FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—JULY 19, 2006— The RapidTrack™ S-VDR and MARIS S-VDR 2000 are now approved and are available for sale in international markets, including Europe, Asia, Pacific Rim and Amerasia. Manufacturer ACR Electronics, Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has begun shipping to its international dealers, where the products will soon be available for sale.

The RapidTrack™ S-VDR and MARIS S-VDR 2000 are both type-approved with ACR’s Float Free Memory Capsule to the IMO Res.A.694 (17). (General requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS), and for electronic navigational aids and IMO MSC.163 (78) performance standards for the shipborne simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDR).) ACR’s Float Free Memory Capsule will also soon be approved for use with other S-VDR manufactured units.

Both the RapidTrack™ S-VDR and MARIS S-VDR 2000 include a highly durable mounting base sub-assembly, which is fastened directly to the ship. Data is downloaded into an externally mounted hydrostatic release Float Free Memory Capsule and transferred over Ethernet TCP-IP 10 base T over the Cat 5 cable. Internet protocol (IPO) is per RFC 791.Transmission control protocol (TCP) is per RFC 793.The Cat 5 power/data cable length can be up to 50 meters.

Unlike other S-VDR memory capsules that are exposed to the cruel ocean environments, the ACR Float Free Memory Capsule is enclosed in a self-releasing protective bracket to ensure years of problem-free service. The capsule will automatically deploy once the vessel has sunk to a depth of 4 meters (12 feet). When deployed, it 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 18,000 lives saved since 1982.

Designed to record and maintain a retrievable record of the ship’s navigational, technical and safety data, the RapidTrack™ S-VDR and MARIS S-VDR 2000 are smaller, lighter and less expensive options for commercial mariners needing to fulfill international maritime agency requirements to equip their vessels with voyage data recorders.

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.

Like black boxes carried on aircraft, S-VDRs enable accident investigators to review procedures and instructions in the moments before an accident to help to identify its cause. The RapidTrack™ S-VDR and MARIS S-VDR 2000 are designed to interface with bridge information systems and to record and maintain a retrievable record of the ship's nautical, technical and safety data.

Special features for the RapidTrack™ and MARIS 2000 S-VDR 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.

S-VDRs are Easy to install, service and upgrade, resulting in low installation and life cycle costs and virtually no maintenance.

The unit is small in size with low weight and the use of commercial grade off-the-shelf components ensures proven solutions and high reliability.

The unit is maintenance free (batteries, however, need to be changed  every five years).

The beacon can be self-tested.

The RapidTrack™ S-VDR and MARIS S-VDR 2000 are identical to the Wheelmark (MED) type-approved VDR, except for the protective capsule.  The S-VDR will meet and/or exceed relevant standards.

Note to Editors: For high-res images please contact John Bell at (Tel) 954-970-3394 or Email at prseitz@bellsouth.net.