Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 Radar Search and Rescue Transponder
The Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 Radar SART is a compact Search and Rescue Transponder designed to help rescue vessels and aircraft locate liferafts, survival craft, and vessels in distress. Fully compliant with IMO SOLAS and GMDSS requirements, the S100 provides a highly visible directional target on compatible X-band radar displays.
Once manually activated, the S100 remains in standby while listening for radar signals from nearby vessels or aircraft. When interrogated by an X-band radar, the SART automatically responds with a series of pulses that appear as a distinctive line of twelve blips on the radar display, giving rescuers a clear bearing toward the survival craft.
Guides Rescue Crews Directly to the Emergency
The S100 operates across the 9.2 to 9.5 GHz marine X-band radar frequency range. When a nearby radar sweep reaches the SART, it responds automatically with twelve transmissions for each interrogation.
At longer distances, the response normally appears on the rescue vessel’s radar as a line of twelve evenly spaced blips extending outward from the SART’s position. As the rescue vessel approaches, the blips begin to widen into arcs and eventually become concentric circles, providing a clear indication that the rescuers are closing in on the survival craft.
A flashing red indicator confirms that the S100 is operating in standby mode. When the SART detects an incoming radar pulse and begins responding, the indicator flashes rapidly to show that it is being interrogated.
Designed for Liferafts and Survival Craft
The safeSEA S100 is compact enough for storage aboard a vessel or inside suitable liferaft equipment. It is supplied with a quick-release mounting bracket that can be installed on a wall or bulkhead in an accessible and protected location.
During an emergency, the SART should be removed from its bracket, manually activated, securely tethered to the liferaft, and positioned upright as high above the water as possible. The S100 can be attached directly to a liferaft canopy or used with the separately available Ocean Signal telescopic mounting pole.
For maximum performance, Ocean Signal recommends positioning the SART at least 1 meter or 3.3 feet above sea level. Raising the SART improves its radar horizon and increases the likelihood that it will be detected by approaching rescue vessels and aircraft.
Extended Standby and Operating Life
The S100 uses an Ocean Signal LB3S lithium iron disulfide battery module with a five-year replacement interval. The battery provides more than 96 hours of standby operation followed by more than 12 hours of active radar response operation, even at temperatures as low as -20°C.
The battery module is user replaceable, although commercial vessels may be subject to local Shore Based Maintenance requirements. Only the approved Ocean Signal replacement battery should be used to maintain the SART’s equipment approvals and specified emergency performance.
Rugged Marine Construction
The safeSEA S100 is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and is designed to withstand a drop into the water from a height of up to 20 meters. It operates in temperatures from -20°C to +55°C and is suitable for the demanding conditions found aboard commercial vessels, passenger ships, fishing vessels, offshore yachts, lifeboats, and liferafts.
The compact enclosure measures approximately 227 mm high with a body diameter of 65 mm and a maximum width of approximately 82 mm. A compass-safe distance of at least 1 meter should be maintained when selecting the onboard mounting location.
SOLAS and GMDSS Carriage Requirements
The safeSEA S100 is approved as a Radar Search and Rescue Transponder for vessels operating under IMO SOLAS and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System requirements. Depending on the vessel’s size, classification, operation, and flag-state regulations, one or more SARTs may be required aboard passenger ships, cargo vessels, commercial workboats, fishing vessels, and vessels engaged in international voyages.
Vessels between 300 and 500 gross tonnage generally require at least one SART, while vessels over 500 gross tonnage generally require two. Ro-Ro passenger vessels may require one SART for every four liferafts. Vessel owners and operators should confirm the exact carriage requirements that apply to their vessel with the appropriate regulatory or inspecting authority.
Important Distress Alerting Information
A Radar SART is a locating device and is not a primary distress-alerting beacon. The S100 does not contact rescue authorities, transmit through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, or broadcast a GPS position. It should be carried and used alongside an appropriate primary distress-alerting system such as an EPIRB, DSC-equipped marine radio, or approved satellite communications terminal.
The S100 should only be activated during a situation of grave and imminent danger. Because Test Mode produces the same radar response as emergency operation, testing should be kept brief and performed in accordance with the Ocean Signal user manual to avoid misleading nearby vessels and unnecessarily reducing battery capacity.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: safeSEA S100
Manufacturer Part Number: 710S-00607
Product Type: Radar Search and Rescue Transponder
Radar Band: X-band
Frequency Range: 9.2 to 9.5 GHz
Radiated Output Power: Greater than 400 mW EIRP
Radar Response: 12 sweeps per interrogation
Battery: Ocean Signal LB3S lithium iron disulfide battery module
Standby Life: More than 96 hours at -20°C
Active Operating Life: More than 12 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 5 years
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +65°C
Waterproof Rating: 10 meters
Drop Resistance: 20 meters onto water
Height: 227 mm
Body Diameter: 65 mm, approximately 82 mm maximum width
Compass-Safe Distance: 1 meter
Standards: IEC 61097-1 and IEC 60945
Approvals: IMO SOLAS, GMDSS, EU Marine Equipment Directive, UK Marine Equipment Regulations, and FCC Part 80
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
What Is Included
The Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 package includes the S100 Radar SART, LB3S lithium battery module, quick-release storage bracket, mounting screws, battery hex key, and documentation.
Please note: The telescopic SART mounting pole shown in some product images is sold separately. The optional Ocean Signal pole is manufacturer part number 711S-01802. The replacement LB3S battery module is manufacturer part number 711S-00609.
Product Manual
Download the Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 Radar SART User Manual
