The McMurdo SmartFind S5 AIS SART is a compact, rugged emergency transmitter that leverages the Automatic Identification System to dramatically improve search and rescue efficiency. As an AIS SART, it serves as a modern alternative to traditional radar SARTs and carries GMDSS accreditation with wheel-marking since 2012, making it a trusted choice for vessels of all sizes.

Why the SmartFind S5 stands out

• Integrated GPS and AIS alerting: When activated, the S5 transmits a precise GPS position along with your vessel ID as an AIS message. Rescue teams and nearby AIS-equipped ships will see your exact location on their chartplotter or ECDIS, not just on radar, speeding up response times.
• Buoyant, quick-release protection: Stored in a high-visibility, buoyant carry-off bag that is quick to deploy and designed to stay afloat in challenging conditions (waterproof to 10m).
• Rapid, dependable deployment: The unit is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate under pressure—critical when every second counts.
• Long-lasting power with safe design: Uses a non-hazardous battery with a six-year storage life and capable of transmitting continuously for more than 96 hours, giving rescuers a reliable beacon for extended search scenarios.
• User-friendly controls and diagnostics: Features an LED activation indicator, an inbuilt test facility to verify functionality, and an integral lanyard for secure handling. The carry bag can be wall-mounted or carried inside a survival craft, and includes a shoulder strap for rapid access in evacuations.
• IMOA/GMDSS compliant: Meets IMO and GMDSS standards, providing a robust safety solution for commercial vessels over 300 tons as well as recreational boats seeking enhanced safety and compliance.

Who benefits from the SmartFind S5 AIS SART

Maritime crews on freighters, ferries, and fishing vessels will appreciate AIS visibility that helps rescuers pinpoint location faster. Sailors, charter operators, and leisure boaters gain an added safety net when navigating busy coastal waters or during offshore passages, ensuring that a protective beacon is ready to transmit without reliance on radar alone.

How it works in practice

In an emergency, you deploy the SmartFind S5 from its buoyant bag. It instantly activates, broadcasting your AIS message with your unique ID and GPS coordinates. This information appears on nearby AIS chartplotters and ECDIS displays, enabling coordinated rescue efforts by multiple vessels and responders. The unit’s built-in GPS provides accurate positioning, while the AIS link ensures your signal is traceable by responders within the system’s range.

Practical considerations and care

• Keep the unit ready in its carry-off bag with quick-release access for immediate deployment.
• Regularly use the inbuilt test facility to confirm operation and LED indicators that confirm activation status.
• Store the battery as recommended; though long-lasting, plan for periodic checks as part of your safety equipment maintenance routine.
• Ideal for inclusion in a vessel’s mandatory equipment package, while also providing added safety for leisure craft and small commercial operators.

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