OCEAN GUARDIAN eSPEAR The Word’s First Handheld Electrical Shark Deterrent User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- OCEAN GUARDIAN
Table of Contents
- Warnings & Safety Information
- How to Use the Documentation
- Introduction
- Getting Started and Charging
- Activate and Deactivate the eSPEAR
- Operational LED Status Indications
- Essential Maintenance and Testing
- Product Specifications
- Warranty
- Accessories
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
USER MANUAL
Shark Shield’ Technology
eSPEAR
THE WORLD’S FIRST HANDHELD ELECTRICAL SHARK DETERRENT
Nothing is more effective
Warnings & Safety Information
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High tension spring-loaded device. Always hold the device away from the face and eyes. Never load or activate pointing towards your body or near other persons. Always hold your hands firmly over each end of the spear when activating out of the water to absorb tension and avoid damaging your device.
-
It is recommended that gloves are used when activating and deactivating the Ocean Guardian spear.
-
Keep away from children, this device is not a toy.
-
Carefully read instructions before use.
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Sharks can be dangerous and often unpredictable creatures and we encourage people to use an Ocean Guardian shark deterrent when working in or enjoying the sea, to minimize the risk of an unwanted shark encounter. While extensive testing has been performed, and great care is taken to develop and manufacture the Ocean Guardian range of products, it is impossible to guarantee that all sharks will be deterred under all circumstances. Water-based activities in the presence of sharks are inherently dangerous; therefore, we recommend that if a shark is sighted, the user gets to safety rather than continue with their water activity.
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A large pulsing current is emitted from the Ocean Guardian antenna to produce the protective electric field. Anyone with any electronic medical device (EMD) such as a pacemaker, who is pregnant, or has a health condition that could be affected by the electric field, SHOULD NOT USE THE DEVICE. Some examples of health conditions include heart disease, a history of heart problems, peripheral vascular decease, stroke, a history of fainting or epilepsy, or lung disease. Users unintentionally being in close proximity, or in contact with the antenna, may possibly suffer muscle spasms in varying degrees; we recommend that users may need to make adjustments to limit contact in these situations.
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Positioning of the Ocean Guardian is critical to the device’s performance. Do not attempt to use the device in any way other than what is described in this user manual.
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When diving and free-diving with the eSPEAR and accessories use extreme caution to ensure these accessories and the spare are worn close to the body and will not lead to a diver getting hung up or caught on anything. Any item that is loose or dangling from a diver can easily become caught on a reef, cave, boat, part of a wreck, or another object, which could cause drowning.
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Ocean Guardian products are designed for seawater use only.
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Some bottom-dwelling and non-predatory sharks such as the Wobbygong, Carpet and Port Jackson sharks have limited active Ampullae of Lorenzini. Therefore, the Ocean
Guardian may have limited or no effect on these sharks. -
eSPEAR Battery Warnings:
- Do not use any charger other than that specifically provided for use with the eSPEAR.
- The spear contains Li-ion batteries. Ensure it is not stored in high temperatures.
- Do not expose batteries to heat or fire. Avoid storage in direct sunlight.
- Do not short-circuit the eSPEAR.
- Avoid subjecting the eSPEAR to mechanical shock.
- Do not store the device longer than 1 month in a discharged state.
- Do not store the device for longer than 1 year without recharge.
- The batteries in the eSPEAR must be recycled or disposed of properly.
- When transporting the eSPEAR check the latest regulations in relation to air, sea, and road transport of devices containing lithium-ion batteries, to ensure you comply with all regulations.
- If lithium-ion batteries are packed with, or contained in equipment, then it is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure that the consignment is packed in compliance with the latest edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations section II of either Packing Instruction 966 or 967 in order for that consignment to be declared as NOT RESTRICTED (non-hazardous/non-Dangerous). If lithium-ion batteries are packed with or contained in equipment, UN No. is UN3481.
- For worldwide sea, transportation sees the IMO-IMDG code and special provision 188.
- For European road, transportation sees ADR special provision 188.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual we are not responsible for any errors or omissions within it. The product specifications and descriptions within this manual will be subject to improvements and modifications over time without notice, as changes to software and hardware are implemented. For the most up-to-date version of this user manual please visit our website.
How to Use the Documentation
Overview of this User Manual
Use this manual to learn how to:
- Charge the Ocean Guardian eSPEAR.
- Turn the Ocean Guardian eSPEAR on and monitor operational status.
Manual Conventions
Warnings: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in death or serious
personal injury caused by dangerous voltages or incorrect operation of the
equipment. These must be observed for safe operation.
Cautions: Instructions warning against potential hazards, or to detail
practices that must be observed for safe operation and to prevent damage to
equipment or personnel.
Important Note: Information important to installation, attachment, or operation of equipment.
Typographic Conventions
- Operation states are in bold, e.g. On/Off
- Hardware elements are in bold capitals, e.g. GREEN LED
Introduction
Ocean Guardian is the world’s leading shark deterrent technology company.
Since 2001, the company’s Shark Shield Technology has protected tens of
thousands of ocean lovers and prevented the unnecessary killing of marine life
from antiquated shark nets, drumlines, and shark culling.
Ocean Guardian’s Shark Shield Technology is the only scientifically proven
electrical shark deterrent technology supported by peer-reviewed published
research and is successful in deterring Great Whites. The technology is so
effective that the West Australian government has approved some Ocean Guardian
devices for consumer rebates.
Sharks have short-range electrical receptors in their snouts used for finding
food. Shark Shield Technology is used to create a powerful three-dimensional
electrical field that causes spasms in these sensitive receptors, turning
sharks away. There are no known harmful effects on sharks or humans.
Ocean Guardian products are trusted by ocean goers around the world, whether
you’re swimming off your boat with family and friends, out seeking to land
your next big fish, or simply heading out to enjoy a dive, snorkel, or surf,
our technology is here to enhance your ocean experience and provide peace of
mind.
About the eSPEAR
The Ocean Guardian eSPEAR is the world’s first hand-held electrical shark
deterrent.
Powered by Shark Shield Technology, the Ocean Guardian
eSPEAR is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and spearfishing. Small,
lightweight, easy to carry, and backed by 20 years of research, it offers
powerful and proven shark protection. Simply attach it to your dive belt,
swimsuit, or trunks, and go!
The spear features a trigger-activated extendable baton that creates a
powerful electrical field to deter inquisitive sharks or protect your catch of
the day. Once extended the eSPEAR is automatically ON, with no switches to
worry about.
With the eSPEAR everyone can enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
Imagine swimming on a coral reef knowing you have the protection of proven
Shark Shield Technology by your side. One-click and you are good to go.
How does it work?
Ocean Guardian’s Shark Shield Technology generates a protective electric field
that is detected by a shark via its short-range sensory receptors called
Ampullae of Lorenzini. These Ampullae of Lorenzini are found on the snouts of
predatorial sharks.
The electric field causes discomfort to a shark and this increases the closer
it gets to the electric field until it becomes intolerable.
The electrical field transmitted by Ocean Guardian devices has no known long-
term effect on sharks. It also has no effect on other marine creatures.
IMPORTANT: Ocean Guardian devices do NOT attract sharks.
This is a myth and independent scientific research has shown that electrical
deterrents do not attract sharks. As electrical currents can only travel very
short distances through water, the Ocean Guardian device creates only a very
localized electrical field.
Shark electrical receptors can only sense electrical currents at very short
distances, typically less than half a meter. When a shark approaches an Ocean
Guardian, these electrical receptors are over-sensitized, causing the shark to
turn away.
Ocean Guardian eSPEAR Electrical Fields
Shark Shield Technology has been scientifically proven and independently
tested to be effective at turning sharks away. The following image displays
the electronic fields surrounding the eSPEAR when active.
For detailed scientific research which validates the Ocean Guardian capability, please visit our website at www.oceanguardian.com/blogs/research- papers, or our Ocean Guardian YouTube channel.
Getting Started and Charging
The Ocean Guardian eSPEAR is shipped with:
- eSPEAR.
- Wireless charging dock.
- International 110/220V AC to DC adapter.
Ocean Guardian eSPEAR Features
Charging the Ocean Guardian eSPEAR
A specially designed 12VDC Wireless Inductive Charging Dock is used to
recharge the eSPEAR in 4 hours. The Charging Dock can be powered using either:
- International 110/220V AC to DC adapter, or
- 12VDC Car Charger.
To charge the eSPEAR it is necessary to activate the device (have the eSPEAR extended).
WARNINGS:
-
The eSPEAR is a high-tension spring-loaded device.
Always hold the device away from the face and eyes. Never load or activate while pointing towards your body or near other persons. Always hold your hands firmly over the eSPEAR end when activating out of the water to absorb tension and to avoid damaging your device. -
It is recommended that gloves are worn when activating and deactivating the Ocean Guardian eSPEAR above and below water to avoid electric ‘shocks’.
-
Thoroughly dry the eSPEAR before connecting it to the charger.
-
Ensure the eSPEAR is placed on the charger facing the correct way.
- Activate the device safely. See Activate and Deactivate the eSPEAR for details on how to safely activate and deactivate the device.
- Hold your hands firmly over each end of the eSPEAR when releasing the electronics module and electrode while it is out of the water. This will absorb tension and avoid damaging the device.
- Place the eSPEAR into the top of the charger until the grooves on the device allow it to rest securely in position. Ensure the eSPEAR is placed on the CHARGER facing the correct way, as indicated on the CHARGER. Note: The device is automatically deactivated while charging.
- A solid GREEN LED illuminates the eSPEAR while charging. A GREEN LED also illuminates the CHARGER.
- When the eSPEAR is fully charged the GREEN LED is no longer illuminated.
- Remove the eSPEAR from the charger and safely deactivate the device.
Important Notes:
- Do not store the eSPEAR fully charged. We recommend storing the device with approximately 50% charge remaining. If the battery is completely discharged after use, only charge it for approximately half the recommended charge time, e.g. 2 hours. View the section in this manual titled Operational LED Status Indications for more details on battery charge status indications.
- It takes 4 hours to fully charge the eSPEAR from complete battery discharge.
- Operation/discharge time is 80 mins.
Activate and Deactivate the eSPEAR
WARNINGS:
-
The eSPEAR is a high-tension spring-loaded device.
Always hold the device away from the face and eyes. Never load or activate while pointing towards your body or near other persons. Always hold your hands firmly over the eSPEAR end when activating out of the water to absorb tension and to avoid damaging your device. -
Keep away from children, this device is not a toy.
-
It is recommended that gloves are worn when activating and deactivating the Ocean Guardian eSPEAR above and below water to avoid electric ‘shocks’.
-
Ensure the eSPEAR is fully charged before use.
eSPEAR Activation Out of Water
To activate the eSPEAR when out of water:
- STAGE 1 – PRE ACTIVATION: Components retracted. Point the eSPEAR away from your body and other people. Hold your hand over the eSPEAR end to absorb tension when the device is triggered.
- STAGE 2 – TRIGGER ACTIVATED: Position your hand over the end of the eSPEAR and then press the RELEASE TRIGGER to deploy the device. B & C components thrust forward.
- STAGE 3 – ACTIVATING : Component B stops & C starts to rotate upwards. With the hand on C, gently guide it 180° into the active position. The device turns ON automatically when fully deployed.
- eSPEAR Fully Deployed & ON: B & C in Active Position.
Point the eSPEAR in the direction of inquisitive sharks.
eSPEAR In-Water Activation
When activating the eSPEAR in water it is not necessary to hold your hand over
the end of the eSPEAR. Point the eSPEAR away from your body and other people
and then press the RELEASE TRIGGER to deploy the device. Point the eSPEAR in
the direction of inquisitive sharks after deploying the device.
Deactivating the eSPEAR
CAUTION: It is recommended that gloves are worn when deactivating the
Ocean Guardian eSPEAR above and below water to avoid electric ‘shocks’.
To deactivate the Ocean Guardian eSPEAR:
- Firmly grasp the eSPEAR handle and with your other hand push the electrode downwards at the pivot point until it is horizontally adjacent to the electronics module.
- Slide the electrode and electronics module back into the body of the eSPEAR until it clicks back into place to automatically deactivate the eSPEAR.
Operational LED Status Indications
The Ocean Guardian eSPEAR has a GREEN LED and RED LED to indicate operation status and the battery charge level.
eSPEAR LED State | eSPEAR LED Indication |
---|---|
Start-up Self-check | After activation the GREEN LED flashes quickly 4 |
times, followed by a long pause and then the RED LED illuminates for 1
second and then flashes quickly twice. If the unit passes the self-check the
device then displays Battery Status Condition LED flashes.
Battery Status (after self-check)| 100% Battery: GREEN LED flashes 10
times 90% Battery: GREEN LED flashes 9 times 80% Battery: GREEN LED
flashes 8 times 70% Battery: GREEN LED flashes 7 times 60% Battery:
GREEN LED flashes 6 times 50% Battery: GREEN LED flashes 5 times 40%
Battery: GREEN LED flashes 4 times 30% Battery: RED LED flashes 3
times
20% Battery: RED LED flashes twice 10% Battery: RED LED flashes 10 times
Not Submerged| When not submerged the GREEN LED flashes quickly 4
times a second
Submerged – normal operation| GREEN LED is illuminated
Low Battery – 10 mins of operation remaining| Standard GREEN LED
indication is interrupted every 3 seconds by a RED LED illuminating for
less than 1 second
Fault or Antenna Short Circuit| GREEN LED and RED LED will
flash alternately
eSPEAR LED Charging Indications
eSPEAR LED State | eSPEAR LED Indication |
---|---|
Charging | GREEN LED illuminated |
Fully Charged | No LED illuminated |
Charger LED Indications
Charger LED State | Charger LED Indication |
---|---|
Charging | GREEN LED illuminated |
Fully Charged | No LED illuminated |
Essential Maintenance and Testing
-
Ocean Guardian devices perform a self-check each time they are turned on. To confirm the device functions effectively you can also:
a. Place your hand close to the antenna/electrodes to feel the electric field pulsing when the device is submerged under saltwater.
b. Purchase an Ocean Guardian Multi-Device Tester to verify whether the device is producing an electric field. -
Thoroughly rinse the eSPEAR in freshwater after each use.
-
Allow the eSPEAR to dry before placing it in storage. Avoid direct sunlight when drying the unit. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, preferably in the case shipped with the unit.
-
The device should be kept free of dirt and sand at all times.
-
We recommend the eSPEAR is stored with some charge when stored for long periods of time.
Warnings:
-
Thoroughly dry the eSPEAR before connecting the charger.
Be especially vigilant when charging the eSPEAR immediately after it has been used in water. -
Under no circumstances should you attempt to repair the eSPEAR as this will void any warranty.
Product Specifications
Product Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Maximum Operating Depth | 100 meters (328 feet) |
Storage Temperature | 0°C – 60°C (32°F – 140°F) |
Operating Temperature | 12°C – 40°C (53.6°F – 104°F) Lower temperatures will |
reduce operating time
Battery pack life| Nominal 1000 charges
Operating Time (in water)| Up to 80 minutes of continuous operation
(temperature dependent)
Out of water sensing/detection| Yes
Battery Type| 1pcs ICR18650 3200mAh 3.6V battery
Battery Charge Storage Life (off state)| 6 months at 40% battery charge
Induction Battery Charging Dock| Input: 12VDC/1A Output:4.2V / 400mA
Charge time: Charging Dock & Car/Boat Charger| 4 hours from an empty battery
to full
Output – During operation| 115VDC pulses (3omh load)
Output – Time Between Output Pulses| 0.65 seconds
Output – Short Circuit Protection| Yes
Protective Field Strength| <1v/m peak @ 1m from center of electrodes
Dimensions when retracted| 262.7mm L x 36mm W x 86mm H (10.3” x 1.4” x 3.4”)
Dimensions when extended| 609.6mm L x 36mm W x 86mm H (24” x 1.4” x 3.4”)
Weight (main unit)| 250 grams (8.82 oz)
Charging Dock Compliances| UL (UL60065/File no. E251844);
FCC (Part-15/File no. LCS1502060308E); CE (EN55013/File no. LCS1502060307E);
RCM (AS/NZS60065/SAA-161746-EA).
Warranty
OCEAN GUARDIAN (SHARK SHIELD) STANDARD WARRANTY
CONSUMER PRODUCT WARRANTY
When you purchase an Ocean Guardian product, you have peace of mind in knowing that your product is covered by Ocean Guardian’s Standard Warranty. All Ocean Guardian electronic products have a 1-year warranty (excludes accessories like Tail Pad / Decal Antennas which have a 3-month warranty). The Ocean Guardian Standard Warranty is provided by Ocean Guardian (Shark Shield Pty Ltd), Factory 1, 6A Prosperity Parade, Warriewood, NSW 2102 Australia.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.1 The benefits given to you in Ocean Guardian’s Standard Warranty are in
addition to other rights and remedies you have under the law in relation to
the products to which Ocean Guardian’s Standard Warranty relates. Ocean
Guardian products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the
Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a
major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss
or damage. You are also entitled to have the products repaired or replaced if
the products fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount
to a major failure.
1.2 Subject to section 1.1 and the terms below, as your Standard Warranty
Ocean Guardian agrees to repair or replace at Ocean Guardian’s cost the Ocean
Guardian product, and any Ocean Guardian accessory supplied with the product,
purchased by you from Ocean Guardian or an Ocean Guardian Authorised Dealer
when the product does not perform in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications during the Warranty Term specified for the product below,
commencing from the date of purchase.
1.3 To make a claim under the Standard Warranty you will need to: (a). Contact
Ocean Guardian to register your claim and provide the details to enable Ocean
Guardian to assess the claim. This can be done by submitting an online
Warranty Request Form at
https://sharkshield.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new. (b). Provide or make
the product available to Ocean Guardian as set out below, or as otherwise
agreed with Ocean Guardian. (c). Please note, that you will need to submit
proof of purchase (e.g. bill of sale, invoice, or purchase receipt) with your
claim.
1.4 Products presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished products of
the same type rather than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to
repair the products. Replacement of the product or a part does not extend or
restart the Warranty Term.
1.5 If the product presented for repair is capable of retaining user-generated
data, you are advised that repair of the product may result in loss of the
data.
1.6 The product will be at the owner’s risk whilst in transit to and from
Ocean Guardian unless transported by Ocean Guardian or its Authorised
representatives.
1.7 Ocean Guardian may seek reimbursement of any costs incurred when the
product is found to be in good working order.
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
2.0 To the full extent permitted by law, but subject always to 1.1, the
Standard Warranty will not apply:
2.1 If the product has not been installed, operated, maintained, or used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or specifications provided
with the product.
2.2 Ocean Guardian disclaims liability for range, coverage, or operation of
the Product and ancillary equipment as a whole under this warranty. Ocean
Guardian reserves the right to make changes or improvements in Products,
during subsequent production, without incurring the obligation to install such
changes or improvements on previously manufactured Products.
2.3 If the factory-applied serial number has been altered or removed from the
product.
2.4 To damage, malfunction, or failure resulting from alterations, accident,
misuse, abuse, fire, liquid spillage, misadjustment of customer controls, use
of an incorrect voltage, power surges, and dips, thunderstorm activity, acts
of God, voltage supply problems, tampering or unauthorized repairs by any
persons, use of defective or incompatible accessories, the operation of a
computer virus of any kind, exposure to abnormally corrosive conditions or
entry by any insect, vermin or foreign object in the product.
2.5 To damage arising during transportation, installation, or while moving the
product, or to any transportation costs of the product or any parts thereof to
and from the owner, unless otherwise specified in these warranty terms.
2.6 To any third-party software or hardware not contained in the product as
originally configured by the manufacturer.
2.7 To any failure, to the extent that the failure is not a failure of the
product to perform in accordance with its specifications.
2.8 To any wear and tear including antenna assembly if the product is used in
commercial, industrial, educational or rental applications.
3.0 To the full extent permitted by law but subject always to section 1.1.
3.1 Ocean Guardian will not be liable for any loss, damage, or alterations to
(1) third party hardware or software; or (2) programs, data, or information
stored on any media or any part of the product, no matter how occurring; or
for any loss or damage arising from loss of use, loss of profits or revenue,
or for any resulting indirect or consequential loss or damage.
BEFORE returning any products to Ocean Guardian, please contact our Customer Support Team first. Contact information is readily available at ocean-guardian.com
Accessories
Part Number: SU1900| Ocean Guardian eSPEAR Holster
Accessory for attachment of the eSPEAR to the thigh or calf.
---|---
Part Number: SU1914| Ocean Guardian eSPEAR Wireless Charging Dock
12VDC Wireless Inductive Charging Dock for the eSPEAR recharges in 4 hours. Includes an international power adapter.
Part number: FRSS-CCA| Ocean Guardian 12VDC Car/Boat Charger
Connects to the eSPEAR Wireless Charging Dock to allow 12VDC charging in
cars and boats.
Part Number: SKU: SU1806| Ocean Guardian Multi-Device Tester
Place the probes on device electrodes to test the eSPEAR and ensure it is
in perfect working order at all times.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please register your product for a warranty
with Ocean Guardian online at:
https://ocean-guardian.com/pages/service-warranty
References
- Research Papers - Ocean Guardian | Shark Shield | USA
- General Enquiries - Ocean Guardian | Shark Shield | USA
- Submit a ticket : Ocean Guardian
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