🔍 Key Concepts

• SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) purpose and when it is used • Difference between X-band (9 GHz) and S-band (3 GHz) radar on ships • Which band is required by GMDSS equipment rules for SART detection

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: In an actual search and rescue, which ship’s radar band is the SART specifically designed to interact with so it will be easily seen by most ships? • Consider what approximate frequency in GHz is associated with X-band versus S-band marine radar. • Think about whether a SART is a transponder or a performance monitor – what does a performance monitor normally do on a radar? Does that match the SART’s job in SAR?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which radar band corresponds to about 9 GHz on standard marine radar (X-band vs S-band). • Confirm whether a SART’s main function is to respond and create a visible signal on the rescuer’s radar screen, or to monitor how well the radar is working. • Make sure the correct statement combines BOTH: transponder vs performance monitor AND correct radar band.