1. Introduction

In Unit 1a, you read about the Cospas-Sarsat system and how it helped to rescue two sailors. Unit 1bc will build on this topic, bringing more information, especially on the technical principle of the system as a whole as well as the beacon itself.

As a future professional engineer, you should be able to describe any system, not just those presented in your coursebook. Of particular importance to you are electrical systems, as your area of expertise is electrical engineering. Therefore, in the specialist reading and listening section of this Unit, you will learn about two electrical systems that prevent electrical injuries.

 

Contents:

  • Revision: Past Simple Tense to talk about finished events:

The USA carried the SARSAT equipment built by Canada and France on their weather satellites in March 1983.

  • Present Simple Tense to talk about actions the are repeated and/or always true:

The system operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • Non-defining relative clauses used to combine clauses and to provide extra information:

The rescue centre contacts the helicopter pilot, who then carries out the rescue.