Notice for Safe Use of Satellite Compass/Autopilot System
2023-04-14
Marine Electronic Products Division
FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
We have found an issue that when the automatic steering function of our Autopilot System is used with our Satellite Compass, your boat might steer in an unexpected direction depending on the Satellite Compass conditions, which might lead to a serious accident such as a collision especially in narrow channels.
We would like you to pay attention to the following precautions before activating the automatic steering function
Model
（Satellite Compass）
SCX-20 / SCX-21 / SC-30 / SC-33 / SC-50 / SC-70 / SC-110 / SC-130
（Autopilot System）
NAVpilot-300 / NAVpilot-500 / NAVpilot-511 / NAVpilot-520 / NAVpilot-611
NAVpilot-700 / NAVpilot-711 / NAVpilot-711C / NAVpilot-720
Precautions for Use
The heading signal data input to the Autopilot System from the Satellite Compass might differ from the actual heading of your boat immediately after the Satellite Compass is turned on.
If the automatic steering function is activated while the heading signal data differs from the actual heading, your boat might steer in an unexpected direction.
For your safety,be sure to check that the heading displayed on the control unit of the Autopilot System matches with the actual heading of your boat （*） before starting the automatic steering function.
In addition, a difference from the actual heading might also occur if the heading signal from the Satellite Compass is lost and restored due to signal interruption or satellite positions. If the heading signal from the Satellite Compass is lost, a message indicating that there is no heading data will appear on the control unit of the Autopilot System. If such message appears, immediately cancel the automatic steering function.
Be sure to check that the heading displayed on the control unit of the Autopilot System matches with the actual heading of your boat（*）before resuming the automatic steering function.
If your boat steers in an unexpected direction while the automatic steering function is activated, a collision might occur. To prevent such risk, the use of the automatic steering function is prohibited in narrow channels or areas where vessels change course often, such as a cape or small island.
Please follow the instructions shown in “SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” of the Operator’s Manual.
Contact your place of purchase for information on the necessary operations of autopilot systems of other manufacturers during loss of signal or ways to check heading data on such system.
（*）Check the actual heading of your boat with other sensors such as magnetic compasses or surrounding landmarks as points of reference, etc.
Heading data displayed (in the red frame) on the control unit of the Autopilot System (by model)
-
●NAVpilot-300
-
●NAVpilot-711C
-
●NAVpilot-500
-
●NAVpilot-700
-
●NAVpilot-511, NAVpilot-520, NAVpilot-611
-
●NAVpilot-711, NAVpilot-720
Contact information
Branches and Sales Offices of FURUNO and Distributors
Marine Electronic Products Division
FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
https://furuno.co.jp/en/corporate/bases/overseas.html
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