Collection: SART transponders

ACR Pathfinder Pro SART with mounting bracket and telescopic pole

ACR • SART

SART transponders for life rafts and vessels

A SART is a Search and Rescue Transponder: it makes your life raft visible to the vessel searching for you. Not via satellite, but locally, over the final miles where it really matters.

There are two types. A radar SART responds to the X-band radar of an approaching ship and creates a row of dots on their radar screen. An AIS-SART transmits your GPS position via AIS, so you appear as a target on their plotter.

AML is an official ACR dealer. Here you will find the Pathfinder Pro and Pathfinder AIS, plus the brackets, mounting pole, and replacement batteries. In the selection guide, you can read which version suits your vessel, and also when a SART might not be the best choice.

Emergency beacons Survival VHF radios Emergency lighting All from ACR

Selection guide: radar SART or AIS-SART, and what else goes with it — open for explanation and frequently asked questions

Radar SART or AIS-SART?

A SART does one thing: it ensures that the vessel already on its way to you actually finds you. The difference between the two types lies in the equipment on board that vessel. A radar SART works with the other party's radar. An AIS-SART works with their AIS reception and plotter. Which of the two is right for you therefore partly depends on where and with whom you are sailing.

Type	What it does	What the other party needs
Radar SART — ACR Pathfinder PRO	Responds to the X-band radar of an approaching ship and puts a recognizable pattern on their radar screen	A working X-band radar. Works even if there is no AIS receiving there
AIS-SART — ACR Pathfinder AIS	Transmits its own GPS position via AIS, so you appear as a target on their plotter	AIS reception and a plotter

What else goes with it

Mounting pole. Screws under the device so you can hold the transponder up in the raft. Fits the Pathfinder PRO and the Pathfinder AIS.
Bracket. The replacement bracket for both Pathfinder models, for those replacing the existing holder on board.
Batteries. A replacement lithium battery for the Pathfinder PRO and AIS, plus individual batteries for the older Pathfinder3 and Pathfinder3 NH.

A SART does not replace an emergency beacon. An emergency beacon initiates the search: it alerts the emergency services. A SART only performs its function afterward and makes you visible to those arriving on the scene. They complement each other.

Frequently asked questions about SART transponders

What is the difference between a SART and an emergency beacon?

An emergency beacon alerts the emergency services via satellite, no matter where you are in the world. A SART works locally and makes you visible to ships in the vicinity. The former brings help to your sailing area; the latter brings help to you.

What does an approaching ship see?

With a radar SART, a recognizable pattern pointing to your position appears on their radar screen; the navigator does not need to set anything up for this. With an AIS-SART, you appear on their plotter as a target with a position.

What is the mounting pole for?

To be able to hold the transponder up in the life raft. You screw it under the device. It is available separately and fits the Pathfinder PRO and the Pathfinder AIS.

Do I need a SART on my vessel?

That depends on your vessel type, your sailing area, and the regulations under which you sail, and that differs per situation. We do not make a general statement about this on this page. Check with the authority that certifies your vessel, or present your situation to us — sometimes an emergency beacon with AIS is the better investment, and we will tell you that too.

How long does the battery last?

Every device has a battery replacement date on the label. Put this in your maintenance schedule, just like with an emergency beacon. We supply the replacement batteries, including for the older Pathfinder3 models.