What is the purpose of SART?

• A. Bridge-to-bridge communications device
• B. Search and Rescue Transponder
• C. Satellite location beacon
• D. Signal analysis transponder

Answer: (B)

A SART is designed to help rescuers find you using radar. When a radar-equipped ship or station pings with a radar interrogation, the SART responds with a distinctive radar signal. To the operator’s radar, this response shows up as a recognizable pattern of dots or a line near your position, making it possible to pinpoint your location as the radar scans. This is a radar-only aid for locating a distressed vessel, not a satellite beacon or a voice communications device, and it works within the range of radar interrogations rather than through satellite networks. In practice, it’s used to improve search efficiency during a rescue by providing a clear radar target for responders to lock onto.