GMDSS Trainer
Subelement D: Other GMDSS Equipment— Topic :

Question 34D1

Element 9 (GMDSS Maintainer)

How should the signal from a Search And Rescue RADAR Transponder appear on a RADAR display?

Explanation
When a Search And Rescue Transponder (SART) is activated and detected by a ship's X-band RADAR, it responds by transmitting a series of 12 distinct pulses. These pulses are typically swept through the radar's bandwidth. On the RADAR display, this response appears as 12 equally spaced dots, or occasionally arcs, radiating outwards in a line from the SART's actual position. The innermost dot represents the SART's true range and bearing. This specific display pattern is an internationally recognized standard (IMO/ITU) designed for clear and unambiguous identification of a SART, distinguishing it from other radar returns. Options A and C are incorrect as they do not match the specific number or form of the standardized SART response. Option B describes an entirely incorrect visual representation for a radar display.