| FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about our products
Do you have a question about one of our products? Take a look at our FAQ, you will often find the right answer here.
FAQ: AIS SART Rescue Transmitter
An AIS SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is an emergency device that transmits its position via AIS to nearby vessels and rescue coordination centers in the event of distress at sea. It is primarily used on ships, lifeboats, or in emergency islands.
- AIS SART: IMO (International Maritime Organization)-approved, often SOLAS-certified rescue beacon as part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). It transmits a distress signal via AIS, has a range of approximately 3–7 nautical miles, and is directly displayed on AIS chart plotters.
- AIS MOB: Personal rescue beacon. It transmits a distress signal via AIS, has a range of approximately 5–10 nautical miles, and is directly displayed on AIS chart plotters.
- EPIRB: Transmits a satellite distress signal and initiates an international rescue chain (worldwide range).
Depending on the antenna height and conditions, the range is usually 5–10 nautical miles. For tall antennas (e.g., a ship’s mast), it can be greater.
AIS SART transmitters are mandatory or recommended for commercial vessels, fishermen, sailors, lifeboats and emergency islands in order to be quickly located in an emergency.
It can be activated manually at the push of a button. Some models are activated automatically when a life raft is deployed or upon contact with water.
The transmission runtime is usually at least 96 hours after activation.
Yes, certified devices are waterproof (IP68 or higher) and shockproof—designed for use in extreme conditions.
Typically, no registration is required, as the transmitter does not transmit a unique MMSI number. However, it does transmit a unique device identifier.
The battery usually lasts 5 years or more and must be replaced by an authorized service partner after use or expiration.
Yes, most devices have a test function that checks all functions without triggering an actual emergency call.
In an emergency, an AIS rescue transmitter conforming to the latest standards immediately sends a “MOB distress call” using two parallel signals:
- AIS – GPS position data including course and speed to all vessels within range.
- DSC – Distress call with the current GPS position to previously stored vessels (closed loop), then automatically to all vessels and coastal radio stations (open loop).
This means: An AIS rescue transmitter from Weatherdock ensures that your distress is quickly identified, clearly located, and immediately transmitted to all relevant rescue services – for maximum chances of survival at sea.