Commercial in Confidence
Smartfind EPIRB service manual
Page 9
2. ASSESSMENT
2.1. Maintenance tasks
Service providers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that the procedures
herein are followed, that only McMurdo approved parts are fitted and that good common
practice is observed.
False alarms caused by inadvertent activation must be avoided. We recommend that
EPIRB testing is only done in self-test mode, where possible, to avoid false alarms.
The functions which can be performed by service providers are:
•
Routine testing
•
Reprogramming
•
Message reading and verification
•
Power verification
•
Battery replacement
•
Battery life/GPS test reset
•
Leak testing
•
HRU replacement
•
Fault diagnosis and repair
•
GPS Test
2.2. Routine testing
An EPIRB should be tested monthly by its owner to ensure functionality. Regular testing
is essential. The EPIRB should be inspected for mechanical damage at the same time.
An EPIRB fitted to a GMDSS compliant vessel is recommended to undergo an inspection
at yearly intervals and shore based maintenance every 5 years (maximum). To carry out
shore based maintenance requires certification by the manufacturer of the EPIRB.
Whatever the reason for the return the EPIRB
must
be subjected to a full assessment
before any other action is taken. The agent has a responsibility to ensure the EPIRB is
completely serviceable and is fit for its purpose.
Included in the user handbook are full details on:
Installation
Emergency procedure
LED operation
Therefore these items are not repeated in this manual.
