SART (Search and rescue Transponder) is an equipment mandatory to be carried onboard .It is to be carried on the lifeboat or life raft when abandoning the ship in distress. This equipment helps to track the exact location of the survivors during search and rescue(SAR) operations.The signal of the SART is seen on the radar of the ship or aircraft which is approaching for SAR Operations. It will only transmit when the radar signals of ship fall on it.

Properties of SART :
. A SART signal is seen on the x- band radar(3 cm radar) of the ship.The frequency band of x band radar is 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz.

. The battery of SART is an 18 volt lithium battery. This makes the SART Operate in standby mode for atleast  96 hours . On interrogation its battery at least lasts for 8 hours.

. When the SART is activated and is interrogated by a ship during distress, the signal is seen as 12 blips in a line on the x band radar of the ship .Of these 12 blips the 1st blip indicates the position of the survivors. Distance between each Pair of blips is 0.6 nautical miles .When the SAR ship or aircraft is near as 2 miles to the survivors the blips will change to concentric arcs and when 1 miles and less it will be seen as concentric circles.

. The power output of SART is 400 milli watts.

. To recognise the SART signals it's preferable to use the radar in a range scale of 6 to 12 miles.

. SART gives out a sound signal and a light signal on interrogation.

. SART should be able to withstand a drop from over 20 metres .

. SART is provided with a handle to mount on the survival craft. It is to ensure that SART is always mounted at least at a height of 1 metres.

. It's battery has an expiry date of 5 years and should be replaced before it's expiry.

. SART is to serviced annually and should obtain a test certificate.

. SART should be tested onboard once in a month by switching it to test mode .

Carriage Requirement on ships :
. Ships between 300 to 500 GRT shall carry atleast one SART
. Ships over 500 GRT Shall carry 2 SART's.

Factors affecting the range of SART:
. Mounting height - it will be detected upto atleast 5 miles if it is mounted 1 metre above the sea level.
. Weather conditions
. Type of Radar used and it's operation.(scale used)