PITCH DECK
SEARCH AND RESCUE TRANSPONDER (SART)
September 2025
SART
SEARCH AND RESCUE TRANSPODER
Search & Rescue Transponder (SART) is designed to
guide rescuers to a survival craft.
A SART is not an alternative to an EPIRB. It is not
designed to raise an alert but allows vessels carrying
standard marine navigation aids to locate a survival
craft even in very poor visibility.
Radar SART vs AIS SART
KEY DIFFERENCE
Radar SART: Search and Rescue Transponder
Receives signal then respond.
Responds to X-band radar (9 GHz)
Range:
Up to 5 NM from surface vessels
Up to 30+ NM from aircraft depending on altitude
Advantages:
Universally detectable by any X-band radar
No reliance on GPS or AIS infrastructure
*Nautical Miles (NM)
Radar SART vs AIS SART
KEY DIFFERENCE
AIS SART: Search and Rescue Transmitter
Transmit a signal (MMSI, GNSS Position, Time Stamp)
Transmits AIS safety messages with GPS coordinates
Range:
Typically, 5–10 NM
(can reach 20–40 NM depending on antenna height)
Advantages:
Precise location tracking
Immediate identification on AIS-equipped systems
*Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
*Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
*Nautical Miles (NM)
Radar SART vs AIS SART
HOW SART WORKS?
RADAR SART has a distinctive homing AIS SART typically will display as an
pattern shown on the RADAR. icon with optional information box
Radar SART vs AIS SART
HOW SART WORKS?
NAVIGATION RADAR AIS TRANSPONDER
SART REQUIREMENT
HOW SART WORKS?
SART REQUIRMENT
300 - 500 GT: Required to carry 1 SART
Over 500 GT: Required to carry 2 SARTs
Additional SARTs may also be packed inside the survival craft.
For passenger ships one SART is required per four life crafts.
ONBOARD STORAGE
Mount in an easily accessible location on the bridge or near survival craft
Must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and ready for rapid deployment
*Gross Tonnage (GT)
SART DEPLOYMENT
HOW SART WORKS?
DURING EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT
Transfer to lifeboat or life raft during evacuation
Mount vertically using:
Extension pole (included with many models)
Raft canopy straps or dedicated bracket
Position the antenna at least 1 meter above sea level for optimal signal detection
SART COMPONENTS
KEY COMPONENTS
Antenna: Optimized for Activation Switch:
X-band radar (Radar SART) Manual toggle with OFF / ON / TEST positions
AIS VHF frequencies (AIS SART) Allows crew to:
Activate during evacuation
Transponder Module: Perform non-transmitting self-tests
Detect incoming radar pulses (Radar SART)
Transmit AIS safety messages with GNSS data LED Indicator & Buzzer:
(AIS SART) Confirms operational status:
Green flash + tone = active or test passed
Battery Pack: No signal = fault or battery issue
Lithium primary cells, sealed for marine use
≥96 hours standby
≥8 hours active transmission
Shelf life: typically 5 years
SART COMPONENTS
KEY COMPONENTS
1. Battery Expiration Tag
2. Signal Indicator
3. Activation Switch
4. Switch Lock
SART MODEL
CHIYANG CY-SART
Radar SART
Operating Frequency: 9.2 GHz – 9.5 GHz (X-band radar)
Response Pattern: 12 radar blips forming dots, arcs, or circles
Standby Time: ≥96 hours
Operational Time: ≥8 hours
SART MODEL
JOTRON TRON AIS-SART
Transmission Type: AIS safety messages (AIS A & B channels)
Frequencies: 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz
GNSS Support: Integrated GPS receiver for accurate position reporting
Signal Content:
MMSI (970xxxxxxx format)
GNSS position (updated every minute)
“SART ACTIVE” status message
Indication: Visual LED + audible tone
Operational Time: ≥96 hours continuous transmission