The SART is a battery powered, small waterproof transponder intended for emergency use at sea. Search and rescue locating device may be either a radar transponder operating in the 9 GHz band or AIS SART.

SART (Radar SART) – is a small self-contained device, that can be detected by ship or aircraft radars operating in the frequency band 9.2-9.5 GHz (X-band, 3 cm wavelength). When a radar signal is received, SART automatically starts to transmit a response signals echoing to that radar. These signals will be seen on radar display as a line of 12 dots extending approximately 8 nautical miles away from the SART’s position along its line of bearing.

GMDSS requirements:

• At least one SART required for cargo ships of 300-500 GT
• At least two SART required for all passenger ships and cargo ships over 500 GT