ACR Electronics has unveiled the Pathfinder AIS SART, a new advancement in maritime safety technology, at METSTRADE.
This innovation builds upon the established reputation of the ACR Pathfinder Pro, incorporating advanced AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology to enhance search and rescue operations at sea.
Compliance with IMO SOLAS Regulations
The Pathfinder Pro has been reliably used by mariners worldwide due to its loyalty to IMO SOLAS regulations
The Pathfinder Pro has been reliably used by mariners worldwide due to its adherence to IMO SOLAS regulations, significantly improving search and rescue missions.
Known for its effective radar signal visibility, long-lasting lithium battery, and adaptable mounting options, it has become essential for vessels needing GMDSS compliance.
Introducing AIS Functionality
With the incorporation of AIS functionality, the Pathfinder AIS SART elevates maritime safety standards.
Unlike conventional radar, the AIS SART’s distress signals offer greater range and visibility, readily detected by AIS receivers onboard nearby ships, search and rescue (SAR) vessels, aircraft, and shore stations equipped with AIS technology.
Enhanced Situational Awareness
Equipped with GPS technology, this era of SARTs transmits precise vessel location and status updates
Equipped with GPS technology, this generation of SARTs transmits precise vessel location and status updates, enhancing the accuracy of positioning information.
This capability improves situational awareness, coordinating rescues more efficiently, aiding in collision prevention, and expediting responses even in isolated or sparsely trafficked areas.
Empowering Mariners with AIS Technology
“Utilising precise AIS technology in our new GMDSS SARTs represents another pivotal advancement in maritime safety,” commented Mikele D’Arcangelo, Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management at ACR Electronics.
“We are leveraging these great AIS capabilities to empower mariners, giving them enhanced visibility and communication during emergencies. Ultimately, helping to save more lives at sea.”
Pathfinder AIS Capabilities
Pathfinder AIS includes NFC for use with the ACR mobile app, enabling users to access self-test
The Pathfinder AIS includes Near-Field Communications (NFC) for use with the ACR mobile app, enabling users to access self-test, programming, and performance metrics.
It retains the durability, long battery life, and flexible mounting that made the Pathfinder Pro dependable for mariners.
Complementary Technology for Rescue Operations
Designed to facilitate rapid location of life rafts during sea rescues, the Pathfinder AIS SART can be stored within a raft or mounted near emergency exits for quick access.
ACR will continue producing the Pathfinder Pro Radar SART alongside the new AIS version, providing a range of technological options to maintain maritime safety and compliance.
ACR Electronics, the pioneering provider of safety and survival equipment, is launching its latest innovation in maritime safety technology – the Pathfinder AIS SART (Search and Rescue Transmitter).
Debuting at METSTRADE, the new AIS SART builds upon the success of its predecessor, the ACR Pathfinder Pro, combining proven reliability with cutting-edge AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology to advance search and rescue efforts at sea.
IMO SOLAS regulations
The ACR Pathfinder Pro has long been trusted by mariners worldwide for its compliance with IMO SOLAS regulations and its ability to significantly enhance search and rescue operations.
With its 12 intense blips returned to radar screens upon interrogation, superior lithium battery life, and versatile mounting options, the Pathfinder Pro has been a staple for vessels requiring GMDSS compliance.
New level of maritime safety
Now, with the introduction of AIS functionality, the Pathfinder AIS SART offers a new level of maritime safety.
Unlike traditional radar signals, the Pathfinder AIS provides increased visibility, with its distress signals received and displayed on any AIS-receivers installed on nearby ships, SAR vessels, and aircraft. The AIS signals can also be picked up by AIS-equipped vessels and shore stations over a longer range.
Improves situational awareness and coordination
This next-generation SART, which utilizes GPS technology, can precisely transmit the vessel’s location and status, and provide more accurate positioning information.
This real-time data exchange greatly improves situational awareness and coordination among rescuers, it allows vessel tracking to prevent collisions, and expedites response times to increase the likelihood of a swift and successful rescue, even in remote or less-trafficked areas.
Advancement in maritime safety
“Utilising precise AIS technology in our new GMDSS SARTs represents another pivotal advancement in maritime safety,” said Mikele D’Arcangelo, Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management, ACR Electronics. “We are leveraging these great AIS capabilities to empower mariners, giving them enhanced visibility and communication during emergencies. Ultimately, helping to save more lives at sea."
“ACR Electronics remains committed to providing the highest standard of safety equipment for the maritime industry, and the launch of the AIS-SART reaffirms this commitment.”
New AIS version of the Pathfinder
In addition to its AIS functionality, the Pathfinder AIS also provides users with Near-Field Communications, or NFC capabilities, which allows for use with the ACR mobile App to view self-test, programming and beacon performance metrics.
The new AIS version of the Pathfinder retains all the features that have made the Pathfinder Pro a trusted companion for mariners, including its rugged design, long battery life, and versatile mounting options.
New Pathfinder AIS SART
The ACR Pathfinder AIS is designed to help search and rescue services quickly locate a life raft in the event of a rescue at sea. The AIS SART can either be stowed in a life raft or mounted next to emergency exits and then carried to the life raft in an emergency.
ACR will continue to manufacture the Pathfinder Pro Radar SART alongside the new Pathfinder AIS SART, providing customers with the technology options they trust to keep them compliant and safe at sea.
