GMDSS Radio Survey Blog
The search and rescue transponder (SART) is an important part of the GMDSS intended for locating ship or survival craft at sea when it is in distress.
Radar SART is a small, battery powered, omni-directional radar receiver and transmitter, it can be detected by ship or aircraft radars operating in the frequency band 9.2-9.5 GHz. On receiving a signal from the radar, the device transmits a series of response signals. These signals will be seen on radar screen as a line of 12 dots extending approximately 8 nautical miles away from the SART’s position along its line of bearing. This unique radar signal is easily recognised and allows the rescue vessel or aircraft to locate the survival craft.
