This part of IEC 61097 specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics and type-testing requirements of the satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon used in the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system (satellite EPIRB), as required by Regulation IV/7.1.6 of the 1988 amendments to the 1974 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and which is associated with IEC 60945. When a requirement in this standard is different from IEC 60945, the requirement in this standard takes precedence. This standard incorporates the performance standards of IMO Resolution A.810(19), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations as well as the technical characteristics for such transmitters contained in Recommendation ITU-R M.633, and takes account of the general requirements contained in IMO Resolution A.694(17). This standard further takes account of IMO Resolution A.696(17) concerning the type approval of satellite EPIRBs. This standard also includes minimum performance standards for a non-float-free satellite EPIRB without float-free release mechanism (see Annex C). NOTE 1 Although a number of the requirements and tests may be similar this standard is not intended to be used with 406 MHz Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) Beacons. All texts of this standard, whose wording is identical to that in the IMO SOLAS Convention 1974 as amended and Resolutions A.662(16), A.694(17), A.702(17) and A.810(19) and Recommendation ITU-R M.633 will be printed in italics and the Resolution/Recommendation and paragraph number indicated between brackets. NOTE 2 Classes of satellite EPIRB's considered in this document are: – Class 1: Float-free (–40 °C to +55 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) should be capable of operating throughout the temperature range of –30 °C to +65 °C. This class is not required by IMO Resolutions but may be applied at the discretion of each Administration. – Class 2: Float-free (–20 °C to +55 °C). The float-free release mechanism (A.662(16)) should be capable of operating throughout the temperature range of –30 °C to +65 °C. NOTE 3 Non float-free, satellite EPIRB's in both classes are considered in Annex C. NOTE 4 All classes include a 121,5 MHz homing device, described in Annex D. NOTE 5 All classes may include beacon position data, obtained from a navigation device internal or external to the satellite EPIRB as described in Annex B. NOTE 6 User experience of COSPAS-SARSAT satellite EPIRB operation leading to some clarification of IMO performance standards, and providing some useful information for satellite EPIRB users is included in Annex E.