In April, the company released three fully COSPAS-SARSAT approved AIS EPIRBs according to new SOLAS requirements. Jotron’s new generation EPIRBs meet the regulatory requirements for all kind of vessels and is granted the equipment authorization from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In addition, Jotron’s Tron 60AIS EPRIB is authorized by the China Classification Society (CCS). These certifications of equipment mean that the EPIRBs comply – and must continue to comply with the applicable technical specifications and procedures issued by the national industries.
29 June 2022 – Effective July 1st 2022, the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) requirements MSC.471(101) will become mandatory. Vessels governed by SOLAS regulations must have EPIRBs with an integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) which notifies other nearby AIS equipped vessels if a vessel in distress. An internal GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver is mandatory to locate the vessel and the beacon requires infrared and well visible light. This improved performance enables quicker and more efficient response and aims to locate distressed vessel faster, saving lives.
“Jotron has received positive response from the maritime market, also from non-SOLAS boat owners who appreciate the additional safety benefits included in the new EPIRB requirements,“ says Vegar Pettersen, Sales and Marketing Director Maritime. “We are extremely pleased to have obtained type approvals from USA and China prior to IMO deadline.”
Jotron has developed and supplied EPRIBs for more than 50 years. The company will continue to maintain and support all EPRIBs for non-SOLAS vessels currently installed globally.
“This next generation AIS series not only meets IMO and SOLAS standards, but also introduces new and enhanced safety features,” Mr. Pettersen continues.
Jotron’s new EPIRBs include GNSS and RLS (Return Link System) through Galileo GNSS. RLS transmits the signal back to the beacon, confirming the receipt of a distress signal. The battery lifetime has been extended and a new safety protection denies the use of counterfeit batteries. The product design has been enhanced, including improved plastic materials. This new EPIRB series fits all the current brackets, inclusive of Jotron’s unique float-free heating bracket designed for use in lower, polar temperatures.
For more information, please contact Vegar Pettersen, tel: +47 3313 9700.