What This Product Is Used For
The XTevu Personal Locator Beacon is an AIS based man overboard rescue device designed to transmit GPS target tracking information directly over AIS, offering far more precise vessel based recovery than relying on visual spotting alone.
When activated, it sends your GPS position to compatible marine plotters and onboard navigation systems. This allows nearby AIS equipped vessels to display your exact location on screen, helping crew navigate directly to you during an emergency.
Designed specifically for mounting on a life jacket, it serves as a dedicated overboard survival tool for marine environments.
Who This Product Is Best Suited To
This beacon is best suited to sailors, offshore crew, yacht owners and marine professionals who operate in waters where AIS equipped vessels are present.
It is particularly valuable for racing crews and offshore sailors who prioritise rapid vessel to vessel recovery.
It also suits users who want a compact and lightweight device that integrates easily with their life jacket without adding bulk or restricting movement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transmits GPS target tracking over AIS for accurate digital positioning
Compatible with marine plotters and onboard navigation systems
Unique serialized ID supports clear identification
LED flashing indicator and buzzer improve close range detection
Minimum 24 hour continuous operation supports extended rescue
Cons
Requires nearby AIS equipped vessels to receive the signal
Designed primarily for maritime use rather than land based emergencies
Real World Performance and Day to Day Use
Mounted securely on a life jacket, the unit remains small and unobtrusive. Its lightweight construction makes it practical for long passages or racing without interfering with movement.
In an overboard situation, activation transmits GPS tracking information over AIS. Nearby vessels with compatible systems can see the target plotted on their displays, reducing search time and improving recovery accuracy.
The LED flashing indicator and audible buzzer provide additional visual and audible cues for close range rescue. With a minimum of 24 hours continuous operation after activation and a battery storage life of up to seven years, it is designed for dependable long term readiness.
Why We Like This Product
From the YPC Team perspective, AIS based GPS tracking is the key advantage. In real man overboard scenarios, being able to follow a plotted position on a chartplotter significantly improves the chances of rapid recovery.
A common mistake is relying solely on a strobe light. While visual signals help, they do not provide digital positioning. An AIS locator beacon adds a critical layer of precision when AIS equipment is available.
Comparisons With Similar Systems
Compared with water activated strobe lights
Strobe lights improve night time visibility but do not transmit GPS data. This AIS beacon provides precise digital tracking to nearby vessels.
Compared with satellite personal locator beacons
Satellite PLBs alert global search and rescue authorities. This AIS beacon is optimised for rapid recovery by nearby AIS equipped vessels rather than long distance satellite coordination.
Compared with AIS only devices without audible alerts
This model includes both an LED flashing indicator and buzzer, enhancing local detection in addition to AIS transmission.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you operate in extremely remote waters without nearby AIS equipped vessels, a satellite personal locator beacon may provide broader emergency coverage. If your priority is purely visual night time signalling, a high intensity water activated strobe light may be sufficient.
Tips for Getting the Best Performance
Mount the beacon securely on a compatible life jacket where it remains accessible.
Ensure your vessel’s AIS system is correctly configured and alarms are enabled.
Practise man overboard drills that include AIS alert response.
Check battery storage dates and service intervals according to manufacturer guidance.
Position the unit so it deploys correctly if your life jacket inflates.
Full Technical Specification
Product type AIS personal locator beacon
Transmission AIS with GPS target tracking information
Compatibility Marine plotters and onboard navigation systems with AIS support
Unique identifier Serialized ID
Visual signal LED flashing indicator
Audible signal Built in buzzer
Operating duration Minimum 24 hours continuous operation after activation
Battery storage life Up to 7 years
Design Compact and lightweight for life jacket mounting
Box contents
XTevu AIS personal locator beacon
Buyer’s Guide
Buy this if you operate offshore with AIS equipped vessels and want precise GPS based man overboard recovery integrated with your navigation systems.
Do not buy this if you require global satellite distress alerting or if nearby vessels are unlikely to have AIS capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AIS transmission mean?
It means the device sends your GPS position over the Automatic Identification System to nearby vessels equipped with AIS.
Will this work with my boat’s chartplotter?
It is compatible with marine plotters and onboard navigation systems that support AIS.
Does it send a satellite distress signal?
No. It transmits via AIS to nearby vessels rather than through a global satellite network.
How long will it operate once activated?
It supports a minimum of 24 hours of continuous operation after activation.
How long can it be stored before use?
The battery has a storage life of up to seven years.
Does it include a visual light?
Yes. It features an LED flashing indicator.
Is there an audible alert?
Yes. It includes a built in buzzer to assist with close range rescue.
Is it suitable for small craft and kayaks?
Yes, provided nearby vessels have AIS capability to receive the signal.
Is it bulky to wear on a life jacket?
No. It is compact and lightweight for convenient mounting.
Is this a replacement for flares?
It is a digital man overboard recovery device. Flares may still be required depending on your safety plan and regulations.
Looking for more options?
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