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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. At what altitude must a satellite EPIRB signal be detectable by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites?

    Answer: The signal is detectable from sea level by low-earth orbit satellites

    COSPAS-SARSAT low-earth orbit (LEOSAR) satellites can detect a 406 MHz EPIRB signal from sea level, requiring no minimum altitude.

  2. Which organisation maintains the international database of registered 406 MHz EPIRBs?

    Answer: COSPAS-SARSAT

    COSPAS-SARSAT maintains the beacon registration database that links a 406 MHz EPIRB's unique identity to the vessel and owner details.

  3. A SART response signal appears on a radar screen as:

    Answer: A series of 12 dots or blips extending away from the SART's position

    When triggered by a 9 GHz radar pulse, a SART responds with a swept frequency that paints 12 blips extending radially outward on the interrogating radar.

  4. What is the purpose of the 'homing' mode on a Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)?

    Answer: To allow a rescuing vessel's radar to home in on the survivor's position

    In homing mode the SART responds to every radar pulse from an approaching vessel, enabling the rescuer to steer directly toward the source of the blips.

  5. Under SOLAS regulations, where should a float-free EPIRB be mounted on a vessel?

    Answer: In a bracket on the outside of the vessel at a height where it can float free

    A float-free EPIRB must be mounted in a dedicated hydrostatic release bracket on the exterior of the vessel so it can deploy automatically when submerged.

  6. What does the acronym EPIRB stand for?

    Answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

    EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — a device that transmits a distress signal to satellites when activated.

  7. How long must a SART be capable of operating continuously after being activated in distress mode?

    Answer: 48 hours

    A SART must be capable of 96 hours of standby followed by at least 8 hours of continuous operation when responding to radar pulses, but the minimum operational period on activation is 48 hours.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

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