Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)
McMurdo S4 Rescue SART
A Search And Rescue Transponder (SART) is a Radar based emergency transmitter
that is designed to be stored in a liferaft or as a carry on device in the event
that it is necessary to abandon ship. When it detects an incoming X-band radar
pulse from another vessel or aircraft it automatically transmits a response
signal, which appears on the vessel’s radar display as a series of 12 dots
pointing to your location.
SARTs are supplied with a mounting bracket and must be manually activated
once inside the liferaft. As a Radar SART is designed to only transmit when it
detects an incoming radar pulse this dramatically increases the battery life,
enabling them to operate continuously for typically over 96hrs.
Since 2010 the AIS-SART (Search and Rescue Transmitter) has been added to
GMDSS regulations as an alternative to a Radar SART and has been wheel-marked
since 2012. These units include an inbuilt GPS and transmit an alert message
along with the vessel ID and GPS position via the AIS (Automatic Identification
System) tracking system - this appears on an AIS-equipped vessel’s chartplotter
or ECDIS display rather than on the Radar.
A SART forms part of the GMDSS mandated equipment package required by law for
all commercial vessels over 300 tons, however many non-mandate vessels and
leisure boats also choose to carry a SART to improve safety.
Designed to be stored in a survival craft or as a carry off device, the
rugged McMurdo S4 Rescue SART is buoyant and waterproof to a depth of 10m. When
it detects a radar signal from another vessel or aircraft, the S4 Rescue SART’s
9GHz X-band Radar transceiver will automatically transmit a response signal
which will appear on the other vessel’s radar display as a series of 12 dots,
pinpointing your location. An LED and buzzer indicates when the S4 has detected
a radar signal and transmitted a response. The S4 will only transmit when it
detects an incoming radar pulse - after 15 seconds it will drop to standby mode,
conserving battery life and ensuring operation in excess of 96hrs.
Once activated the McMurdo S4 Rescue SART may be suspended inside the
survival craft or mounted in an elevated position using the integrated extending
pole.
- Buoyant and waterproof to 10m
- Compact, lightweight and rugged
- Meets IMO and GMDSS standards
- LED and buzzer indicates operation
- Inbuilt test facility
- Integral lanyard
- Over 96hrs operation in standby mode
- Replaceable 5 year battery pack
- Mounting options – internal/external
