🔍 Key Concepts

• EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) normal operation and how/when it activates • SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) purpose and how it is used with survival craft • Manufacturer/USCG guidance on manual vs. automatic activation of distress equipment when abandoning ship

💭 Think About

• Think about what you want search and rescue units to see and hear once you are already in the survival craft. What actions would make you easier to locate? • Consider whether these beacons always work automatically in every scenario, or whether best practice is to take positive action with them once you are in the raft or boat. • Ask yourself: which option describes a realistic, simple action that trained crew would be expected to carry out right after boarding a liferaft or lifeboat?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify how an EPIRB is normally secured and whether it always self-activates in every abandonment scenario. • Check how a SART is supposed to be used with a radar-equipped rescue vessel and whether it must be placed in any particular mode or position. • Eliminate any choice that assumes no action is needed if that conflicts with standard abandon‑ship and survival craft procedures.