Jotron AIS SART
Jotron’s AIS SART
is a search and rescue beacon based on AIS technology, transmitting a
dedicated
identity code and GPS position to produce a distinctive red cross icon
to mark
the position of a liferaft or a vessel in distress on the bridge
display of every
AIS-equipped ship within range.
Jotron were
instrumental in carrying out tests to persuade the International
Maritime
Organisation that a dedicated AIS transmitter could be an acceptable
alternative to the radar-based Search And Rescue Transponders (SARTs)
that are
compulsory equipment on all commercial ships.
After tests showed
that an AIS SART mounted just 3ft above water in a lifeboat or liferaft
could
be detected at a range of ten miles by a ship and up to 130 miles by a
search
and rescue aircraft, the IMO reached its decision, and AIS SARTS will
be
accepted on commercial vessels from January 2010 – except in Europe,
where we
have to wait another six months for Marine Equipment Directive approval!
Recreational craft, however, don’t need to wait for MED approval, so AIS SARTs will be available to us early in 2010, priced at £669.75.