Alex was recently invited to the McMurdo factory in Portsmouth to receive the first of the new range of EPIRB’s.
McMurdo/Kannad have been supporting the PixelBoat campaign for a while now, supplying Alex with all the latest electrical safety equipment, including two new VHF radios and the latest technology AIS transponder. Here is their press release –

NEWS RELEASE

World’s first AIS EPIRB Gets Green Light from Cospas Sarsat

The game-changing SmartFind G8 AIS, the world’s first AIS EPIRB, has received Type Approval Certification for use on the Cospas Sarsat satellite system, meaning the innovative beacon will soon be rolling off McMurdo’s Portsmouth factory production line.

The world’s first SmartFind G8 AIS will be used by round the world sailor and world record holder Alex Alley, who visited the McMurdo Portsmouth factory to see it first-hand. Visitors to the Crewsaver stand (J340 – Ocean Hall) at The YachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show in September will also be able to see the new SmartFind G8 AIS for the first time.

Key features of the SmartFind G8 AIS include QuadrotechTM Technology for accelerated rescue – containing four search and rescue support frequencies, built-in AIS for localised rescue support, multiple GNSS (GPS) sources, a 10 year battery, 360 degree strobe, Easy Service Battery and multiple accidental activation prevention features.

Alex Alley will be at TheYachtmarket.com Southampton Boat Show with his 40′ yacht – Pixel Flyer – and visitors can learn more about his next challenge as he prepares to beat the current world record for sailing solo non-stop around the world.

Alex Alley comments, “Peace of mind on the water is essential. Orolia, through its McMurdo and Kannad brands, always make robust, solid and reliable safety kit that makes the most of the latest technological advances including satellite technology to help save lives at sea. It is very reassuring to know if you needed to push the button, you can trust it will work! That is a significant confidence boost, whether you are sailing near the coast or out at sea. I firmly believe you should not take any risks with safety equipment and having the SmartFind G8 AIS on board as I plan my latest sailing challenges is a key part of making sure that I stay safe out on the water.”

As well as precision technology, the inclusion of AIS in EPIRBs offers additional benefits. Sean McCrystal, Marketing Manager for McMurdo adds, “Within the Search and Rescue community there is a view that as well as helping to save lives, the inclusion of AIS in EPIRBs will also help reduce the impact of accidental activations. In the US last year, 80% of activations were accidental so it is essential that Captains have vessel AIS on their plotters to be able to take full advantage of the latest innovations McMurdo can provide through its wide range of search and rescue solutions.”

McMurdo is the world leader in emergency readiness and response with the only end-to-end solutions for SAR satellite-aided technology, from voyage data recorders and distress beacons to satellite ground infrastructure to mission control centers and rescue coordination centers. Half of the world’s MEOSAR satellite ground infrastructure has been installed by McMurdo, as well as the manufacture of 25% of the world’s 500,000 registered beacons.

About Orolia
Orolia is the world leader in resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical, remote or high-risk operations. Through its leading brands, McMurdo, Kannad, SARBE, Spectracom and Spectratime, Orolia has locations in more than 100 countries worldwide. With expertise in maritime, defense and space applications, Orolia provides virtually fail-safe GPS/GNSS and PNT products and solutions for its customers’ most mission-critical needs. www.orolia.com