Ocean Signal safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro Category I EPIRB with AIS, RLS and NFC
The Ocean Signal safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro is an advanced Category I Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon combining worldwide 406 MHz satellite distress alerting with local AIS transmission, Galileo Return Link Service, Near Field Communication, and visible and infrared strobe lights.
Supplied with an automatic-release float-free housing, the EPIRB3 Pro is designed for recreational, commercial, fishing, and SOLAS vessels requiring an EPIRB capable of deploying even when the crew cannot reach the beacon. Its combination of global satellite alerting and local AIS locating technology gives search and rescue authorities and nearby vessels more ways to identify and locate the emergency.
Worldwide 406 MHz Distress Alerting
When activated, the EPIRB3 Pro transmits a digital distress message on 406.031 MHz through the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite network. The alert includes the beacon’s unique identification and its GNSS-derived position, allowing the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center to identify the vessel and begin coordinating a response.
The integrated 72-channel GNSS receiver uses GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite networks to determine the beacon’s location. Position information is included with the satellite distress transmission and is continuously updated as the beacon drifts.
Local AIS Distress Transmission
In addition to notifying rescue authorities through the satellite network, the EPIRB3 Pro broadcasts an AIS distress target on 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz. The 1-watt AIS transmission can be received by nearby vessels, aircraft, and search and rescue units equipped with compatible AIS equipment.
The beacon transmits AIS Message 1 position reports and Message 14 safety-related status messages. Nearby AIS-equipped vessels can see the emergency target on their chartplotter or AIS display and navigate directly toward the beacon’s current position. This local alerting capability may allow a nearby vessel to begin assisting before dedicated rescue resources arrive.
Return Link Service Confirmation
The EPIRB3 Pro supports Galileo Return Link Service, commonly known as RLS. After the distress message has been received and processed through the satellite system, a return signal is transmitted back to the beacon.
A flashing blue indicator confirms to the user that the distress message, beacon identification, and position have been received through the satellite network. RLS does not indicate that rescue personnel have arrived, but it provides valuable reassurance that the emergency alert has successfully entered the search and rescue system.
Category I Automatic Float-Free Deployment
The included Category I automatic-release housing securely protects the EPIRB while allowing it to deploy without crew intervention if the vessel sinks. The housing uses an Ocean Signal HR1E Hydrostatic Release Unit to release the beacon as the vessel submerges.
After release, the EPIRB floats to the surface and automatically activates when its water contacts are exposed. The beacon can also be removed from the housing and manually activated during an abandon-ship emergency.
The automatic-release housing must be installed externally in a location where the EPIRB can float free without becoming trapped by railings, equipment, rigging, or the structure of the sinking vessel. The mounting position should also remain accessible for inspection, testing, and Hydrostatic Release Unit replacement.
NFC Smartphone Diagnostics
Near Field Communication allows beacon information and test history to be viewed using the free Ocean Signal mobile app. Placing a compatible smartphone near the NFC area on the EPIRB provides access to information without drawing power from the beacon’s battery.
The app can display the remaining battery life, programmed beacon information, the number and results of completed self-tests, GNSS test history, and the total time the beacon has been activated. GNSS test results can include the test location, date and time, time required to obtain a position, number of satellites used, and reported position accuracy.
Visible and Infrared Strobe Lights
The EPIRB3 Pro includes both a high-intensity white LED strobe and an infrared strobe designed for use with night-vision equipment. The visible strobe produces an average intensity greater than one candela, while the infrared light provides an additional locating aid for properly equipped search and rescue crews.
The combination of the 121.5 MHz homing transmitter, AIS position reports, visible strobe, and infrared strobe helps rescuers locate the beacon during the final stages of a recovery in daylight, darkness, poor weather, or reduced visibility.
Long-Life Emergency Performance
The EPIRB3 Pro uses a non-rechargeable lithium iron disulfide battery with a 10-year replacement interval. Once activated, the beacon provides more than 48 hours of operation at temperatures as low as -20°C.
The beacon is buoyant and designed for operation between -20°C and +55°C. Routine functional and GNSS testing allows the condition of the beacon to be checked throughout its service life. The manufacturer recommends monthly functional testing and periodic GNSS testing in accordance with the user manual.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro
Manufacturer Part Number: 702S-03933
Deployment Category: Category I automatic release and float-free
Mounting System: Automatic-release housing with HR1E Hydrostatic Release Unit
Primary Distress Frequency: 406.031 MHz
406 MHz Transmit Power: 12 watts EIRP
AIS Transmit Power: 1 watt EIRP
AIS Frequencies: 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz
AIS Messages: Message 1 position and Message 14 status
Homing Frequency: 121.5 MHz
Homing Transmit Power: 50 mW nominal
GNSS Receiver: 72-channel GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS
Strobe Lights: High-intensity visible LED and infrared
Operating Life: More than 48 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 10 years
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Approval: GMDSS and SOLAS approved
Warranty: Two years, extendable to five years through Ocean Signal product registration
Beacon Registration and Maintenance
Every 406 MHz EPIRB must be registered with the appropriate national beacon registration authority before it is placed into service. Registration allows search and rescue authorities to connect the transmitted beacon identification with the vessel, owner, emergency contacts, and other information that may be useful during a rescue response.
Registration is free for U.S.-coded beacons through NOAA. Registration information should be updated whenever the vessel, owner, contact information, or emergency contacts change.
Register or Update a U.S. 406 MHz Beacon with NOAA
The HR1E Hydrostatic Release Unit must be replaced two years after installation and no later than three years from its date of manufacture. The EPIRB battery must be replaced before its marked expiration date, following an emergency activation, or when indicated by the beacon’s self-test results.
Important Safety Information
The EPIRB3 Pro should only be activated in a situation of grave and imminent danger. Accidental or deliberate misuse of an EPIRB can divert search and rescue resources away from an actual emergency and may result in penalties.
The beacon’s lanyard is intended to secure the activated EPIRB to a life raft, survival craft, or person. It should never be attached directly to the vessel because the beacon could be pulled below the surface if the vessel sinks.
Product Manual
Download the Ocean Signal EPIRB3 Pro User Manual
