ACR Electronics Pathfinder SART with AIS

Overview

The Pathfinder AIS is a fully approved AIS Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) that complies with IMO SOLAS regulations and allows vessels that must conform to GMDSS to meet the mandatory SART carriage requirement. Utilizing AIS class-A position reports, the Pathfinder AIS sends a total of eight position report messages once per minute to allow for real-time tracking.

Utilizing the tried and proven sturdy design and convenient form factor of the Pathfinder Pro SART, the Pathfinder AIS features Automatic Identification System (AIS) distress alerting versus the use of a traditional radar-based system. The state-of-the-art Pathfinder AIS transmits GNSS/GPS satellite location coordinates to all AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range, alerting them to the fact that emergency assistance is required.

The Pathfinder AIS has an average detection range of 5 nautical miles, incorporates Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which aids product registration and provides test data, and utilizes a lithium battery providing 96 hours of operating life. Other benefits include precise GNSS/GPS positioning, real-time tracking, and, in contrast to radar SARTs, AIS SARTs have less susceptibility to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog.

Highlights

• Any IMO SOLAS vessel on international voyages is required to carry a SART
• 300-500 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) must carry a minimum of 1 SART
• Over 500 GRT Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) must carry a minimum of 2 SARTs
• 1 SART for every four life rafts on Ro-Ro passenger vessels
• Passenger ships of any size must carry a minimum of 2 SARTs regardless of their tonnage
• Lifeboats: SOLAS requires that at least 1 SART be available for use in each survival craft
• Liferafts: In the case of passenger ships, if there are more than 2 liferafts, additional SARTs should be provided so that at least one SART is available for every 2 liferafts
• Average detection range of approximately 5nm (detection ranges are much greater from aircraft, ranging anywhere from 25nm at 1,000ft to 130nm at 20,000ft)
• Includes mounting bracket and mounting screws
• Compact 8.94 x 2.56 Inches (227 mm x 65 mm) unit easily packs into a life raft
• Waterproof to 10 meters (33 ft)
• Non-Hazmat Lithium battery (5-year replacement life) operates for over 96 hours