A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is a self-contained, waterproof transponder intended for emergency use at sea. These devices may be either a radar-SART or a GPS-based AIS-SART (automatic identification system SART).The radar-SART is used to locate a survival craft or distressed vessel by creating a series of dots on a rescuing ship's radar display. A SART will only respond to a 9 GHz X-band (3 cm wavelength) radar. It will not be seen on S-band (10 cm) or other radar. Shipboard Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) include one or more search and rescue locating … [Read more...]
SART – Performance Standards
Recommendation On Performance Standards For Survival Craft Radar Transponders For Use In Search And Rescue Operations The SART should be capable of indicating the location of a unit in distress on the assisting unit's radars by means of a series of equally spaced dots (resolution A.530(13)). 1. The SART should: .1 be capable of being easily activated by unskilled personnel; .2 be fitted with means to prevent inadvertent activation; .3be equipped with a means which is either visual or audible or both visual and audible, to indicate correct operation and to alert survivors to the fact that … [Read more...]