Subelement D: Other GMDSS Equipment— Topic :
Question 34D3
Element 9 (GMDSS Maintainer)What causes the SART to begin a transmission?
Explanation
A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is designed to aid in locating distress situations. Once activated (manually or by water), it enters a standby mode, conserving power. The SART functions as a transponder, meaning it *responds* to an external signal. It begins a transmission only when interrogated by a searching vessel's or aircraft's X-band radar. Upon receiving a radar pulse, the SART transmits a unique sequence of 12 dots that appear on the interrogating radar screen, indicating its location. It does not radiate continuously after activation, nor is it keyed by an operator. This "listen-and-respond" mechanism ensures efficient battery use and targeted detection.
Related Questions
34D1 How should the signal from a Search And Rescue RADAR Transponder appear on a RADAR display?34D2 In what frequency band does a search and rescue transponder operate?34D4 At what interval must the SART’s battery be replaced?34D4 How can reception of certain NAVTEX broadcasts be prevented?34D5 What are the characteristics of the SART transmitted signal?