FURUNO FE-700 Echo Sounder

Complete Marine Technical Guide for Accurate Depth Measurement and Navigation Safety

Product Identification

The FURUNO FE-700 Echo Sounder is an IMO-compliant navigational echo sounder designed to continuously measure and display water depth beneath a vessel. It provides critical information for safe navigation, grounding prevention, port approaches, coastal navigation, and restricted-water operations.

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Product Introduction

Safe navigation depends heavily on accurate knowledge of the water depth beneath the vessel.

The FURUNO FE-700 uses ultrasonic technology to transmit sound pulses through the water and calculate depth by measuring the return time of reflected echoes from the seabed.

The system shown in the image consists of:

• FE-700 Display Unit
• Processor Unit
• Hull-Mounted Transducer
• Interface Cables
• Alarm System Integration

The FE-700 is one of the most widely installed echo sounders on commercial vessels worldwide and is approved for SOLAS-class ships.

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Main Product Image

The FE-700 provides continuous real-time depth information to bridge personnel and integrated navigation systems.

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What Is the FURUNO FE-700 Echo Sounder?

The FE-700 is a navigational depth measurement system designed to determine the distance between the vessel's transducer and the seabed.

The system continuously provides:

• Water Depth
• Under Keel Clearance
• Shallow Water Alarms
• Deep Water Alarms
• Depth History Recording
• Navigation Data Output

This information is critical for:

• Coastal Navigation
• Harbor Entry
• Channel Navigation
• Anchorage Operations
• Grounding Prevention

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Echo Sounding Principle

The FE-700 operates by transmitting ultrasonic pulses downward into the water. The reflected echo from the seabed is received by the transducer and processed to calculate depth accurately.

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Main Features

IMO-Compliant Navigation Echo Sounder

Fully compliant with international navigational requirements.

Continuous Depth Measurement

Provides uninterrupted depth information.

High Visibility Color Display

Easy-to-read presentation under all lighting conditions.

Adjustable Shallow Water Alarm

Warns operators of dangerous depth conditions.

Adjustable Deep Water Alarm

Allows monitoring of depth limits.

Depth History Recording

Stores historical depth information.

NMEA / IEC Output

Interfaces with:

• ECDIS
• VDR
• Integrated Bridge Systems
• Alarm Monitoring Systems

Multiple Transducer Compatibility

Supports various transducer configurations.

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FE-700 Display Functions

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Main Components

1. Display Unit

Installed on the navigation bridge.

Functions

• Depth Display
• Alarm Management
• Configuration
• Historical Data Review

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2. Processor Unit

Processes received echo signals.

Functions

• Signal Processing
• Depth Calculation
• Alarm Generation
• Data Output

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3. Hull-Mounted Transducer

Installed below the vessel's waterline.

Functions

• Sound Pulse Transmission
• Echo Reception
• Depth Detection

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4. Alarm Interface

Provides warning signals to bridge personnel.

Functions

• Shallow Water Alarm
• System Fault Alarm

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5. Communication Interface

Supports integration with:

• ECDIS
• VDR
• Navigation Systems

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Typical FE-700 System Architecture

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Marine Applications

The FE-700 is widely used aboard:

Container Ships

Provides safe navigation during port approaches.

Oil & Chemical Tankers

Monitors under-keel clearance in restricted waters.

Bulk Carriers

Supports grounding prevention.

LNG & LPG Carriers

Enhances navigational safety.

Passenger Vessels

Provides continuous depth monitoring.

Offshore Support Vessels

Supports offshore operations.

Fishing Vessels

Assists in shallow-water navigation.

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Common Problems & Troubleshooting

1. No Depth Indication

Possible Causes

• Transducer failure
• Power supply fault
• Processor malfunction

Solution

• Verify power supply
• Inspect transducer wiring
• Check processor diagnostics

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2. Unstable Depth Reading

Possible Causes

• Air bubbles beneath hull
• Heavy sea conditions
• Transducer contamination

Solution

• Inspect transducer condition
• Clean transducer face
• Verify installation position

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3. Incorrect Depth Display

Causes

• Incorrect draft settings
• Calibration error
• Transducer damage

Solution

• Verify offset settings
• Inspect transducer
• Recheck calibration

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4. Continuous Shallow Water Alarm

Causes

• Alarm settings too high
• Incorrect offset configuration

Solution

• Verify alarm limits
• Check draft correction settings

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5. No Output to ECDIS or VDR

Causes

• Communication failure
• NMEA configuration issue

Solution

• Verify interface settings
• Inspect communication cables

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Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance ensures reliable depth measurement.

Daily Checks

• Verify depth display
• Review alarm status
• Check system operation

Weekly Checks

• Verify communication outputs
• Review historical data
• Inspect display condition

Monthly Checks

• Test alarm functions
• Verify depth accuracy
• Inspect processor status

Dry Dock Maintenance

During dry dock:

• Clean transducer face
• Inspect transducer housing
• Verify cable integrity
• Check mounting condition

Annual Maintenance

Recommended:

• Functional testing
• Calibration verification
• Output testing
• Complete diagnostics

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Why Ships Still Use Dedicated Echo Sounders

Even with advanced ECDIS systems, dedicated echo sounders remain essential because:

Real-Time Depth Measurement

Provides direct seabed information.

Grounding Prevention

Helps avoid shallow water hazards.

SOLAS Compliance

Required on many commercial vessels.

Independent Navigation Sensor

Provides redundancy for bridge systems.

Reliable Harbor Navigation

Critical during port approaches.

Continuous Monitoring

Provides uninterrupted depth information.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the FE-700 measure?

It measures the depth of water beneath the vessel using ultrasonic sound pulses.

Is the FE-700 IMO approved?

Yes. The FE-700 is designed to comply with IMO navigational performance standards.

Can it connect to ECDIS?

Yes. The FE-700 can provide depth information to ECDIS and Integrated Bridge Systems.

What is the purpose of the shallow water alarm?

To warn bridge personnel when water depth becomes critically low.

Does the transducer require maintenance?

Yes. Regular inspection and cleaning are recommended, especially during dry docking.

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Short Product Description

The FURUNO FE-700 Echo Sounder is a professional IMO-compliant marine depth measurement system designed to provide accurate real-time water depth information for safe vessel navigation. Featuring ultrasonic depth measurement, alarm functions, historical recording, and seamless integration with ECDIS, VDR, and bridge systems, the FE-700 remains one of the most trusted echo sounders in the maritime industry.

SM MARINE SERVICE™

Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier

Available Condition:

• New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment

Stock Location:

• Bangladesh • China

Services:

• Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing

Contact Information

SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292

Email: info@smmarineservice.com

Website: www.smmarineservice.com

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