Distress communication and location system for small craft

An experiment was developed for use with the Nimbus 6 RAMS to determine the feasibility of satellite-aided search and rescue at sea. The experiment was conducted aboard the 32-ft sloop Sirius while cruising in the Bahamas area. The experiment demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of using a low-orbit satellite system as an aid to search and rescue operations. The accuracy of the doppler-determined latitude and longitude of the transmitting vessel would reduce the radius to search within 2 n. mi. most of the time. The experiment also demonstrated the feasibility and high degree of reliability of transmitting messages by a simple code using a low-power, low-cost keyboard encoding device. These messages enhance the value of the position location by defining the specific type and extent of the emergency.