Which statement describes a fundamental function of the SART when triggered by radar?

• A. It uses the distress frequency for voice calls
• B. It remains silent until manual switch
• C. It transmits on channel 70 only
• D. It responds to radar by appearing as a radar beacon

Answer: (D)

A SART’s job is to be found by other ships’ radars. When a radar sweeps over the SART, it automatically replies with a radar beacon signal. That response shows up on the interrogating radar display as a distinctive beacon pattern (often a ring or line of dots), which helps the radar operator determine the range and bearing to the SART and thus locate the distress vessel. The other options don’t fit because the SART isn’t a voice distress channel, it doesn’t stay silent waiting for a manual switch in normal operation, and it doesn’t transmit on a fixed channel like channel 70.