McMurdo Manuals & User Guides

McMurdo is a trusted name in marine safety and search and rescue (SAR) technology, providing critical equipment for commercial shipping, fishing, and leisure boating. Established with over 80 years of history, the brand is renowned for its reliable distress beacons, including the Kimi Tere Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and SmartFind Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). These devices are designed to operate in the harshest marine environments, providing a vital link to search and rescue services in an emergency.

Now part of the Seas of Solutions portfolio, McMurdo continues to innovate in Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) equipment. From AIS Man Overboard devices to SARTs (Search and Rescue Transponders), McMurdo products are essential for ensuring crew safety and vessel compliance worldwide.

• How do I register my McMurdo PLB or EPIRB?

  Registration is mandatory. In the US, register with NOAA; internationally, use the IBRD at www.406registration.com or your national authority. Failure to register can delay search and rescue response.

• How often should I test my McMurdo beacon?

  It is recommended to perform a self-test once a month. To conserve battery life, limit GPS/GNSS acquisition tests to a maximum of 10 over the battery's lifetime (refer to your specific manual for model limits).

• Can I replace the battery in my FastFind PLB myself?

  No, battery replacement should be performed by an approved service center. Opening the unit yourself may break the waterproof seal and voids the warranty.

• What is the battery life of a McMurdo FastFind PLB?

  Most McMurdo PLBs have a 6-year storage battery life and provide a minimum of 24 hours of continuous operation when activated.

• Where can I find authorized service agents for McMurdo products?

  A list of approved service agents and distributors can be found on the Seas of Solutions webpae i raro i te waahanga tautoko.