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Subelement F
Survival Craft Equip & S.A.R.:
Section 41
SART: Testing and Battery Parameters:
Which of the following statements concerning testing and maintenance of SARTs is true?
  • Correct Answer
    Testing a SART should be done in a consistent manner & location to ensure a baseline history of proper results.
  • Testing of the SART should never be done in port to prevent interference to other vessel's radars.
  • A SART's battery must be replaced within ninety (90) days after the expiration date imprinted on the unit.
  • An at-sea GMDSS maintainer is not able to test a SART because it is hermetically sealed.

Which of the following statements concerning testing and maintenance of SARTs is TRUE?

(A). Testing a SART should be done in a consistent manner & location to ensure a baseline history of proper results.

By testing on regular basis, actual performance can be determined. This is the only reasonable answer choice.
As on any test, beware of the use of words like "never" or "all," and any absolute assertions.

SART, Search and Rescue Transponder, includes the self-test function which is used to ensure that the beacon is operational.

As the SART works on the X band radio wavelength range, the testing steps are best to be performed at sea to minimize the radar screen interference.

For more information, please see Marine Insights site on Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board Ships

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Why is it important to limit the duration of testing a SART?
  • Excessive testing causes "burn in" on the vessel's radar display.
  • Correct Answer
    Testing in port or even at sea may cause interference to other radars or a test signal may be misinterpreted as a genuine Distress situation.
  • To prevent overheating, a SART requires sufficient ventilation that is significantly reduced when the SART is being tested.
  • If another SART is testing at the same time, the two signals will cause damage to the unit that transmitted them.

Why is it important to limit the duration of testing a SART?

(B). Testing in port or even at sea may cause interference to other radars or a test signal may be misinterpreted as a genuine Distress situation.

SART, Search and Rescue Transponder, includes the self-test function which is used to ensure that the beacon is operational.

As the SART works on the X band radio wavelength range, the testing steps are best to be performed at sea to minimize the radar screen interference.

For more information, please see Marine Insights site on Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board Ships

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What statement is true regarding tests and maintenance that could be provided for the SART?
  • Full verification within manufacturer's specifications by the on-board maintainer would be a requirement for all vessels in the A3 & A4 sea areas using measuring equipment to generate 9 GHz signals.
  • Battery should be replaced within the 90 day grace period following the manufacturer's expiration date shown on the SART and the SART should only be tested at-sea to reduce interference to other vessels.
  • Correct Answer
    Extreme care should be exercised because testing of the SART may be received by other vessels, may be interpreted as a Distress condition, or it may interfere with other vessels' safe navigation.
  • Battery should be replaced with a new one before the manufacturer's expiration date shown on the SART and the SART should only be tested in port to reduce interference to other vessels.

What statement is true regarding tests and maintenance that could be provided for the SART?

(C). Extreme care should be exercised because testing of the SART may be received by other vessels, may be interpreted as a Distress condition, or it may interfere with other vessels' safe navigation.

SART, Search and Rescue Transponder, includes the self-test function which is used to ensure that the beacon is operational.

As the SART works on the X band radio wavelength range, the testing steps are best to be performed at sea to minimize the radar screen interference.

For more information, please see Marine Insights site on Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board Ships

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Why should functional testing of a SART be minimized?
  • Potential interference with safe navigation, notifying other vessels of an actual Distress and minimize power consumption.
  • Minimize power consumption of the battery and only test at sea to reduce potential interference or confusion.
  • Possibility of misinterpretation by other vessels as a Distress situation and only test in port to prevent potential interference with safe navigation or at-sea vessels.
  • Correct Answer
    Potential interference with safe navigation, possible misinterpretation of an actual Distress, minimizes draining the battery.

Why should functional testing of a SART be minimized?

(D). Potential interference with safe navigation, possible misinterpretation of an actual Distress, minimizes draining the battery.

SART, Search and Rescue Transponder, includes the self-test function which is used to ensure that the beacon is operational.

As the SART works on the X band radio wavelength range, the testing steps are best to be performed at sea to minimize the radar screen interference.

For more information, please see Marine Insights site on Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board Ships

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Which is NOT a valid maintenance and testing function for a SART?
  • Correct Answer
    Operational test with several vessels to determine effective transmitting range.
  • Inspection of container for apparent damage.
  • Inspect battery expiration date and the lanyard condition.
  • Brief operational test utilizing own ship's radar.

Which is NOT a valid maintenance and testing function for a SART?

(A). Operational test with several vessels to determine effective transmitting range.

Other ships are not required. SART, Search and Rescue Transponder, includes the self-test function which is used to ensure that the beacon is operational.

As the SART works on the X band radio wavelength range, the testing steps are best to be performed at sea to minimize the radar screen interference.

For more information, please see Marine Insights site on Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board Ships

Valid SART activities:

  • Inspection of container for apparent damage.
  • Inspect battery expiration date and the lanyard condition.
  • Brief operational test utilizing own ship's radar.

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The SART is required to have sufficient battery capacity to operate in the stand-by mode for what period of time?
  • Three days
  • Correct Answer
    Four days
  • Eight hours
  • Forty-eight hours

The SART is required to have sufficient battery capacity to operate in the stand-by mode for what period of time?

(B). Four days

This is the longest period from the choices provided. Just remember the answer.

SART Battery Specifications require it to be:

  • Able to operate in standby mode for 4 days, or 96 hours
  • Operational for 8 hours

For more information, please see Marine Insights site on Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board Ships

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