Innovation, Science, And Economic Development (ISED) of Canada is seeking out comments on the consultation of RSS-287, issue 3- “Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), and Maritime Survivor Locator Devices (MSLD)”. This updated to the standard is trying to establish the requirements for certification of:

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Maritime Survivor Locator Devices (MSLDs)

The new Radio Standard Specification 287, Issue 3, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), and Maritime Survivor Locator Devices (MSLD), replacing RSS-287, Issue 2, dated March 2014. The main changes include adding references for automatic identification system (AIS and digital selective calling (DSC). ADDED section 2.1 which will come into force. Introduced AIS and DSC frequencies. Removed section 2.3.5 Transport Canada (Marine Safety) Documents and replaced it with section 3.2.3. As well as removed section 2.3.6 National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) Document and moved the test to section 3.4.3. Sections 2, 4, and 6 was modified to segregate the requirements by device type. Section 7.3 was modified to include the new DSC frequency. As well as editorial changes and clarifications as needed.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime navigation safety communication system standardized by the ITU and adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It automatically provides vessel information including the vessel’s identity, type, position, course, speed, navigation status, and send other safety-related information to appropriately equipped shore stations, other ships and other aircrafts. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a type of synchronous System developed by the ITU-R that is used to establish contact with a station or groups of stations automatically by means of radio equipment.

The equipment shall comply with the following configurations:

EPRIB: 406 MHz primary transmitter with homing frequency on 121.5 MHz and/or 243 MHz, and optional AIS locating signal on 161.975 MHz or 162.025 MHz, as well.

ELT: 406 MHz primary transmitter with homing frequency on 121.5 MHz, and optional homing frequency on 243 MHz as well.

PLB: 406 MHz with homing frequency on 121.5 MHz and/or 243 MHz, and optional AIS locating signal on 161.975 MHz or 162.025 MHz, as well.

MSLD: Homing frequency on 121.5 MHz, and optional AIS locating signal. On 161.975 MHz or 162.025 MHz, and optional *DSC closed loop communication, channel 70, on 156.525 MHz, as well.

*Closed loop DSC uses an addressed message for a closed group of users.

Comments are requested before January 12th, 2024. For more details please click LINK to review the original post witht he draft PDF for your review.