RYA SRC EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment 2

Question 1

What is the main operational difference between an AIS SART and a radar SART?

Accepted Answer

An AIS SART is detected by AIS receivers and displays on a chartplotter; a radar SART is detected by X-band radar

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

48 hours of continuous operation

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

As high as possible, at least 1 metre above sea level

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The vessel's unique identifier (linked to MMSI/registration) and GPS position if fitted

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

8–10 nautical miles

Answer

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.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment 2