SERVICE INFORMATION

DSI00788 | 2018-08-24

Danelec Marine Float-free Capsule MK1 - Shore Based

Maintenance
Introduction

The Danelec DM100 VDR and DM100 S-VDR systems include (option for S-VDR versions) a float-free
capsule. As per VDR regulation, the float-free capsule must work as a fully functioning emergency free
floating EPIRB, and is therefore also subjected to normal EPIRB regulation, including requirements for Shore
Based Maintenance (MSC/Circ.1039.).

Shore Based Maintenance

According to regulation, all emergency EPIRBs must have their battery replaced every 5th year (4th year
under some flag regimes) and must undergo a “full function” test called “Shore Based Maintenance”, SBM.
The SBM includes several tests, including a live distress transmission test, and therefore requires
specialized shore based equipment, as well as technicians trained and certified by the EPIRB manufacturer
to carry out the SBM. As a consequence, SBM can become a costly and time consuming job.

An alternative to SBM is to replace the EPIRB with a new unit. This is common practice for normal
emergency EPIRBs, however the VDR float-free capsule is a more advanced version of an EPIRB
containing an additional data storage module. Therefore replacing the whole float-free capsule will also
become costly.

Based on the above, Danelec Marine has defined a cost effective SBM procedure for our float-free capsule
MK1, in which the storage module is re-used while only the battery and EPIRB are replaced. This approach
ensures that SBM can be conducted fast and efficient onboard the vessel during a normally scheduled
APT/service, without any need for specialized test equipment, shipment of dangerous goods etc.

On the following pages, the SBM procedure for the Danelec Marine float-free capsule MK1 is described.

Best regards,

Danelec Marine A/S

www.danelec-marine.com
contact@danelec-marine.com
Tel: +45 4594 4300

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 1 of 7
 Shore Based Maintenance – procedure overview

Danelec Marine SBM procedure is conducted in the following way:

1. The Vessel orders service/APT including orders for carrying out SBM.

2. The Service partner orders a SBM kit from Danelec Marine containing an EPIRB with a new factory
mounted battery and necessary accessories.

3. Once onboard the technician removes the storage module from the old float-free capsule

4. The storage module is mounted on the newly delivered EPIRB (SBM kit).

5. The new unit is programmed, labelled and tested according to normal installation guidelines.

6. The vessel must register the new float-free capsule with the appropriate authorities.

7. The old float-free capsule is discarded according to local regulations (battery must be removed first
to avoid unintentional distress messages from the decommissioned EPIRB).

Shore Based Maintenance Kit

The Float-free Capsule MK1 48 hours - SBM kit, part no.: 1304331, contains the following parts:

1. EPIRB with Battery assembly

2. Bumper ring
3. Protective clear label
4. Shore Based Maintenance label (battery expiry label)
5. Voyage Data Recorder “DO NOT OPEN” label

EPIRB
Voyage Data Recorder
”DO NOT OPEN” label

Shore Based
Maintenance label
EPIRB with battery
assembly
Protective clear label

Bumper ring
Battery

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 2 of 7
 Necessary tools

The following tools are necessary in order to carry out the SBM:

1. Heavy cable cutter

2. Jotron PRU-40 or PRU-50 programmer + Jotron programming software
3. EPIRB decoder (Jotron UNIDEC or similar)
4. Label printer with 6mm label
5. Flathead screwdriver (large and small for removing the battery)

Removal of storage module

To remove the storage module from the float-free, use a heavy cable cutter to cut the bumper ring securing
the module.

Cut the bumper ring in the corner where there is a groove in the plastic. Note that on newer units this groove
is located on the inside of the bumper ring and is deeper. Cutting the bumper ring at the groove will make the
plastic snap more easily.

Cut bumper ring at the

groove

When the bumper ring is cut, it can be removed and the storage module lifted of the battery.

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 3 of 7
 Installation of storage module on new EPIRB

Carefully mount the storage module on the new EPIRB battery. Observe that the plastic taps on the battery
align with the slots in the storage module heatsink. The storage module can only be mounted in one
direction.

Taps on battery must align

with slots in storage module

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 4 of 7
 When the storage module is correctly in place, mount the bumper ring on the storage module and press
firmly on the bumper ring until it snaps into place.

Note that considerable force is needed to make the bumper ring snap, however do not use tools etc. to
mount the bumper ring.

Mount the Voyage Data Recorder “DO NOT OPEN” label. The label must be mounted so that it is adhered to
both the bumper ring and the storage module heatsink.

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 5 of 7
 Commissioning the new EPIRB

Program the new EPIRB, and ensure that it is programmed in the same way as the original.

Mount EPIRB labels (Vessel name/MMSI/IMO etc.).

Ensure the protective label is mounted over the labels on the top of the EPIRB.

Cut the next SBM data (installation date + 5 years (4 years in some flag states)) in the battery label and
mount it on the EPIRB battery.

Perform an EPIRB test using a suitable EPIRB tester.

Provide programming report to vessel so they may register their new EPIRB.

Mount the EPIRB in the bracket, and ensure it is correctly installed and working. Check that:

1. There is a correct amount of silicon grease between storage module and docking module. If not
apply some.

2. All LEDS on the docking module are lit correctly.

3. Restart the VDR to remove any remaining float-free alerts in the system which have appeared while
performing the procedure (alerts like “Float-free too many read/write errors” otherwise may takes a
long time to be cleared by the VDR even though the VDR is running correctly).

4. Check after the VDR has booted, that no Float-free capsule related alerts exist in the VDR.

Provide the programming report and the test report to Danelec Marine either as part of an APT or by sending
it to support@danelec-marine.com.

If the SBM is carried out as part of an APT, please make a note about this in the APT checklist.

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 6 of 7
 Discarding the old unit

IMPORTANT
Before discarding the old EPIRB the battery must be removed. Failure to do so may result in
unintentional false distress messages to be transmitted from the EPIRB.

To remove the battery, unlock the equator ring (black plastic ring) by inserting a flat head screw driver in the
equator ring lock and press firmly to unlock it.

Equator ring lock

Then open the equator ring (a second large flathead screw can be used) and remove it.

The EPIRB top can now be removed, and the battery cable to the electronics disconnected.

Discard the battery and EPIRB according to local regulations.

Danelec Marine A/S ∙ Blokken 44 ∙ 3460 Birkeroed ∙ Denmark ∙ T: + 45 4594 4300 ∙ info@danelec-marine.com ∙ www.danelec-marine.com Page 7 of 7