RYA SRC EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main operational difference between an AIS SART and a radar SART?
- An AIS SART is detected by AIS receivers and displays on a chartplotter; a radar SART is detected by X-band radar (Correct answer)
- An AIS SART has a greater range than a radar SART
- An AIS SART requires a satellite uplink; a radar SART does not
- An AIS SART is for personal use; a radar SART is for vessel use only
Correct answer: An AIS SART is detected by AIS receivers and displays on a chartplotter; a radar SART is detected by X-band radar
An AIS SART transmits an AIS signal showing position and MMSI on chartplotters and AIS displays, while a radar SART creates a distinctive pattern on X-band radar screens.
Question 2: What is the minimum battery life required for a correctly certified 406 MHz EPIRB?
- 24 hours of continuous operation
- 48 hours of continuous operation (Correct answer)
- 72 hours of continuous operation
- 96 hours of continuous operation
Correct answer: 48 hours of continuous operation
A 406 MHz EPIRB must be capable of at least 48 hours of continuous operation to provide adequate time for Search and Rescue services to respond.
Question 3: How should a SART be positioned when activated in a survival craft?
- As high as possible, at least 1 metre above sea level (Correct answer)
- Submerged slightly below the waterline to protect the antenna
- Horizontal at the waterline for maximum signal spread
- Stored flat inside the liferaft for protection
Correct answer: As high as possible, at least 1 metre above sea level
A SART should be held as high as possible, at least 1 metre above sea level, to maximise radar detection range from searching vessels.
Question 4: What key information is encoded in a 406 MHz EPIRB signal?
- Only the vessel's GPS position at time of activation
- The vessel's unique identifier (linked to MMSI/registration) and GPS position if fitted (Correct answer)
- Only the time and date of activation
- The vessel's speed, course, and last known port
Correct answer: The vessel's unique identifier (linked to MMSI/registration) and GPS position if fitted
A 406 MHz EPIRB encodes a unique 15-digit identifier linked to the vessel's registration and, if GPS-equipped, transmits precise position data to COSPAS-SARSAT.
Question 5: At approximately what range can a searching vessel's radar detect a SART, assuming a radar antenna height of about 15 metres?
- 1–2 nautical miles
- 5 nautical miles
- 8–10 nautical miles (Correct answer)
- 20 nautical miles
Correct answer: 8–10 nautical miles
A SART can typically be detected by a vessel's X-band radar at around 8–10 nautical miles when the radar antenna is at approximately 15 metres above sea level.
Question 6: Where should an EPIRB be registered in the United Kingdom?
- With the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
- With the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) (Correct answer)
- Directly with the manufacturer
- With the local harbour master or marina
Correct answer: With the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
In the UK, EPIRBs must be registered with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) so that the encoded beacon ID can be linked to vessel and owner details for SAR use.
Question 7: What distinctive pattern does a SART create on a vessel's radar screen when activated?
- A single bright dot at the SART's position
- A line of 12 dots extending outward from the SART's position towards the searching vessel (Correct answer)
- A solid circle centred on the SART's position
- A cross-shaped pattern centred on the SART's position
Correct answer: A line of 12 dots extending outward from the SART's position towards the searching vessel
An activated SART creates a series of 12 dots in a line extending outward from the SART's position on the radar screen, making it clearly distinguishable from other targets.
RYA SRC EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment 2
What is the main operational difference between an AIS SART and a radar SART?