can also provide an external navigation input as described in Annex B.