Information Note

No. 1561 – May 2021

Manufacture of Sonardyne ‘AODC’ Emergency Transponders Discontinued

1 BACKGROUND

Sonardyne International Ltd has recently announced the obsolescence of its types 7097 & 7192 Diving Bell Emergency Transponders. These were often referred to as the Sonardyne ‘AODC emergency transponders.’

Today, the requirement for emergency locating devices to be fitted to diving bells is mandated within the IMO Code of Safety for Diving Systems 1995 and there is clearly a continuing need for properly specified locating devices to be fitted to diving bells.

This Information Note is intended to: • make IMCA Diving Division Members aware of the discontinuation of the Sonardyne products; • draw Members’ attention to Sonardyne Technical Bulletin No. TB21-001 (Issue 01) RJE ATT400 AODC Transponder Compatibility (dated 12th January 2021), which directs users of the discontinued Sonardyne transponders to the supplier of an equivalent alternative system which has been identified and tested by Sonardyne; and • alleviate the concerns of diving contractors with respect to the continuing availability of suitable diving bell locating devices.

2 IMO Requirements

Paragraph 2.12.5 of the IMO Code of Safety for Diving Systems 1995 sets the requirements for diving bell emergency locating devices i.e. the diving bell emergency transponder and -held interrogator receiver.

Copies of the Code may be purchased from IMO using the following link:

Publications (imo.org)

IMCA store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document. IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations. © 2021 Page 1 of 2

3 Continuing Availability of Suitable Diving Bell Locating Devices

Sonardyne advises that it has identified and tested a suitable transponder from an alternate supplier that meets the IMO requirements and is compatible with Sonardyne’s Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) underwater target tracking systems. Please see Sonardyne Technical Bulletin No. TB21-001 (Issue 01) attached as Appendix 1 for details.

For more information, please contact Sonardyne International Ltd at:

Sonardyne International Limited T. +44 (0) 1252 872288

Blackbushe Business Park F. +44 (0) 1252 876100

Yateley, Hampshire E. [email protected]

GU46 6GD United Kingdom W. www.sonardyne.com

IMCA Information Note 1561 Page 2 of 2

Appendix 1

RJE ATT400 AODC Transponder Compatibility

Bulletin No. TB21-001 Issue 01 Prepared By Malik Chibah Signature Date 12 Jan 2021

Approved By Darryl Signature DN Date 12 Jan 2021 (Design Authority) Newborough Approved By James Evans Signature JFE Date 13 Jan 2021 (Head of Quality)

Date of issue is deemed the latest of the Approval dates.

Subject: Compatibility of RJE ATT400 AODC transponder and Sonardyne USBL systems

Disclaimer

This Technical Bulletin is provided “as is” and it does not constitute any representation, assurance or warranty in respect of the above referenced product that the Technical Bulletin or any information contained herein is accurate, up to date or complete. All other conditions, warranties or other terms which might have effect between the parties or be implied or incorporated into the Sonardyne Conditions of Sale or the Sonardyne Conditions of Hire or any collateral contract, whether by statute, common law or otherwise, are hereby excluded, including the implied conditions, warranties or other terms as to satisfactory quality, fitness for purpose or the use of reasonable skill and care.

Summary: Sonardyne has recently announced the obsolescence of the types 7097 & 7192 AODC Emergency Transponders. Sonardyne will continue to supply battery pack spares at the current time but customers have requested a for continued supply of new AODC Emergency Transponders.

Solution: Sonardyne has identified and tested an AODC transponder from an alternate supplier (RJE) that is compatible with Sonardyne’s USBL systems. The RJE ATT400 AODC transponder passed compatibility testing using Sonardyne’s calibrated acoustic test facilities and procedures. Please note that the RJE ATT400 transponder has a lower source level (180 dB re 1µP @ 1 metre) than Sonardyne’s obsolete Type 7097 & 7192 AODC Transponder (185 dB re 1µP @ 1 metre). It is not anticipated that the reduced source level of the RJE ATT400 transponder will significantly reduce acoustic tracking reliability and range, but Sonardyne cannot guarantee ultimate performance of a 3rd party transponder in all scenarios.

Should you require any further clarification please contact customer support on [email protected] or +44 1252 872288.

Sonardyne International Limited T. +44 (0) 1252 872288 Blackbushe Business Park F. +44 (0) 1252 876100 Yateley, Hampshire E. [email protected] GU46 6GD United Kingdom W. www.sonardyne.com T02-TB 02/2018 This document is the copyright of, and the Confidential and Proprietary Information of, Sonardyne International Ltd. © 2018. Page 1 of 2 Bulletin No.: TB21-001 RJE ATT400 AODC Transponder Compatibility Issue: 01

The Sonardyne equipment described in this Technical Bulletin is protected by various UK Patents and other Patents internationally. The copyright and other intellectual property rights of any third parties which may be referenced in this Technical Bulletin are hereby duly acknowledged.

END

T02-TB 02/2018 Page 2 of 2