RYA SRC EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what altitude must a satellite EPIRB signal be detectable by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites?
- Any altitude above sea level
- Above 400 metres
- The signal is detectable from sea level by low-earth orbit satellites (Correct answer)
- Only above 1,000 metres
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which organisation maintains the international database of registered 406 MHz EPIRBs?
- IMO
- COSPAS-SARSAT (Correct answer)
- ITU
- MCA
Correct 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.
Question 3: A SART response signal appears on a radar screen as:
- A single bright blip
- A series of 12 dots or blips extending away from the SART's position (Correct answer)
- A continuous arc around the radar display
- A flashing cross at the centre of the screen
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the 'homing' mode on a Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)?
- To transmit a voice distress call
- To allow a rescuing vessel's radar to home in on the survivor's position (Correct answer)
- To activate the EPIRB automatically
- To send a DSC distress alert
Correct 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.
Question 5: Under SOLAS regulations, where should a float-free EPIRB be mounted on a vessel?
- In a watertight locker below decks
- In a bracket on the outside of the vessel at a height where it can float free (Correct answer)
- Tied to the mast at the highest point
- Inside the liferaft container
Correct 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.
Question 6: What does the acronym EPIRB stand for?
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (Correct answer)
- Electronic Position Indicating Rescue Beacon
- Emergency Pulse Infrared Radio Beacon
- Emergency Position Infrared Rescue Broadcast
Correct 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.
Question 7: How long must a SART be capable of operating continuously after being activated in distress mode?
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- 48 hours (Correct answer)
- 96 hours
Correct 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.
RYA SRC EPIRB, SART & Emergency Equipment 4
At what altitude must a satellite EPIRB signal be detectable by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites?