The ACR Pathfinder AIS is an AIS-SART that transmits eight position messages per minute with your exact GNSS position. Average detection range is 5 nautical miles. MED-approved and GMDSS compliant.
AIS transponder that transmits your exact position to every AIS-equipped vessel in the vicinity
The ACR Pathfinder AIS is the next generation of SART. While a classic radar SART displays blips on a radar screen, this device broadcasts position messages according to the AIS Class-A standard. As a result, every ship, rescue vessel, aircraft, and coastal station with AIS within range will see your exact GNSS position appear on their screen, with an average detection range of five nautical miles, approximately nine kilometers.
The unit transmits eight position messages per minute, allowing rescuers to track you in real-time rather than just seeing a snapshot. The Pathfinder AIS is built on the proven housing of the Pathfinder PRO, features NFC for registration and test data retrieval, and includes a lithium battery with a 96-hour operating life. The device is MED-approved and GMDSS compliant.
Why choose the Pathfinder AIS SART?
Exact GNSS position instead of a blip: other vessels see where you are, not just that you are there
Real-time tracking: eight position messages per minute for an up-to-date view of your drift
Greater range than radar: average detection range of five nautical miles, approximately nine kilometers, also visible to coastal stations
Less dependent than radar: an AIS signal does not rely on someone happening to point a radar at you
Built-in NFC: simple product registration and retrieval of test data
96-hour battery life: long standby time with a non-hazardous lithium battery
Who is this product for?
The Pathfinder AIS is intended for vessels required to comply with GMDSS and SOLAS that want to take advantage of the accuracy of AIS. This includes commercial shipping, as well as larger yachts and workboats that voluntarily choose to meet this standard. If you sail in an area with many AIS-equipped vessels and coastal stations, this type of device offers more advantages than a classic radar SART.
What are the benefits for you?
Rescuers sail directly to you: your position appears as an AIS target on their chart plotter
Regulatory compliance: fulfills the mandatory SART carriage requirement under GMDSS
Works outside busy routes: AIS messages can also reach coastal stations at greater distances
Easy to check: retrieve test data via NFC
Trusted design: based on the proven Pathfinder PRO housing
Technical specifications
Product type
AIS SART, search and rescue transponder
Part number
2940
Operation
Transmits AIS Class-A position messages
Message frequency
Eight position messages per minute
Detection range
Average 5 nautical miles, approx. 9 kilometers
Positioning
GNSS and GPS
NFC
Yes, for product registration and test data
Battery life
96 hours
Battery
Lithium, non-hazardous, user-replaceable
Regulations
Complies with IMO SOLAS and GMDSS, MED-approved
Brand
ACR
Additional features
Visible to
Ships, rescue vessels, aircraft, and coastal stations with AIS in range
Advantage over radar
An AIS target can be clicked and used directly as a navigation target
Compatible accessories
Replacement bracket 2919, replacement lithium battery 2920, mounting pole 2918
Alongside radar SART
ACR continues to offer the Pathfinder PRO radar SART alongside this model
Important
This device is not authorized under FCC regulations and may not be sold or leased in the United States
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an AIS SART and a radar SART?
A radar SART responds to ship radar and displays the recognizable pattern of twelve blips on the radar screen of vessels scanning your area. An AIS SART broadcasts its own AIS position messages containing your exact GNSS position. These are visible on every AIS screen within range, including coastal stations, and rescuers can select your position directly as a navigation target.
Does this device comply with the SART carriage requirement?
Yes. The Pathfinder AIS SART is fully approved, meets IMO SOLAS regulations, and enables GMDSS-required vessels to fulfill the mandatory SART carriage requirement. The device is MED-approved.
How often does the device transmit a position?
Eight position messages per minute, according to the AIS Class-A standard. This allows rescuers to track you in real-time as you drift.
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