What is the purpose of the SART's audible tone alarm?

• A. It informs survivors that assistance may be nearby
• B. It helps rescuers locate the SART on the water
• C. It signals that the distress phase has ended
• D. It remains silent until a rescue attempt begins

Answer: (A)

The audible tone alarm on a SART is there to inform survivors that assistance may be nearby. When the SART is active and responding to radar interrogations, it also emits a sound that can be heard by people in the survival craft, signaling that rescue likely is in progress or approaching. This cue helps those on board know that help is near and to remain in the beacon’s vicinity. The tone is not primarily for rescuers to locate it by sound, it doesn’t indicate the distress has ended, and it isn’t meant to stay silent until a rescue begins.