The McMurdo SmartFind S5A is a manually deployed AIS transponder built specifically for life rafts and survival craft, meeting IMO SOLAS carriage rules as a genuine upgrade over legacy radar-based units.
Small and easy to run and deploy, the transponder rides inside a quick-release carry bag, so rescue teams and any nearby AIS-equipped boats can lock onto the survival craft’s exact position.
Once triggered, it sends out survivor data, structured alert messages, GPS coordinates, and a unique serial ID, keeping that transmission going for a minimum of 96 straight hours. A high-precision GNSS receiver built into the unit keeps that position data accurate the whole time.
Mount it on the bridge or stow it inside a life raft, either way the bright, buoyant case protects it until it’s needed.
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- Internationally approved for ship or survival craft use
- Waterproof to 10m, floats on its own
- Tough, small, and light
- Runs a minimum of 96 hours once activated, 6-year shelf life
- Shows a visual signal that it’s working, includes a self-test mode
- Sends GPS coordinates, plays nice with other AIS gear
- Ships with a telescoping pole and a protective carry bag
