Operate location devices, including radio equipment
Governing: STCW Table A-VI/1-1; MSN 1865 Annex B item 6; LSA Code Chapter III; REG Yacht Code Table 13.1; MGN 665 (M+F) Amendment 1. Builds on: L3.3.
A liferaft is a very small object in a very large sea. The Annex B self-declaration lists "operate location devices, including radio equipment" as an onboard competence. This lesson is the operator's view; the technical side belongs to GMDSS SRC/ROC/GOC.
The devices
| Device | What it does | Who hears it |
|---|---|---|
| EPIRB | Transmits a distress alert with the beacon's identity and, if GNSS-equipped, its position, via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system | Rescue coordination centres |
| PLB | A personal version of the EPIRB, carried by an individual | Rescue coordination centres |
| SART (radar) | When interrogated by an X-band radar, shows a line of dots on the searcher's display leading to the survival craft | Ships and aircraft with X-band radar |
| AIS-SART | Transmits a distinctive AIS target | Any AIS receiver |
| Handheld VHF | Voice contact with rescuers on scene | Nearby ships, aircraft, lifeboats |
REG Yacht Code Table 13.1 requires one EPIRB on every Code yacht, one SART under 500 GT and two at 500 GT and over, and two two-way radiotelephones (three at 85 m and over).
EPIRB
The float-free EPIRB activates itself when released by its hydrostatic unit. If time allows, take it into the raft, switch it on manually and tie it to the raft by its lanyard so it floats alongside. MGN 665 Amendment 1 makes registration of EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs on UK vessels mandatory; an unregistered beacon delays the response.
SART
Mount the SART as high as possible, on its pole or the canopy, and switch it on. Radar range increases with height. A SART inside the canopy, lying on the floor, is much less effective.
VHF
Conserve the batteries: switch on at set times or when you see a vessel or aircraft.
Pyrotechnics
| Signal | LSA Code performance | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket parachute flare | Reaches at least 300 m, bright red | Attract attention at distance, day or night |
| Hand flare | Burns at least 1 min, bright red; keeps burning after 10 s under 100 mm of water | Pinpoint your position when a rescuer is close |
| Buoyant smoke signal | Highly visible smoke for at least 3 min | Daylight; shows wind direction to a helicopter |
A SOLAS A pack carries 4 rockets, 6 hand flares and 2 smokes. Use them sparingly: only when you can see or hear a potential rescuer.
WARNING — Handling flares Read the instructions on the flare first. Fire rockets downwind, angled slightly downwind in strong wind, never towards a helicopter. Hold hand flares outboard and downwind, above head height, with a glove on. Do not look at the flare.
Other aids
- Daylight signalling mirror: aim the flash using the sighting hole. Visible at long range in sunshine.
- Torch: suitable for Morse; SOS is three short, three long, three short.
- Whistle: on every lifejacket.
- Retro-reflective tape on lifejackets, suits and the raft shines in a searchlight.
TIP — Practise without firing Handle the training flares and the SART during drills. Knowing the twist-cap and trigger by feel saves precious seconds.