SMRT AIS MOB Distress Beacon User Guide
- June 15, 2024
- SMRT
Table of Contents
AIS MOB Distress Beacon
The sMRT ALERT is an innovative man overboard (MOB) device that utilises AIS and VHF DSC to enhance localised MOB recovery. By incorporating app-based status checks along with audible and visual acknowledgements, it instils user confidence, while also harnessing the water-activated alerting capabilities of DSC (Digital Selective Calling). With two-way signalling, automatic alerting, and real-time accurate location tracking, the sMRT ALERT is the trusted MOB solution.
VHF DSC
All nearby vessels are automatically alerted of the man overboard situation
via DSC
AIS
The live location of the man overboard is regularly updated and displayed via
AIS
Dual GNSS
Combines both GPS & Galileo GNSS receivers for accelerated detection
Class-M
Compliant to European regulation ECC/DEC/ (22)02 relevant to the usage of MOB
devices
Mobile App
Mobile phone compatibility via NFC (Near Field Communication) and sMRT App
ACCELERATED DETECTION
The sMRT ALERT features both manual and fully automatic activation methods.
When activated the DSC distress signal will be automatically sent to alert
nearby vessels of an MOB situation, while using AIS to pinpoint the location
in real time.
The sMRT ALERT has a convenient power tab and cancellation option to help
prevent false activations.
TRUE WATER ACTIVATION
The sMRT ALERT is equipped with dual activation methods, manual and True Water
Activation when immersed in water.
This provides users with confidence that their beacon will still activate and
send an alert if they are unable to or incapacitated.
TARGETED SUPPORT
When your DSC distress call is picked up, a confirmation signal is sent to the device, which in turn deactivates the DSC alarm for all other vessels but continues to broadcast the multi GNSS location signal via AIS. This ensures a targeted response to your MOB situation, while minimising disruption.
FUTURE PROOF
The sMRT ALERT is designed to meet the Class M 2024 ECC wide AMRD (autonomous maritime radio devices) regulation ECC Decision (22)02), which will restrict AIS only MOB devices use of core AIS Channels. By including an internal DSC receiver, the sMRT ALERT MOB is allowed to continue to use AIS channels 1 & 2 and offers the reassurance of signals back to the device on confirmation of DSC acknowledgement.
USER CONFIDENCE
The sMRT ALERT offers audio and powerful strobe indicationon activation and acknowledgement of DSC signal, so those in distress know what is going on. Combined with the sMRT beacon management App, which allows users to check the status of their beacons and make journey plans before they get on the water, the sMRT ALERT offers total user confidence for crews and their families.
OUT OF THE BOX READY
Designed for ease of use, the sMRT ALERT can be used straight from the box, without professional life jacket fitting, as it doesn’t rely on cord attachment for deployment. It simply needs to be armed and it is ready for use.
MOBILE APP COMPATIBLE
The sMRT ALERT is compatible with the sMRT Beacon Management Mobile
Application, allowing it to connect with any smart phone.
Using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, users can quickly tap their
device to add it to their mobile phone, simplifying device management. Through
the app, users will be able to perform a variety of functions, all aimed at
ensuring that their device is ready for use.
These features include;
Performing signal and fault checks
Viewing test history logs
Checking the current battery status
Sending travel itineraries to others
Registering products, and much more
The sMRT beacon management app is compatible with selected sMRT devices.
PRODUCT FEATURES
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STROBE LIGHT
High powered strobe light to aid visual identification| COLQURED LEDS
LEDs change colour dependent on status of beacon| ARMING DOOR
Swing door to prevent false arming and activations
| |
GNSS ZONE
Equipped with Dual GNSS for accurate location| NFC COMPATIBILITY
NFC area to connect device with the sMRT APP| WATER ACTIVATION
Device will activate when immersed in water for 2 seconds
Audible
Alarm
Highlight activation to both aid location and raise awareness of false
activation
Test Functionality
Manual and app based device safety, providing a health check on power and
functionality
Clipping System
Rugged clipping system allows easy attachment options for life jackets
Belt Pouch
Neoprene belt pouch provides drop protection and flotation capability to help
protect the device
Dual Activation Methods
Device can be activated manually or after immersion in water meaning it will
still work if user is incapacitated
Dual GNSS Receivers
Dual GPS and Galileo GNSS receivers for accelerated location detection
5 Year Battery Life
Ample power for both frequencies with the confidence of UK manufacturer’s
warranty
Environmentally Conscious
Packaged in 100% recyclable materials & batteries must be changed at an
approved service centre to insure recycling
Water Proof
The device is designed to withstand submersion up to 10 meters, ensuring its
protection against water damage
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The sMRT ALERT is designed to simplify the process of carrying MOBs (Man
Overboard) devices by making it as easy as arming and clipping it on. This
eliminates the need for professional fitting and alleviates any doubts users
may have about fitting it incorrectly. With the sMRT ALERT’s dual activation
methods, it ensures that your crew are protected should the worst happen.
The sMRT ALERT leads the adoption of VHF DSC as the primary distress signal
for MOB beacons. By harnessing VHF DSC’s alarming and vessel alerting
capabilities, while also utilising AIS functionality for location tracking, it
offers a comprehensive localised solution for MOB incidents.
Unlike other VHF DSC beacons, the sMRT ALERT operates on an open loop to
contact all nearby vessels’ DSC radios, not just the one you were on. With
water activation, it will automatically, alert all nearby vessels of an MOB
incident, even if the user is unable to do so themselves.
It features a built-in DSC receiver, to indicate when your DSC call has been
acknowledged through a change in the keypad’s light. As well as audible and
visual alerts to inform the user when the device is armed and activated.
The sMRT ALERT is the ultimate localised MOB solution.
To protect AIS from overloads caused by irrelevant off-ship devices, a new
regulation,
ECC/DEC/(22)02, has been approved and is scheduled to be implemented from
December 2024. Under this regulation, in countries that adopt the Class-M
standard, AMRDs (autonomous maritime radio devices, such as AIS MOBs), will no
longer be permitted to use AIS channels 1 and 2. Instead, they will be
required to switch to channel 2006, which is not designated as an emergency
channel.
Where ECC/DEC/(22)02 is adopted, non-compliant MOBs will be illegal to
use/license. WHAT IS A Class-M MAN OVERBOARD DEVICE?
INTRODUCING sMRT
sMRT products are proudly manufactured in the UK, benefiting from 45 years of expertise in the development of electronic distress signals. The sMRT brand is a part of the Wescom Group, a specialist in survival solutions.
GENERAL
Battery type| 9.0V 1500mAh Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)
Battery life| Min of 12 hours at -20°C
Battery shelf life| 5 years at +20°C
Operating temperature| -20° to +55°C (-4° to +131°F) as per IEC 60945
Storage temperature| -30° to +70°C (-22° to +158°F) as per IEC 60945
Dimensions| 137mm H x 62mm W x 26mm D
Weight| 212g
Environmental| IEC 60945, IP67 resistance
Strobe light| 30 candela, 170 degree dispersion, ash rate 12/minute
Mounting options| Designed to integrate with a SOLAS approved life jacket
Self ID| ITU-R M.585 Compliant factory programmed freeform Maritime Identity
with 972 prefix
Compass safe distance| 0.5m (1.5ft)
Alerting radius| Up to 5NM (depending on height of antenna)*
APPROVALS
European| EN 303 132 V2.1.1
US| RTCM 11901.1
AIS/VHF TRANSMITTER PACKAGES
Antenna type| Vertically polarised
AIS TX power output| Nominal 1W EIRP
VHF transmission frequencies| VHF DSC Channel 70: 156.525 MHz,
AIS Channel 1: 161.975 MHz,
AIS Channel 2: 162.025 MHz
VHF DSC TX power output| Nominal radiated power 500mW
Signalling type| AIS and VHF-DSC
CONTROLS AND OPERATION
Automatic water activation| After 2s water sensor immersion
Manual activation| Once armed, press activation button
GPS RECEIVER
GNSS receiver type| GPS plus Galileo
TTFF (time to first fix)| 15 seconds (typical) with nominal GPS signal levels
-130dBm
GNSS update rate| Every minute
VHF DSC AND AIS ALERTS
AIS| Within 30s of GNSS position acquisition
Initial open loop DSC alert| Within 30s after activation
Subsequent open loop DSC alerts| Every 5 mins for the first 30 mins, every 10
minutes thereafter until VHF-DSC acknowledgement or the battery expires.
First DSC GPS data alert sent| Immediately after GNSS position acquired
*Expected range derived from sea trials. Actual alerting range dependent on sea state, atmospheric conditions and height/altitude of receiving antenna.
**Approval is pending
www.mrtsos.com
info@mrtsos.com
+44 (0) 1482 679300
Subject to change © Copyright Marine
Rescue Technologies Ltd Issue 1
References
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