Communications and safety at sea specialist, Ocean Signal presents its SafeSea GMDSS product range at Navalshore Brazil for the first time. The product range was created following extensive research and development by Ocean Signal's experienced team of marine electronics specialists and includes the SafeSea E100/E100G series of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), the SafeSea S100 Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), and the SafeSea V100* survival craft VHF hand portable radio telephone.

SafeSea® E100/E100G EPIRB
Ocean Signal has undertaken considerable development of the SafeSea EPIRBs to maximize battery life, thus improving this critical element of communications in rescue situations. Careful design and highly efficient transmitter circuits have ensured that the SafeSea E100 and E100G have the longest quoted operational battery lives in the industry. This means that the LB2E battery has enough capacity to operate the EPIRB continuously, typically for four whole days, even using the E100G with GPS fix. In addition, SafeSea EPIRB batteries, which are classified as non-hazardous for shipment, can be replaced by the user, eliminating the need to return the unit to the manufacturer or agent when batteries need changing.

The SafeSea E100G has the same specification as the E100 but is fitted with a 50 channel, integral GPS. This not only improves location accuracy, but also significantly reduces the time taken for the position to be transmitted to the rescue authorities. Both EPIRBs also include a 121.5MHz homing beacon and a high brightness LED strobe light.

The SafeSea E100 and E100G are Cospas-Sarsat EPIRBs operating in the 406MHz satellite band. Cospas-Sarsat is the international organization operating the satellites that monitor EPIRB transmissions.

SafeSea® S100 SART
Ocean Signal also launches its new SafeSea S100 Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), a dedicated radar transponder which complies with IMO SOLAS regulations.

The SafeSea S100 is designed to assist in the rescue and recovery of life rafts and survival craft. When switched on, the SART remains in a standby mode until automatically activated by an X Band Radar sweep from any vessel in the vicinity. The S100 transmits a series of pulses which are displayed on the ships Radar as a line of dots, providing a bearing to the survival craft. The activation controls are identical to those on the SafeSea EPIRB, making use by unskilled operators much easier.

In common with the SafeSea EPIRB, the S100 SART has a user replaceable battery which is classified as non-hazardous for shipment and gives 96 hours operation in standby, plus a further 12 hours being interrogated. The SafeSea SART is waterproof to a depth of 30 feet and operates between -2° F to +130° F.

SafeSea® V100 GMDSS Hand held Radio
The new Ocean Signal, SafeSea V100 is a rugged, fully featured hand-portable GMDSS radiotelephone which exceeds GMDSS environmental requirements. With ergonomic design, durable laser etched keypad, high contrast backlit LCD and backlit keys the radio is supplied with all the 21 international simplex channels required.

As with all Ocean Signal products, improving battery life has been a primary consideration in the development of the SafeSea V100. A unique feature of the emergency Lithium primary battery is the battery protection tab which avoids inadvertent use. Only when the tab is broken off will the battery operate the radio, ensuring the pack is at full capacity when needed. The tab is not replaceable and the battery is clearly marked 'Used' underneath the tab. The battery is classified as non-hazardous for shipment and can be user replaced.

In addition, a highly efficient transmitter helps to maximise the battery life giving significant improvement over other products on the market, providing typically 16 hours operation even at -20C. In addition, a Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery pack is available with rapid charger that can be desk or wall mounted, for day to day on-board use. An accessory socket option is also available for users requiring helmets or headsets.

The SafeSea product range is FCC approved and has the MED Wheelmark certification for all vessels. Careful design and innovation provides users with the confidence that their Ocean Signal equipment will work to, and beyond, their expectations when it is needed most. For further information please visit Ocean Signal at stand 397 at Navalshore Brazil. Alternatively, please visit www.oceansignal.com.