Description
SKIPPER ESN100 IMO Wheelmarked Echo Sounder — System Overview & Engineering Architecture
The SKIPPER ESN100 is an IMO wheelmarked single-frequency navigation echo sounder manufactured for SOLAS-regulated commercial shipping. Designed around a distributed architecture, the system separates the bridge-mounted user interface from the below-decks transceiver, providing installation flexibility on newbuilds and retrofit programmes. The bridge element is the SKIPPER CU-M101-SA 9-inch colour touch display, which presents a continuous echo sounder graphics overlay alongside complete navigational details. The companion below-decks element is the SKIPPER JB50E1-SA transceiver unit, which drives the transducer and generates the high-power transmit pulse. The two units communicate over a dedicated link while the bridge display simultaneously integrates position, heading, and depth data from external sensors.
Designed for watch-keeping simplicity, most operational parameters of the ESN100 are managed automatically. The unit auto-controls TVG (Time Varied Gain), receiver gain, transmit power, and range scaling, allowing the officer of the watch to focus on the navigational picture rather than instrument tuning. Manual override is available for each automatic function, supporting diagnostic mode, shallow-water pilotage, and survey-grade operation when required.
The measurement chain supports selectable 50 kHz or 200 kHz operation. A dual 50/200 kHz transducer may be physically installed, however the ESN100 is documented as a single-frequency system in which only one frequency may be active at any time. Output power is approximately 700 W, providing reliable bottom detection in coastal, harbour, and ocean-going operating profiles. Selectable ranges extend from 0 m to 1000 m, with a documented measuring accuracy of less than 1% error across the working range.
Core Features & Operational Advantages
- IMO Wheelmarked with MED-B — type-approved for SOLAS-regulated vessels under the Marine Equipment Directive (MED-B).
- Single-Frequency Operation — selectable 50 kHz or 200 kHz for deep-water or shallow-water profiles.
- 9-Inch Colour Touch Display — SKIPPER CU-M101-SA bridge unit with continuous graphical echo trace overlay.
- Automatic Signal Processing — Auto/Manual TVG, gain, power, and range.
- Transducer Positioning Function — supports installation calibration relative to the hull reference point.
- Internal Sounder for Alarm and Button Press — provides audible depth alarms compliant with IEC ALF and ALR sentences.
- 24-Hour History Memory — onboard logging, extended via USB or SD media and external network logging.
- Epson LQ-350 Compatible Printer Output — for chart-style depth recorders and event logging.
- LAN Service Software Review — remote diagnostics, configuration, and firmware review via Ethernet.
- Dual NMEA0183 Inputs — accepts GPS, gyro, alarm, and draft sensor data per IEC 61162-1.
- NMEA0183 Output — DPT, PSKDPT, DBS, DBK, ALR, and ALF sentences for ECDIS and bridge integration.
- GPS-Synchronised Calendar/Clock — time-stamped depth records drawn from GPS input.
- SKIPPER CU-M101-SA — 9″ touch display (control unit)
- SKIPPER JB50E1-SA — transceiver (electronic) unit
- SKIPPER 50/200 kHz dual transducer — multiple part numbers
- SKIPPER 50 kHz transducer — multiple part numbers
- SKIPPER 200 kHz transducer — multiple part numbers
- SKIPPER SB-100-SB — 100 mm ball valve for single bottom
- SKIPPER DB-100-SB — 100 mm ball valve for double bottom
- SKIPPER ETNST — standard steel tank
- SKIPPER ETNALC — aluminium tank
- SKIPPER ETNSTCI — ice-protected combo tank
- SKIPPER ETNSTC — combo steel tank
- SKIPPER ZZL-01019 — junction box for echo sounder transducers
- IMO Wheelmark — issued for SOLAS Chapter V compliance as a navigation echo sounder.
- MED-B (Marine Equipment Directive — Module B) — DNV certificate MEDB00001YG -3, with validity through 2031-07-07 per OEM documentation dated 2026-07-08.
- CCS (China Classification Society) — Type Approval certificate BG26PTB00003_01, validity through 2031-01-31 per OEM documentation dated 2026-05-18.
- MER-B — additional module certificate referenced in OEM certificate register (2025-12-10).
- Control Unit Power Supply: DC 10–32 V
- Transceiver Unit Power Supply: DC 21–36 V
- Display Unit Power Consumption: Nominal 6 W
- Electronic Unit Power Consumption: 20 W
- Mounting Cut-out: 224.5 mm (W) × 140 mm (H)
- Outside Dimensions: 242 mm (W) × 158 mm (H)
- Languages: English
Component Breakdown & System Configuration
The standard ESN100 system comprises the following OEM-defined components:
Approved accessories and spares include the SKIPPER CD401MR multirepeater, the SKIPPER IR30DIM remote dimmer, and the SKIPPER IR31 NMEA remote dimmer. A retrofit plate is offered for GDS101/GDS102 hull installations. Remote depth indicators are supported as a documented option.
SOLAS, IMO, IEC & Classification Society Compliance
The SKIPPER ESN100 carries formal type approval under the following classification frameworks:
Alarm signalling follows IEC standards using ALF and ALR sentences, and NMEA interfacing is compliant with IEC 61162-1 on both transmit and receive channels. The MED-B and CCS approvals make the ESN100 suitable for installation on vessels operating under SOLAS and trading through major UAE ports including Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Khalifa Port, Fujairah, and Khor Fakkan, where Federal Transport Authority (FTA) and class survey regimes apply.
Onboard Maintenance & Inspection Standards
The ESN100 is engineered to support class survey routines with limited operational disruption. Service software is reachable over LAN for parameter review, depth log extraction, and configuration validation. Internal logging of 24 hours depth history is retained onboard the display unit, with extended logging available via USB or SD media. The external logging feature allows long-term depth record transfer over the vessel network without interrupting bridge operation. The optional Epson LQ-350 compatible printer provides a hard-copy depth record for survey inspectors and event reconstruction.
Routine onboard inspection should include verification of transducer face condition, ball valve operation (where SB-100-SB or DB-100-SB are fitted), tank integrity, and NMEA data flow from GPS, gyro, and draft sensors. The internal alarm sounder should be functionally tested at each watch handover. The remote dimmer (IR30DIM or IR31) should be tested for bridge night vision compatibility during routine safety checks.
Power, Mechanical & Environmental Envelope
Seanav Marine Technical Support, Spares & Port Delivery
Seanav Marine supplies, installs, and supports the SKIPPER ESN100 across the UAE and the wider Indian Ocean maritime region. Our technical team holds direct experience with IMO wheelmarked navigation equipment and supports vessel operators through bridge electronics upgrades, retrofit projects, and class survey preparation. Whether you require a complete ESN100 system with the JB50E1-SA transceiver, the CU-M101-SA display, transducer selection, tank assembly, or approved spares, our supply chain is structured for fast port delivery. For a quotation, technical datasheet, or class documentation pack, please contact the Seanav Marine Technical Team.
Related Seanav Marine navigation and bridge electronics services include our Marine Radar Systems & Equipment UAE portfolio, our Navcom Services in UAE division, and our Bridge System Upgrade Dubai retrofit programme. Operators specifying speed logs alongside the echo sounder may consider the SKIPPER DL21 dual and single axis speed log, the SKIPPER EML1200 dual axis speed log, or the SKIPPER DL2 Doppler Speed Log. For complementary autopilot integration see the Navitron NT888G MK2 Adaptive Autopilot. Our Marine Echosounder Repair Service in JNPA supports operators in India, and our broader Marine Echo Sounder service provider pages document the regional coverage map. Operators reviewing single-versus-dual axis speed measurement architectures may also refer to Single Axis vs Dual Axis Speed Log: A Complete UAE Maritime Guide.
Authoritative external reference: .
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | ESN100 |
| Functions | Auto/Manual TVG; Auto/Manual gain; Auto/Manual power; Auto/Manual range; Transducer positioning; Internal sounder for alarm/button press |
| Power Supply — Control Unit | DC 10–32 V |
| Power Supply — Transceiver Unit | DC 21–36 V |
| Power Consumption — Display Unit | Nominal 6 W |
| Power Consumption — Electronic Unit | 20 W |
| Display | 9″ Touch Display (SKIPPER CU-M101-SA) |
| Mounting Dimensions — Cut-out | 224.5 mm (W) × 140 mm (H) |
| Mounting Dimensions — Outside | 242 mm (W) × 158 mm (H) |
| Memory | 24 hours history; external logging feature over network |
| Printer | Epson LQ-350 compatible; service software via LAN; extended internal logging by USB or SD |
| Ranges | Selectable from 0–1000 m |
| Measuring Accuracy | Error less than 1% |
| Frequencies | 50 and 200 kHz selectable; dual 50/200 kHz transducer supported (single frequency active at a time) |
| Output Power | Approx. 700 W |
| Alarms | Follows IEC standards (ALF and ALR) |
| Calendar/Clock | From GPS input |
| Data Output | 1× NMEA0183 (IEC 61162-1): DPT, PSKDPT, DBS, DBK, ALR, ALF |
| Inputs | 2× NMEA0183 (IEC 61162-1); accepts GPS, gyro, alarm, and draft sensor signals |
| Language | English |
| Options | Remote depth indicators; 50 kHz transducer; 200 kHz transducer; dual 50/200 kHz transducer; retrofit plate for GDS101/GDS102 |
| Classification | IMO wheelmarked; MED-B; CCS |
| Service | Available in most major harbours, world-wide through extensive dealer network |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — SKIPPER ESN100 IMO Wheelmarked Echo Sounder
1. What type approvals does the SKIPPER ESN100 carry?
The SKIPPER ESN100 is IMO wheelmarked and holds MED-B approval under DNV certificate MEDB00001YG -3, MER-B module approval, and CCS type approval BG26PTB00003_01. These approvals make the unit acceptable for installation on SOLAS-regulated commercial vessels.
2. Is the ESN100 a single-frequency or dual-frequency echo sounder?
The ESN100 is a single-frequency navigation echo sounder. It can be configured to operate at 50 kHz or 200 kHz. A dual 50/200 kHz transducer may be installed, however only one frequency may be used at any given time.
3. What is the maximum depth range and the measurement accuracy?
The selectable depth range extends from 0 m to 1000 m. The documented measuring accuracy is an error of less than 1% across the working range.
4. What are the power supply and power consumption requirements?
The control (display) unit operates from DC 10–32 V at a nominal 6 W. The transceiver (electronic) unit operates from DC 21–36 V at 20 W. The split-rail design supports typical bridge and engine-room supply architectures.
5. What NMEA sentences does the ESN100 transmit and receive?
The ESN100 outputs 1× NMEA0183 (IEC 61162-1) channel carrying DPT, PSKDPT, DBS, DBK, ALR, and ALF sentences. It accepts 2× NMEA0183 input channels for GPS, gyro, alarm, and draft sensor signals.
6. What is the display specification of the bridge unit?
The bridge display is the SKIPPER CU-M101-SA 9-inch colour touch display, with a mounting cut-out of 224.5 mm × 140 mm and outside dimensions of 242 mm × 158 mm. The unit supports manual touch operation alongside automatic TVG, gain, range, and power control.
7. Can the ESN100 drive an external printer and provide extended logging?
Yes. The system is documented as compatible with the Epson LQ-350 printer, and supports service software review over LAN. Internal logging provides 24 hours of depth history, with extended logging available over USB or SD media, plus external logging over the vessel network.
8. What transducer and tank options are available?
Optional transducers include a 50 kHz transducer, a 200 kHz transducer, and a dual 50/200 kHz transducer. Compatible tank assemblies include the SKIPPER ETNST standard steel tank, ETNALC aluminium tank, ETNSTCI ice-protected combo tank, and ETNSTC combo steel tank, with SKIPPER SB-100-SB and DB-100-SB ball valves for single and double bottom configurations. A retrofit plate is available for GDS101/GDS102 hull installations.
9. What alarm standard does the ESN100 follow?
Alarms follow IEC standards using ALF and ALR sentences. An internal sounder provides audible alarm signalling for depth threshold events and button-press confirmation.
10. What accessories and approved spares are available?
Documented accessories and spares include the SKIPPER CD401MR multirepeater, SKIPPER IR30DIM remote dimmer, and SKIPPER IR31 NMEA remote dimmer. The SKIPPER ZZL-01019 junction box is available for transducer cabling. Service is available in most major harbours world-wide through the OEM dealer network.
