SHIP'S BRIDGE EQUIPMENT - SART ( SEARCH AND RESCUE RADAR TRANSPONDER )

Dear Visitor,

I have put in all my efforts to provide the details of the " SEARCH AND RESCUE RADAR TRANSPONDER " ,in very simplified language.

Also, I have endeavored to put in the details of the usage of this instruments on board a ship and pleasure crafts and yacht's etc. along with its installation requirements.

I hope this information will be of great importance to the visitors, particularly to the marine personnel's and nautical students.

You are kindly requested to pass your suggesations and comments directly to me.

Thanks & Regards

THE SEARCH AND RESCUE RADAR TRANSPONDER :-

The word "SART" stands for 'SEARCH AND RESCUE RADAR TRANSPONDER' also  named as SURVIVAL CRAFT RADAR TRANSPONDER. The carriage requirements of SART , on board  cargo and merchant ships is governed by the , CHAPTER III - REGULATION - 6 , of SOLAS CONVENTION.

"At least one Radar transponder shall be carried on each side of  every passanger ship and every cargo ship of 500 GRT or above . At least one radar transponder shall be carried on cargo ships of 300 GRT and above but less than 500 GRT."

These radar transponders shall conform to the standards adopted by the IMO. The radar transponders shall be stowed in such a place or in such a manner or location , that the can be quickly carried in to the survival craft while abandoning the ship.

SART works on following frequency :

• 9 GHz ( 'X' band RADAR )
• 9.2 to 9.5 GHz

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE :

The SART gets triggered up by the electromagnetic waves of a "X" -band radar (i.e. 3 c.m.wavelength radar ) on a frequency of 9 GHz. Once triggered up , the SART starts transmitting on a frequency of 9.2 to 9.5 GHz  and these frequencies are picked up by any air craft or water craft fitted with X- Band radar and , are displayed as 12 dots (.) in a straight line if that craft is within 8 to 10 miles range from  the SART. As these craft's proceed in to the direction of the 'dots' (SART)  and gets close to the position of the SART, say about 2 to 3 nautical miles , these 12 dots , turn in to the semi circles and when further close to SART , say 1 nautical mile , the dots turn in to the concentric circles which denote the exact position of the SART  or the position of the vessel in Distress.

MARKINGS AND SPECIFICATION :

1. Bright in color preferably Orange or Yellow.
2. Maker's name and Model No.
3. Ship's name , call sign and MMSI no.
4. Operational procedures
5. Battery expiry date
6. Next maintenance due date
7. Means provided to test the transmission.
8. Must be capable of floating in water
9. The electronic portion must remain safe for 5 minutes when submerged in water up to a depth of 10 meters.