SART & EPIRB

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB is used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre. A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is an electronic device that automatically reacts to the emission of a radar. This enhances the visibility on a radar screen. SART transponders are used to ease the search of a ship in distress or a liferaft. All GMDSS vessels up to 500 ton must carry at least one SART.