ACR S-VDR Float Free Memory Capsule Approved for Sale in North America

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Capsule now approved and available for sale in North
America. Manufacturer ACR Electronics, Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has begun shipping to its North American dealers. BSH has just issued an approval number for the S-VDR¹s Type approval in Europe.

The Float Free Memory Capsule can be coupled with the MARIS S-VDR 2000, a strategic partner of ACR Electronics, or can be made available to other S-VDR OEMs for inclusion within their systems.

Like black boxes carried on aircraft, S-VDRs enable accident investigators to review procedures and instructions in the hours before an accident to help to identify its cause. The ACR Float Free Memory Capsule, for example, is designed to interface with a vessel¹s fixed unit S-VDR that monitors bridge information systems and records and maintains a retrievable record of the ship's nautical, technical and safety data. Data from the S-VDR is continuously downloaded into the externally mounted hydrostatic release Float Free Memory Capsule.

The ACR Float Free Memory Capsule, enclosed in a self-releasing protective bracket, will automatically deploy once the vessel has sunk to a depth of 1.5 to 4 meters (4.9 to 13.1 feet). When deployed, it floats free to the surface and is capable of automatically broadcasting satellite-detectable LAT/LON GPS coordinates for up to seven days to aid location and retrieval, using the same reliable COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system that has resulted in more than 20,000 lives saved since 1982.

Special features and advantages for the Float Free Memory Capsule include:

• All data is stored in both the Float Free Memory Capsule and in the Main unit hard disc.

• The stored data--date, time, position, speed, heading and depth can be downloaded and analyzed for investigation, training and simulation at any time

• Low cost to install and easily retrievable, resulting in a substantial savings in salvage costs.

• The unit uses similar maintenance schedules as EPIRBs.

• The capsule can be self-tested.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted new carriage requirements that will require all cargo vessels operating in international waters to carry an S-VDR system. Cargo vessels larger than 20,000 gross tonnage are required to have an S-VDR installed on their first scheduled dry-docking after July 1, 2006, but not later than July 1, 2009. Cargo vessels of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards, but less than 20,000 gross tonnage, are required to have an S-VDR installed at their first scheduled dry-docking after July 1, 2007, but not later than July 1, 2010.

ACR Electronics, Inc., (www.acrelectronics.com) a Cobham plc Company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, P-ELTs/P-EPIRBs/PLBs, Bridge-based Information Systems, SARTs and safety accessories. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2000 Series Standards. Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956.