What is SART (Search and Rescue Transponder)?

SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is a radar-based emergency locating device used to assist search and rescue operations at sea. When activated, it responds to radar signals from nearby ships or aircraft by emitting signals that appear as a series of dots or lines on radar screens. This enhances visibility and helps rescuers accurately locate vessels or life rafts in distress. SARTs are compatible with X-band radar systems, waterproof, portable, and provide long operational life to ensure reliability during emergencies. They are essential for improving the effectiveness of maritime search and rescue operations, especially under poor visibility or adverse weather conditions.

FEATURES OF SART (Search and Rescue Transponder)

Emergency Location Signaling

SART transmits signals that are highly visible on radar displays, appearing as distinctive dots or lines, helping rescue teams pinpoint the exact location of distressed vessels or lifeboats during search and rescue operations.

Activation Mechanisms

SART devices can be manually activated by the crew or automatically triggered when exposed to water, ensuring immediate functionality during emergency situations, even if manual activation is not possible.

Compact and Portable

SARTs are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry and deploy in lifeboats, life rafts, or directly on the deck of a distressed vessel during emergency situations.

Radar Compatibility

SART is compatible with standard X-band radar systems (9 GHz), commonly used by ships and aircraft, ensuring it can be detected by a wide range of rescue assets during search and rescue operations.

High Visibility on Radar Screens

SART signals are displayed as a series of 12 equally spaced dots or lines extending outward from the device’s position, providing a clear and recognizable signal to rescuers.

Waterproof Design

Built to withstand harsh marine environments, SART devices are constructed to be fully waterproof, ensuring functionality even when submerged or exposed to heavy rains and rough seas.

 

How SART is Used

When activated, SART transmits signals that are visible on radar displays of nearby ships or aircraft as distinctive dotted lines. This helps rescuers quickly identify the location of distressed vessels or life rafts. SARTs are essential during search and rescue (SAR) operations, providing accurate location data in poor visibility or adverse weather conditions

SART Categories

There are 2 SART category available – AIS SART & RADAR SART

AIS SART

AIS SART utilize the Automatic Identification System technology to transmit distress signals containing essential vessel information to nearby AIS-equipped vessels and shore stations. This allows for quick identification and localization of the distressed vessel, aiding in faster rescue operations. AIS SART are compatible with AIS networks and comply with international AIS standards. They can be manually or automatically activated and have a battery life of at least 96 hours.

RADAR SART

RADAR SART on the other hand, are designed to be highly reflective to radar signals. When activated, they produce a distinctive radar return that stands out on shipboard radar displays, enabling radar-equipped vessels to detect and locate the source of distress. RADAR SART are manually activated and have a range of several nautical miles.

 Enquiry

If you need marine communication equipment, radio survey, service, repair, or installation, SEAVAN INDIA PVT LTD is here to help. Contact our team today.

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