METOCEAN - iBCN Iridium Beacon

Operational overview and field deployment

Instrument role in deep-sea tracking and recovery systems

MetOcean iBCN Iridium Beacon is designed for locating and reporting the position of submerged oceanographic assets. It combines deep-water survivability with satellite communication for recovery and tracking operations.

Functional usage context

This beacon is used to provide position updates for instruments, moorings, and deep-sea equipment after deployment. Once activated (typically after release or at programmed intervals), it reports location data via Iridium satellite communication, enabling remote tracking without requiring acoustic surface vessels.

Operational environment

The system is designed for full ocean depth deployments up to 7500 meters. It is suitable for deep-sea research, long-term seabed moorings, and autonomous instrumentation recovery scenarios in open-ocean environments.

System integration role

Within a subsea deployment architecture, it functions as a recovery and tracking module attached to oceanographic platforms or mooring systems. It complements acoustic release systems by providing independent geolocation and communication capability once surfaced or activated.

Deployment usage

Deployment involves integrating the beacon into a mooring, instrument frame, or deep-sea platform prior to launch. During or after a mission, it activates to transmit position data, assisting recovery teams in locating underwater assets.

Typical users

It is commonly used by oceanographic institutes, deep-sea exploration teams, and offshore research programs conducting long-duration deployments where reliable asset recovery and tracking are critical.