Document title: VMS-100 User Manual
Document number: VMSC-82
Company Confidential
©
2019 SRT Marine Systems plc
Page 12 of 21
4.4
Using the Product
4.4.1
Powering On
The transceiver does not have an on/off switch and will operate immediately that power is
applied to the unit.
4.4.2
Changing State
The transceiver will always power on in the state that it was shut down in, unless an
exceptional event has previously occurred.
Whilst within the port boundary, the transceiver should remain in the Port state. When
exiting port and in a transit the Transit button should be pressed. This will inform the
control centre that the vessel is no longer in the port and is transiting to a fishing ground,
for example.
When the vessel is in the act of fishing or searching for fish, the Fishing button is pressed
and the transceiver will inform the control centre that the vessel is engaged in fishing. When
fishing is over, the Transit button should be pressed to inform the control centre of this. If
another fishing activity starts, the Fishing button should be again pressed to indicate this,
and so on.
When all activities are complete, the transceiver should be put in the Transit state by
pressing the Transit button until the vessel returns to port. When inside the port boundary,
the Port button should be pressed to indicate this to the control centre.
At the end of the fishing voyage when the catch has been landed and the vessel is docked
the vessel power can be turned off. The transceiver will automatically shut down after a
short period of time.
Throughout this sequence of events, the transceiver will continually be sending position and
status reports to the control centre.
4.4.3
Activating SOS Alert
Pressing and holding the SOS button for 5 seconds will cause this button to light up and the
buzzer to sound. Pressing any other button will silence the buzzer. When active, the SOS
button will continually transmit a ‘MAYDAY MAYDAY’ message over the AIS ne
twork. This
message is transmitted no matter what other errors or alerts are active on the transceiver
and will transmit even if the transceiver is operating off its internal batteries.
To cancel the SOS alert, press and hold the SOS button for 5 seconds. The button light will
be extinguished.
4.4.4
Powering Off
There is no need to switch the transceiver off. It will automatically detect that it can shut
down if a set of conditions are met, including being In Port and docked with vessel power
switched off.
4.4.5
Battery Backup
The transceiver contains a set of internal, rechargeable, batteries to act as a reserve power
supply in the event of the main power supply failing. If vessel power fails, or is removed, the
