McMurdo launches new products to extend its safety equipment range

The new M-2 provides a complete AIS solution by presenting information in a quick and easy to understand format. Compact, simple to operate and straightforward to install, the M-2 is suitable for all vessels that are required by legislation to fit AIS. Key features of the M-2 include powerful graphics capabilities, which can plot all surrounding AIS targets to give the officer of the watch a clear overview and provides good visual understanding of a developing hazard to the navigation situation. The AIS target list has a split screen view to quickly bring detailed static and dynamic information of selected targets into view. Menu 'soft key' provides for an intuitive user interface and gives direct and easy access to all aspects of system operation. The M-2 fulfils the IMP requirements for a Class A Shipborne AIS transponder system and is designed for any vessel wishing to comply with the AIS requirements for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

Also on display will be the ICS NAV5plus dual channel NAVTEX. This high quality receiver allows simultaneous monitoring of both NAVTEX frequencies (518 kHz and 490 kHz). The ICS NAV5plus is suitable for all vessels that are required by legislation to fit a GMDSS printing NAVTEX receiver. In addition to receiving and printing NAVTEX messages, it has an RS422 data output suitable for connection to integrated bridge or PC charting systems. The ICS NAV5plus has recently been purchased by the Royal Navy for installation onto all its vessels.

McMurdo is well known as the leading manufacturer of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). For ships, one of the most popular models is the E3 4406 EPIRB. The E3 is a highly advanced product that combines leading edge safety technology with award winning aesthetic design, meeting the needs of commercial and leisure users. An integral GPS version, called the G4, is also available.

The E3 transmits an emergency distress signal on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz frequencies, which provides full global coverage and includes a unique code to notify search and rescue units of the vessel's identification. This helps to avoid false alarms and ensures a quick a appropriately sized response to the emergency. Using the signals transmitted by the EPIRB, the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system calculated the EPIRB's position to within a 3 nautical mile area. The 121.5 MHz homing frequency and the built-in high intensity strobe light further assist the search and rescue services to locate the vessel.

Another key product on show at SMM is the McMurdo S4 RESCUE Search and Rescue Transponder (SART). The S4 RESCUE is a 9 GHz X-band Radar transponder that offers maximum reliability in a compact design. Smaller and more lightweight than earlier SART models, the S4 RESCUE is ideal for installation into life rafts. The S4 RESCUE is buoyant, waterproof to 10 metres and maintenance free. It has a replaceable 5 year battery pack. The S4 RESCUE has a lightweight and compact appearance which disguises its tough rugged design and construction. When operating, there is both an audible and visual indicator to reassure users that the SART is working. There is also a built-in self test facility and integral lanyard. Mounting options include a bulkhead mounting bracket that can be removed for use in survival craft applications and a mounting pole for increasing radar visibility.

Commercially approved pyrotechnics, manufactured and distributed worldwide under the well known brand name Pains Wessex, will also be on show on the McMurdo stand. Approved to SOLAs specifications, these include the Pains Wessex Manoverboard 360, Pains Wessex Speedline 250, Pains Wessex Mk7 Red Handflare, Pains Wessex Lifesmoke Mk5 and Pains Wessex Para Red, Maroon and Illuminating Parachute Rockets.

The Pains Wessex Ship's Bridge Distress Kit and Ship's Lifeboat Distress Kit, containing a selection of commercially approved pyrotechnics, have been specially developed to provide an easy way of ensuring a vessel is carrying the correct flares. The full range of lifejacket, life raft and lifebuoy lights will be displayed, including the L5 and L6 lifejacket lights and L120 Lifebuoy light. The L5 range of lifejacket lights are approved to current IMO SOLAS regulations for both manual and automatic activation and are available in one-piece or two-piece configurations for an easy fit into lifejackets. The L6 is a one-piece, manually activated lifejacket light supplied with a mounting clip. This lightweight, compact and robust light uses the latest electronic circuitry to flash 50-70 times per minute and exceeds the required 0.75 candela output for 8 hours. McMurdo's L120 is a cost effective, tamper proof, impact and corrosion resistant lifebuoy light. Like all McMurdo lifebuoy lights it is designed to deliver as a minimum standard the 2 candela output specification and 2-hour duration required by IMO SOLAS regulations.