FCC Exam Question: 1-22D4

Which statement is true regarding the SART?

A. This is a performance monitor attached to at least one S-band navigational RADAR system.
B. This is a 9 GHz transponder capable of being received by another vessel’s S-band navigational RADAR system.
C. This is a performance monitor attached to at least one X-band navigational RADAR system.
D. This is a 9 GHz transponder capable of being received by vessel’s X-band navigational RADAR system.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A SART, or Search and Rescue Transponder, is an essential piece of maritime safety equipment. It functions as a 9 GHz transponder. When activated and swept by a pulse from a searching radar, the SART immediately transmits a series of 12 distinct blips back to the radar. This 9 GHz signal falls squarely within the X-band frequency range (typically 8-12 GHz) used by most commercial and many recreational navigational radar systems. Therefore, a vessel equipped with an X-band radar can detect the unique pattern generated by a SART, aiding in locating survivors or a vessel in distress. Options A and C are incorrect because a SART is a transponder, not a performance monitor, and it operates with X-band, not S-band, radar. Option B is incorrect because while it is a 9 GHz transponder, S-band radars operate at much lower frequencies (around 3 GHz) and would not detect the 9 GHz SART signal.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.