Shipping Batteries

This page contains information on Lithium batteries and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries used in Sea-Bird instruments.

Lithium Batteries and Cells

Do not return ANY lithium cells or batteries to Sea-Bird. Remove all of the cells/batteries from the instrument BEFORE shipping back to Sea-Bird.

AA Lithium Cells used in SBE 37-SM, 37-SMP, 37-SMP-IDO, 37-SMP-ODO, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-IMP-IDO, 37-IMP-ODO, 39plus, 39plus-IM, 39-IM, 39, and 44

NOTE: Significant changes to regulations affecting shipment of lithium batteries and cells were implemented on January 1, 2013, and additional changes continue to be implemented. See Shipping Precautions in Section 1 of the latest version of your instrument manual on our website for a summary of the shipping and labeling requirements for your instrument.

The shipping information provided is a general overview of lithium shipping requirements; it does not provide complete shipping information. The information is provided as a courtesy, to be used as a guideline to assist properly trained shippers. These materials do not alter, satisfy, or influence any federal or state requirements. These materials are subject to change due to changes in government regulations. Sea-Bird accepts no liability for loss or damage resulting from changes, errors, omissions, or misinterpretations of these materials. See the current edition of the IATA Dangerous Good Regulations for complete information on packaging, labeling, and shipping document requirements.

The information provided in the manuals is intended only to assist you in shipping an instrument from your lab to a deployment location and vice versa. Depending on their classification, the shipment of lithium batteries and cells is subject to safety regulation concerning Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Material imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Other countries may also have their own regulations. YOU, the shipper, are responsible for compliance with the law. We can only advise you of the existence of the law and the classification of the lithium cells and/or battery pack (our product) under the law.

Do not return used lithium cells to Sea-Bird. Remove the cells from the instrument prior to shipping to Sea-Bird. If you send the batteries to Sea-Bird, we will not ship the batteries back to you. If you cannot arrange for pick-up of the batteries at our factory, we will dispose of the batteries for you.

Optional Electro Chem Lithium Batteries used in SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, 16plus V2, and 16plus-IM V2 SeaCATs, and SBE 26 (not 26plus) Seagauge Wave & Tide Recorders

As of 2004, Sea-Bird does not ship assembled Electro Chem lithium battery packs, due to changes in U.S. DOT and IATA regulations. If shipping Electro Chem cells or batteries by commercial carrier, transport them in accordance with DOT and IATA regulations. Sea-Bird cannot advise you on this matter; consult the proper authorities.

Note: We sell a battery pack kit (which does not include the batteries); you can use the kit to build a battery pack with Electro Chem lithium cells that you purchase elsewhere (see Electro Chem's website for purchasing information). See the Spare Parts listing on the Accessories tab of the product page for a link to the battery pack kit instructions.

Do not return used Electro Chem Lithium batteries to Sea-Bird. Remove the batteries from the instrument prior to shipping to Sea-Bird. If you send the batteries to Sea-Bird, we will not ship the batteries back to you. If you cannot arrange for pick-up of the batteries at our factory, we will dispose of the batteries for you, and we will charge you a fee for disposal.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

NiMH battery packs are shipped as standard equipment with the SBE 17plus V2 Searam, and are available as options with the SBE 19plus SeaCAT, SBE 19plus V2 SeaCAT, and SBE 25 Sealogger CTDs. The information provided below is intended only to assist you in shipping an instrument.

Depending on their classification, the shipment of batteries is subject to safety regulation concerning Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Material imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). Other countries may also have their own regulations. These batteries are considered to be dry cell batteries. DOT and IATA both forbid transportation of these batteries inside the instrument because of the potential of a short circuit and dangerous evolution of heat.

If the battery pack is inside the housing, it does not comply with DOT and IATA regulations, and therefore MUST NOT BE SHIPPED VIA COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT (those governed by DOT or IATA), INCLUDING PASSENGER AIRLINES, OR CARGO CARRIERS SUCH AS FEDEX, DHL, UPS, ETC.

To ship the battery pack:

• Discharge the battery pack to 30% or less of its energy before shipping.
• Do not ship the battery pack inside the instrument.