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EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment Flashcards

7 cards from real RYA SRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What does EPIRB stand for?

    Answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

    EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, a distress alerting device used at sea.

  2. On which frequency does a 406 MHz EPIRB primarily transmit its distress signal?

    Answer: 406 MHz

    Modern EPIRBs transmit on 406 MHz, which is monitored by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system for fast detection and accurate location.

  3. What does SART stand for?

    Answer: Search And Rescue Transponder

    SART stands for Search And Rescue Transponder — it responds to radar interrogation to help rescuers pinpoint a survivor's location.

  4. What is the key difference between a Category 1 and a Category 2 EPIRB?

    Answer: Category 1 activates automatically when submerged; Category 2 requires manual activation only

    A Category 1 EPIRB is float-free and activates automatically when submerged to 1–4 metres; a Category 2 EPIRB must be manually activated.

  5. On which radar frequency band does a SART respond when interrogated?

    Answer: X-band (9 GHz)

    A SART responds to X-band (9 GHz) radar, which is the standard navigation radar fitted to most vessels and used by Search and Rescue craft.

  6. How should a Category 1 EPIRB be stowed on a vessel?

    Answer: In a float-free bracket on the vessel's exterior so it can self-deploy

    A Category 1 EPIRB must be mounted in a float-free bracket on the exterior of the vessel so it can automatically release and activate if the vessel sinks.

  7. What does PLB stand for in the context of maritime emergency equipment?

    Answer: Personal Locator Beacon

    PLB stands for Personal Locator Beacon, a smaller personal device that transmits on 406 MHz and is registered to an individual rather than a vessel.

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Sources & references

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  1. rya.org.uk — Score release, eligibility, fees, exam format, registration deadline, test delivery · verified Oct 2026