Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
14 8
EXAMPLE: “M’AIDER MAYDAY M’AIDER THIS IS MARY JANE Whiskey X-
ray Tango 599 Whiskey X-ray Tango 599 Whiskey X-ray Tango 599”
To acknowledge that a transmission has been received and understood
in its entirety, simply use the expression “R R R” spoken as “Romeo Romeo
Romeo” (“R” stands for received). Note: some radio operators use the
expression “Roger” instead of “Romeo”.
The typical range for a transmitting radio held at about 1.2 meters (4.0 ft)
above average water level is expected to equal 4.5 kilometers (2.8 statute
miles). The receiving shipborne antenna can extend the range if it is mounted
high. Airborne receivers greatly extend the above range (over 150
kilometers/100 miles for aircraft flying over 1500 meters/5000 ft).
Because of the above fact, and to maximize the range of the survival craft
VHF radiotelephone, the unit should be held as high as possible without
endangering the safety of the operator.
14.2 Emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)
14.2.1 Requirements for the carriage of EPIRBs
MCA : Radio equipment and searchlights for survival craft, Chapter 12
General requirements
The equipment should be clearly marked with the manufacturer’s
identity, type or model identification, serial number, brief operating instructions
and the expiry date for the primary batteries used.
The minimum safe distance from the standard or magnetic steering
compass at which the equipment may be installed should also be marked;
where no marking exists surveyors should note the instructions provided in
the MCA’s publication ‘‘Survey of Merchant Shipping Navigational Equipment
Installations—Instructions for the Guidance of Surveyors’’, when considering
the arrangements for location.
The surveyor should ensure the identity of the beacon fitted to the ship
correlates with the information held on the appropriate beacon register.
The arrangements made in individual ships should be determined to the
satisfaction of the marine surveyor in consultation with the radio surveyor.
Performance standards
The EPIRB should conform with a performance standard adopted by the
IMO through Resolution. If operating on 406 MHz the EPIRB should conform
with:
12.3.2.1 if installed on or after 23 November 1996, Assembly Resolution
A.810(19);
12.3.2.2 if installed before 23 November 1986, Assembly Resolution
A.763(18); or