Marine Rescue Technologies sMRT V100, sMRT V100X User Manual

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual Version 1.0_28022017 February 2017

En

Manufacturer and
distributor of global leading
Man Overboard Solutions from

Table of contents

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

2

1 Introduction 3

2 Glossary of terms & acronyms 5

3 Warnings & safety information 6

4 sMRT V100/V100X overview 8

1 sMRT V100/V100X features 11

5 sMRT V100/V100X operation 13

1 Cancelling alerts 18

2 Testing the sMRT V100/V100X 19

6 Recertification and servicing 22

7 sMRT V100 Declaration of conformity 24

8 sMRT V100X Declaration of conformity 25

9 TRaC ATEX / IECEx Certification 26

10 Warranty 28

11 Terms & conditions of sale 29

12 Disclaimer 34

13 Trademark notice 35

14 Technical specifications 36

INDEX 37

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

3

1 • Introduction

This user manual provides all the information required to operate and test
the sMRT V100/V100X. The following symbols and conventions are used
to indicate important information. Always observe these instructions.
Ensure you read the ‘Warnings & safety information’ section of this
manual before first use of the device.

WARNINGS: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in serious
personal injury or death. These must be observed for safe
operation.

CAUTIONS: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in personal
injury or material damage caused by incorrect operation of the
equipment. These must be observed for safe operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Important instructions that should be
adhered to during system operation.

Typographic conventions

1. sMRT V100/V100X hardware features are displayed in bold
upper case letters, e.g. SWITCH LOCK.

2. sMRT V100/V100X operation states are displayed in bold
uppercase letters surrounded by square brackets, e.g. [READY].

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

4

Using your sMRT V100/V100X for the first time

Carefully read the ‘Warnings & safety information’ section in this manual
prior to using the sMRT V100/V100X for the first time. To operate
correctly, the sMRT V100/V100X should be professionally fitted to an
MRT approved PFD by an authorised MRT service centre.
Prior to first use, perform a full system test (see instructions on pages 19
& 20 of this manual).

WARNINGS:

sMRT V100/V100X record of ownership

As a responsible manufacturer of life saving man overboard
devices, MRT maintains an ownership registration database to
provide contact details to Government Search and Rescue (SAR)
authorities in the event of an emergency.

CAUTIONS: The sMRT V100/V100X should only be used in an
emergency.
DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY.

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

5

2 • Glossary of terms & acronyms

AIS Automatic Identification System

AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority

DSC Digital Selective Calling

ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System

EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

FCC Federal Communications Commission

IS Intrinsically Safe

MAYDAY Voice distress priority message

MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity

MRT Marine Rescue Technologies

MSLS Maritime Survivor Locating System

mW Milliwatt

PFD Personal Flotation Device

PLD Personal Locating Device

RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services

SAR Search and Rescue

USCG Coast Guard

VHF Very High Frequency radio band

W Watt

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

6

3 • Warnings & safety information

WARNINGS:

• The sMRT V100/V100X is a local area Personal Locating Device
(PLD), that transmits emergency messages via VHF DSC and AIS.

• Before first use perform a full system test to confirm that the
device functions correctly.

• After deployment into active service, a full system test of the
sMRT V100/V100X should be performed every 3 months. Do
not test the device more than once per month to avoid affecting
battery performance in an emergency.

• The sMRT V100/V100X should ONLY be used in an emergency.
DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY.

• Annual inspection and recertification of the sMRT V100/V100X by
MRT Ltd. or an authorised MRT service agent is mandatory
every 12 months.

• Do not dismantle the sMRT V100/V100X as it contains no user
serviceable parts. MRT Ltd. and authorised service agents offer
a full and comprehensive service and repair facility for
recertification of units and battery replacement.

• The high intensity strobe light on the unit may cause discomfort
if it is viewed for long periods. Avoid staring directly at it when
operational.

• The sMRT V100/V100X uses positional data derived from its
internal GPS antenna to define the location of a man overboard.
A clear view of the sky is required to obtain a GPS position.
Please note that the device is only as accurate as the positional
data it receives.
The GPS system is currently managed and maintained by the US
Government, who can from time-to-time alter its effective accuracy.

• Contains lithium batteries; do not puncture, deform, short-circuit,
recharge or incinerate the sMRT V100/V100X.

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

7

PFD & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) USAGE

WARNINGS:

• The sMRT V100/V100X must only be fitted to PFDs
approved by MRT Ltd.

• Only MRT approved attachment kits and pouches are to be
used to fix the unit to the PFD.

• The sMRT V100/V100X must only be fitted according to MRT
instructional procedures or by an approved service centre
authorised by MRT.

• The PFD is to be serviced according to the manufacturer's
specifications.

• It is the user's responsibility to ensure that any ancillary
equipment, such as survival suits/harnesses, PPE, clothing etc.,
does not interfere with the operation of the sMRT V100/V100X.

CAUTION:

• Do not paint the sMRT V100/V100X or clean it with aggressive
detergents or solvents. Some cleaning materials may damage
the seals and affect the integrity of the device.

• To ensure the sMRT V100/V100X operates as intended in an
emergency:

o Avoid dropping the unit.
o Avoid leaving the unit unnecessarily in direct sunlight where

it may be exposed to excessively high temperatures.
o Inspect the device periodically for signs of wear and tear,

visible cracks or other damage.

The sMRT V100/V100X could save your life, treat it with respect at all

times.

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

8

4 • sMRT V100/V100X overview

The sMRT V100/V100X is a multi-system Personal Locating Device
designed to RTCM Standard 11901.1 specifications for use during a man
overboard emergency.
The integration of VHF DSC and AIS technologies equips mariners in
distress with life-saving technology to vastly improve the likelihood of rapid
location and recovery by a vessel or Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities.

How the sMRT V100/V100X works

The sMRT V100/V100X uses the marine VHF radio band to
transmit DSC distress alerts and updated GPS positions regularly
from the casualty in the water to VHF DSC radios, as well as AIS
equipped vessels within range.
A 10 second delay period prior to activation is designed to avoid
the device being activated accidentally.

The sMRT V100/V100X transmits AIS and emergency VHF DSC
transmissions after activation. AIS transmissions take precedence
over VHF DSC transmissions and will be transmitted first. The
sMRT V100/V100X uses an internal GPS receiver to acquire a
position within approximately one minute of activation. The
device then sends VHF DSC and AIS transmissions containing the
device’s current position.

Some marine radios are able to output a waypoint of the GPS
position embedded within distress alerts to chart plotters. AIS
alerts are routinely displayed on Electronic Chart Display and
Information Systems (ECDIS). Compatible chart plotters or ECDIS
can use the AIS data to provide the direction and rate of drift of
the casualty, as well as range and bearing information.

Emergency alerts operate on a timing schedule and are repeated
at regular intervals to update rescue teams and assist in tracking
the survivor in the water. The STROBE light on the device flashes
once per second after activation and assists with visual homing at
night or in poor weather conditions.

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

9

Prevention of accidental activation

The flush-mounted design of the SWITCH LOCK, ARMING
SWITCH and ACTIVATION TAB prevents the device from being
accidentally activated. In addition, manual activation is a three
stage process, requiring the user to remove the SWITCH LOCK
and slide the ARMING SWITCH to the [READY] position to
arm the device. The user must also remove the ACTIVATION TAB
to activate the device.

If the device is accidentally activated, the deliberate warning
period after automatic activation enables the user to switch the
device [OFF] before transmissions commence.

To help prevent false alarms:

Keep the device away from young children and educate all
users in device operation and the ramifications of false alarms.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 40

GPS Position Acquired

Initial

Activation

Time in minutes

1W AIS transmissions commence after GPS is acquired and continue every minute thereafter.

500mW VHF DSC transmission immediately after activation, then after GPS position acquired,
then every 5 mins for 30 mins, then every 10 mins until DSC acknowledgement or battery expires.

Open loop transmissions until DSC Acknowledgement received.

2 minute VHF DSC receiver activation period after VHF-DSC transmissions; VHF radio
acknowledgement may be received by sMRT V100/V100X.

sMRT V100/V100X Transmissions

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

10

sMRT V100 Product Range

There are two versions of the sMRT V100 available for different marine
operating environments. This manual is applicable to both these versions.

V100: General Purpose

• 24/7 Monitoring

• Activates automatically on inflation of PFD,
immersion in water or manually

• Indicates GPS position in less than 45 seconds

• Updates GPS position via AIS every minute

• Tracks multiple targets simultaneously

• Individual MMSI identification

• Designed to be integrated into the SOLAS
approved sMRT PFD

• Enables every vessel nearby to become a SAR asset

• Works with existing VHF DSC and AIS equipment

• 150 mile transmission range with worldwide satellite
coverage*

V100X: ATEX/IECEx Zone 1

• IECEx Zone 1 approved

• 24/7 Monitoring

• Activates automatically on inflation of PFD,
immersion in water or manually

• Indicates GPS position in less than 45 seconds

• Updates GPS position via AIS every minute

• Tracks multiple targets simultaneously

• Individual MMSI identification

• Designed to be integrated into the SOLAS
approved sMRT PFD

• Enables every vessel nearby to become a SAR asset

• Works with existing VHF DSC and AIS equipment

• 150 mile transmission range with worldwide satellite
coverage*

*Environmental conditions dependent

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

11

4.1 • sMRT V100/V100X features

1 FLEXIBLE ANTENNA
2 LEDs
3 GPS ANTENNA
4 STROBE LIGHT
5 ACTIVATION TAB
6 LANYARD ATTACHMENT HOLE
7 WATER SENSOR
8 SWITCH LOCK
9 ARMING SWITCH
10 TEST SPOT (Side)

3

4

1

6

5

8

9

10

2

7

sMRT V100/V100X User Manual v1.0

MRT Ltd. © 2014

12

Water Activation Sensor

The sMRT V100/V100X features an automatic WATER SENSOR.
After the PFD inflates and the WATER SENSOR is submerged
continuously for 2 seconds, the device will automatically activate
after a 10 second time delay.

Test Spot

A TEST SPOT is located on the left side of the sMRT V100/V100X.
Place the TEST MAGNET over the TEST SPOT to activate a full
device test and verify GPS acquisition is functioning.
For more information see pages 19-21 of this manual.

Device Label (V100X only)

The rear of the unit features a label indicating all relevant device
and safety information as well as compliances.

Marine Rescue Technologies Ltd Made in China

Permanent Disable
and/or Disposal

Model: sMRT V100X
www.mrtsos.com

Compass Safe

0.5m (1.5ft)

Storage temperature:

-30˚ to +70˚ (-22˚ to +158˚F)

Operating temperature:

-20˚ to +55˚ (-4˚ to +131˚F)

TRAC13ATEX0032X
IECEx TRC 13.0012X

The battery
pack shall not
be replaced in
the hazardous
area

Must be returned if

activated or before

Battery Exp.

N

EW

S

Serial VA02782422

Part MOA-40000

MMSI: 972413000

Marine Rescue Technologies Ltd, 3 Zarya Court, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 0JG

2ABF7SMRTV100

N14238

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