McMurdo has launched a new Navtex receiver, the Smartfind GMDSS Navtex.
Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) Navtex is an IMO mandatory automatic maritime safety and weather information receiver. Navtex provides shipping and other marine users with vital navigational warnings, meteorological information and urgent safety information.
The equipment provides clear, up-to-date Navtex maritime safety information automatically delivered in bright colour-delineated text on a six inch screen.
Three parallel digital receivers simultaneously provide tri-channel monitoring of the international 518KHz English language service, 490KHz national language and the 4209.5KHz long range Navtex services.
Easy to read in all light conditions, the large daylight viewable four-colour LCD screen has an adjustable backlight and three user selectable font sizes, medium, large or extra large for ease of use.
Different message categories are colour-keyed according to the Navtex message type, navigation warning, meteorological forecast or urgent search and rescue message making each message type instantly recognisable at a glance.
Navtex messages can be quickly reviewed in a short message listing and then opened in full to read the complete text.
Powerful automatic sorting features allow messages to be viewed pre-sorted by reception channel, station ID, message category type or age.
A quick index message listing page is provided, one for each channel that enables the user to quickly locate new or unread messages and messages that have been locked to prevent automatic deletion after 72 hours.
The McMurdo Smartfind GMDSS Navtex supports interface connection to integrated navigation system (INS) or electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) and the connection of a separate hard copy printer.
A wide range of antenna options include a heavy duty professional two-band active antenna that is optimised to provide high quality reception of all recognised Navtex channels.
The equipment has a RRP in the UK of £955.85 (€1,148/$1,526).
Meanwhile, McMurdo new Smartfind S5 AIS Sart has received full type approval from Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency authorising it for fitment to German flagged vessels in accordance with the country’s maritime regulations.
The S5 AIS Sart (automatic identification system search and rescue transmitter) is designed to assist in life raft location during search and rescue operations.
Smartfind S5 transmits a series of updating structured alert messages including its geographic position and serialised identity number.
Once activated, it transmits emergency alerts for a minimum of 96 hours. An in-built high precision GPS provides highly accurate position information to assist in quick recovery of survivors.
