■ Battery eye indicator colour

Battery eye indicator color

Normally, that indicates the batteries are normal, low on charge or bad. (I've seen a few batteries that had a green eye, black eye, white(clear and bright) eye so this is assuming you have green-good, black-low and re-charge, white-check and replace battery)

In case of green color, It means that one of the 6 (2.1 Volt) cells is green. Not all of them, personally I think this is a good feature.

Normally green would indicate a good battery-but remember the 'magic eye' is only indicating the condition of one

1. Green: battery is charged and the acid level is good. 

2. Black: Battery is partially dis-charged and the acid level is good. Charge the battery. 

3. White(Clear and bright): Electrolyte is nearly short. Do not charge or jump start.

   Replace battery.   

■ Maintenance Free Battery

What does the term "Maintenance Free" in a MF BATTERY really mean?

Battery Council International (BCI), states that: Maintenance Free batteries are those that are completely sealed, without caps and where 3rd engineer needs not check or top up the electrolyte levels.

In short Maintenance Free batteries are "FIT IT AND FORGET IT"

■ GMDSS reserve sources of power

Why reserve power?

In early 2001, an 80 foot crabber with fiver persons on board lost electrical power and steering and was disabled and adrift in the Bering Sea after heavy seas knocked out their pilothouse windows.

 

� Radio equipment which could have been used to make an emergency call to the Coast Guard and 

    other nearby fishing vessels was rendered useless by the loss electrical power.

� The only effective communications the ship had was their 406 MHz EPIRB.

� During the same month, another fishing vessel, also in the Bering Sea, also lost power and

    steering, and also had to rely on their EPIRB to communicate with the Coast Guard.

� That vessel's crew, unable to communicate on any of their radio equipment, were in the pilot

    house with exposure suits on, with life raft standing by.

 

The Global Maritime Distress & Safety System took this problem into account, requiring a reserve source of electrical power, to supply radio installations for the purpose of conduction distress and safety radiocommunications, in the event of failure of the ship's main and emergency sources of electrical power.

� This reserve source of power is capable of simultaneously operating both the VHF radio, and

    the HF or Inmarsat satellite equipment.

Guidelines on the configuration of the reserve source or sources of energy used to supply radio installations on GMDSS ships

Introduction

The radio reserve source(s) of energy should meet the requirements set out in regulation IV/13 of SOLAS 1974, as amended and in IMO resolutions A.694(17) and A.7202(17), as applicable, and should also comply with the following requirements.
47 CFR Part 80.1099.(b)//80.1105(h) (Excerpts).� A reserve source(s) of energy to supply radio installations must be provided on every ship for the purposes of conducting distress and safety radio communications in the event of failure of the ship's main emergency sources of power. The reserve source of energy must be capable of simultaneously operating the VHF radio installations, and either the MF/HF radio installation OR the INMARSAT ship's earth station (as appropriate for ship's sea area operation).

How long should it last?

80.1099(1)(3).�

• Ships constructed after 1 February 1995 are required to have a reserve source(s) of energy that lasts for at least one hour.
• Ships constructed before 1 February 1995 and on cargo ships of less than 500 tons gross tonnage will provide six hours of reserve source(s) of energy if the ship does not have emergency generators.

80.1105(h). The capacity of the reserve source of energy should be sufficient to operate the particular installation with the highest power consumption for the appropriate period specified.

• Ships with emergency generators: 1 Hour
• Ships without emergency generators: 6 Hours

What equipment does the reserve source of energy have to supply?

80.1099(1)(3) The reserve source of energy need not supply the HF and MF radio installations at the same time. When, in addition to the VHF radio installation, two or more of the other radio installations can be connected to the reserve sources of energy, they must be capable of simultaneously supplying, for one hour:

• All other radio installations which can be connected to the reserve sources of energy at the same time, or:
• Whichever of the other HF/MF radio installations will consume the most power

What are the battery and charging requirements when batteries are used solely in the absence of ship's supply?

80.1099(f)(1).� The capacity of the battery must be checked "Using an appropriate method, at intervals not to exceed 12 months".
NOTE: An instruction manual that contains all necessary specifications of the batteries should be available on board. The information should include at least:

1. Capacity and temperature range within which the stated capacity is maintained for the specified period;

2. Charging voltage and current limits in order to keep batteries fully charged while preventing overcharging;
Actual specific gravity of the electrolyte and/or cell voltages or the voltage of the fully charged battery;
3. Guidelines on how to carry out a controlled discharge test. Since these tests result in the batteries being substantially discharged, this must not be done at sea.
4. Methods of determining the condition of charge of the battery; e.g. check of specific gravity of electrolyte (acid density) or check of battery cell voltages/battery voltages by using an accurate measuring instrument in accordance with the battery manufacturer's specifications.
5. Requirement for ventilation;
6. Requirement for maintenance.

BATTERIES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. THERE IS RISK OF FIRE, EXPLOSION, FATAL SHOCK HAZARD, AND SEVERE CHEMICAL BURNS. USE PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WHEN WORKING NEAR OR ON BATTERIES. MAKE CERTAIN THE BATTERY LOCKER IS WELL VENTILATED AND ALL FANS, SWITCHES AND LIGHTING ARE INTRINSICALLY SAFE. A LABEL OF EXPLOSION DANGER SHOULD BE DISPLAYED NEAR THE INSTALLED BATTERIES.

How long should it take to recharge the batteries?

80.1099(F)(1).� The batteries must be recharged to required minimums within a 10-hour period.
NOTE: The changeover between the ship's supply and the radio reserve source of energy should not require any of the equipment connected to it to be re-initialized manually and should not result in loss of data stored in memory. Any fault in the battery or battery charger should not impair or reduce the functional availability of any GMDSS equipment while energized from the ship's supply. �

What are the requirements for an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?

80.1099. (b).(I).� The UPS must insure a continuous supply of electrical power to communications equipment in the event of a ship's main or emergency-sourced power failure.
NOTE: The UPS should be operational within 5 seconds of switching on. To provide for failure of the single UPS, a second UPS or means for directly supplying the radio installation from ship's main or emergency supply should be installed and be available permanently. The changeover to the second UPS or ship's supplies may be manual or automatic. . The changeover should not require any of the equipment connected to it to be re-initialized manually and should not result in loss of data stored in memory. The UPS must be able to service the load requirements determined in SOLAS 1974 IV/13.2, 13.4 and 13.6 taking into consideration duplication equipment when provided. The capacity of the battery charger(s) used in the UPS should be sufficient to comply with regulation IV/13.6/1 �

How do I know when there has been an interruption of ship's power?

Provisions should be made for an aural alarm and visual indication at the position from which the ship is normally navigated, indicating an interruption of the ship's supply. It should not be possible to disable the alarm and indication. It should only be possible to acknowledge and silence the alarm manually. Both the alarm condition and indication should reset automatically when the ship's supply has been restored

What entries am I required to make in the GMDSS logbook with respect to reserve sources(s) of power?

80.409(e)(8),(9)� The times when the batteries are placed on charge and taken off charge. The results of required equipment tests, including specific gravity of lead-acid storage batteries and voltage reading of other types of batteries provided as a part of the compulsory installation.
NOTE:� When fully automatic charging systems are used, it is not possible to know the times to enter in the log. In lieu of the time entries, a statement detailing the use of a fully automatic charging system will suffice. The requirement for checking the specific gravity or battery voltage and entering this into the log remains.
�

This is meant to be an overview of the subject.� Some material has been left out.� For brevity and clarity, please refer to 47 CFR 80 Subpart W, and SOLAS Chapter IV for accurate and more complete sources of information.

from U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center

■ Power Supply Requirements

Power Supply Requirements

GMDSS equipment is required to be powered from three sources of supply:

• ship's normal alternators/generators;
• ship's emergency alternator/generator (if fitted); and
• a dedicated radio battery supply.

The batteries are required to have a capacity to power the equipment for 1 hour on ships with an emergency generator or built prior to February 1995, and 6 hours on ships not fitted with an emergency generator or built after February 1995 in order to comply with SOLAS. The batteries must be charged by an automatic charger, which is also required to be powered from the main and emergency generators. Changeover from AC to battery supply must be automatic, and effected in such a way that any data held by the equipment is not corrupted (i.e.: "no break").
During Coast Guard inspections, the batteries must be able to go from 100% discharge to fully charged in no longer than 10 hours in order to pass certification. The charger to must be obtainable at all times during vessel operation and too should be inspected to make sure it functions properly. When the reserve source of energy consists of batteries, the battery capacity must be checked at intervals not exceeding 12 months. If not completed within past 12 months, this must be done during inspection.
Storage batteries provided as a reserve source of energy must be installed in accordance with applicable electrical codes and good engineering practice. They must be protected from adverse weather and physical damage. They must be readily accessible for maintenance and replacement.

■ SSAS

What is Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is one safety measure for strengthening ship security and subduing acts of piracy and/or terrorism against shipping. Widely Acknowledged as a part of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS code), the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) complements the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s attempts to increase maritime vessel security.

Cospas-Sarsat, with International Maritime Organization’s cooperation, came up with this project of Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). The basic idea is that in case of an attempted piracy effort or terrorists act, the ship’s SSAS beacon would be activated, responding to which an appropriate law-enforcement or military forces would be dispatched for rescue. The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) beacon and the Aircraft Transponder Emergency Code 7700 are operated on the fundament of similar principles.


How SSAS works?

• When the maritime security staffs comprehend probable danger from pirates or terrorists a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) alert is triggered.

• The beacon transmits a specific country code, reacting to which the Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) or SAR Points of Contact (SPOCs) of that particular region is notified discreetly.

• Once receiving the signal the national authorities of the area notified dispatch appropriate military or law-enforcement forces to deal with the terrorist or pirate menace.

Legislation on Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
In December 2002, International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted some changes within which Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), as was determined in Regulation 6. It also required IMO to produce guidance on the implementation and instructions on the handling of covert alerts from SSAS instrumentation.
The SSAS alerts are to be sent by the security staff, necessarily at routine priority, from the ship to its Administration directly or other proper recipient designated by the Administration.
These routine priority SSAS alerts might be chosen by Administrations to have from their flag ships addressed to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres in their own region or to other targets such as ship owners or managers.
Satellite service of Inmarsat C, mini-C and D+ would help affirm the full accessibility of processing the messages of Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), while the existing outdated GMDSS would require an update provided by its manufacturers or agents.
SSAS solutions which are available on the Inmarsat network inevitably render more flexibility in the routing of SSAS alerts. In accordance with the requirements of the IMO, these alerts could be sent to any destination, which might be a rescue co-ordination centre, or a national security organisation or the ship owner or any other third-party organisation but necessarily selected by the flag administration.
The security stuff can deliver the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) to fax, email, telex, GSM phone, or even to other Inmarsat terminals for the sake of ship security complying with the legislation specified in Regulation 6.

From Marine Insight(http://www.marineinsight.com/sports-luxury/equipment/what-is-ship-security-alert-system-ssas/)

■ EGC setup (FURUNO, Inmarsat C)

+ EGC setup +
The FELCOM 15 receives EGC messages directed to its present position and
Navarea without further programming. The EGC Setup screen lets you choose
additional areas for which to receive messages and also the Navtex station and
type of message for Coastal Warning (NAVTEX Re-broadcast).

1. Press the [F8] key to display the Setup menu.
   

2. Press the [5] key to display the EGC Setup menu.

   

3. The cursor is selecting Additional Position, where you can enter the L/L
    position of an ocean region you want to receive broadcasts about. Press the
    [Enter] key to open the additional position entry window.

4. Enter position as follows:
    a) Enter latitude (XX° XXX).
    b) Press the [N] or [S] key as appropriate to enter coordinate.
    c) Enter longitude (XXX° XXX).
    d) Press the [E] or [W] key as appropriate enter coordinate.

5. Press the [Enter] key to close the additional position entry window.

6. Press the [↓] key to choose Navarea.

7. Press the [Enter] key to open the navarea entry window.

8. Enter additional Navarea(s) (I-XVI, up to nine) in two digits, referring to the
    illustration below for code number.

9. Press the [Enter] key to close the navarea entry window.
    Note: “Fixed Area” is where you enter fixed areas (max. 3) for chart
    correction service. However, this service is not yet available; enter no data.

10. Press the [↓] key to choose Waypoint.

11. Press the [Enter] key to open the waypoint options window.

   
12. Choose ON to receive broadcasts for the area which contains the destination
      waypoint set on the navigator.

13. Press the [Enter] key to close the waypoint options window.

14. Press the [↓] key to choose Station Code.

15. Press the [Enter] key to open the station code entry window.

16. Enter the navtex station code (A-Z) of the navarea,in upper case alphabet.
      For details about navtex stations, consult the operator’s manual of the navtex receiver.

17. Press the [Enter] key to close the station code entry window.

18. Choose message type to receive: Use the arrow keys to choose message
      type, press the [Enter] key, choose ON or OFF as appropriate, and press the [Enter] key.
      Note: Navtex messages “Coastal navigational information”, “Meteorological
      warning” and “Search and rescue alert” (they do not appear on the EGC Setup menu) must
      always be received.

19. Press the [Esc] key to open the update window.

20. Yes is selected; press the [Enter] key to update EGC settings.

21. Press the [Esc] key to return to the standby display.

■ EGC Setting (FURUNO, Inmarsat C)

What is the EGC (Enhanced Group Call) service?

The EGC service enables EGC information providers to send SafetyNET,
FleetNET and System messages via an LES to a specific groups of ships, or
to all ships within a defined geographical area.

Each type of EGC service is sent as follows:
1) The information provider prepares the message, and then accesses the
    appropriate Country of the international telex network to send the message to an LES.
2) The LES processes and forwards it to the NCS for the ocean region designated by the provider.

3) Then, the NCS broadcasts the message throughout the ocean region. (The operator may choose

    the EGC messages to receive by position (one position) and geographical position (nine areas)

 

 

The EGC system

Three EGC services are available:
1) SafetyNET
    This provides a means for information providers to distribute Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
    from shore-to-ship. Authorized information providers include:
    a) Hydrographic Offices, for navigational warnings
    b) National Weather Services, for meteorological warnings and forecasts
    c) Rescue Co-ordination Center, for shore-to-ship distress alerts and other urgent information
    d) International Ice Patrol, for North Atlantic ice hazards

2) FleetNET
    This service allows authorized information providers such as commercial subscription services,
    shipping companies and governments, which have registered with a LES that supports FleetNET,
    to broadcast messages to selected group of MESs. Typical applications of FleetNET are
    a) Fleet or company broadcasts
    b) News broadcasts
    c) Commercial weather services
    d) Market quotations
    e) Government broadcasts to all vessels on a country’s registration

3) System
    EGC system-related is sent by Inmarsat to certain ship groups and geographical areas.

■ FURUNO-Inmarsat C, Alarm Unit IC-306

■ FURUNO-Inmarsat C, Distress Alert / Received Call Unit IC-305

■ Distress Alert/Received Call Unit IC-305
    The [DISTRESS] button functions to transmit the distress alert. To transmit the distress alert,
    press the button until its lamp lights continuously. For further details on how to transmit the
    distress alert.

    The  IC-305 releases the audio alarm and the lamp in the [ALARM ACK] button flashes
    when an EGC distress or urgency broadcast is received. Press the [ALARM ACK] button
    to acknowledge the alarm, and the alarm tone changes. To silence the alarm and extinguish the
    lamp, press the function key F10 on the keyboard of the terminal unit.

■ Acronyms and Abbreviations (T ~ W)

■ Acronyms and Abbreviations (N ~ S)

 

 

■ Acronyms and Abbreviations (F ~ L)

■ Acronyms and Abbreviations (A ~ E)