FCC GMDSS Maintainer case studies
FCC GMDSS Maintainer · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The FCC GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License is a United States commercial radio operator credential for technicians who maintain Global Maritime Distress and Safety System equipment aboard ships. It is aimed at field service engineers, shipboard electronics officers, and shore-based maintenance providers who keep DSC controllers, Inmarsat terminals, NAVTEX receivers, EPIRBs, SARTs, and associated power and antenna systems operational. The FCC GMDSS Maintainer case studies are 5 cases and about 3,322 words.
1Inadvertent MF/HF DSC Distress Alert During Inspection
During an annual GMDSS inspection aboard a 22,000 GT bulk carrier alongside in Honolulu, you power up the MF/HF DSC controller to check the watch receiver. Within ten seconds the unit transmits on 8,414.5 kHz and displays 'DISTRESS ALERT SENT - nature: undesignated - position 21°18.5'N 157°52.3'W.' The master is on the bridge and asks whether the ship is now in trouble with the Coast Guard.
677 words, about 3 min2Inmarsat-C Login Failure After Antenna Cable Replacement
While crossing the Pacific in Area A3, a 12,000 GT container ship loses its Inmarsat-C terminal. The display alternates between 'Login failed' and 'LES not available'; signal strength is 0 dB; the GPS position input is valid and updates.
665 words, about 3 min3EPIRB and SART Readiness Before a Charter
An 18 m charter vessel in Area A2 is due for its annual GMDSS survey. The 406 MHz EPIRB self-test reports 'PASS' and the strobe flashes, but the battery expiry date is six weeks away and the hydrostatic release unit is dated two years ago.
676 words, about 3 min4Corrupted 518 kHz NAVTEX in Anchorage
A 25,000 dwt bulk carrier at anchor in Singapore Eastern Anchorage is receiving corrupted NAVTEX on 518 kHz. About every two to three minutes the printer emits a block of random characters; the errors become much worse whenever the X-band radar is transmitting.
639 words, about 3 min5GMDSS Battery Voltage Collapse Under Transmit Load
During a monthly GMDSS battery test on a 5,000 GT offshore supply vessel, shore power is removed and the emergency switchboard is fed from the dedicated 24 V GMDSS battery. The bank consists of two 12 V, 200 Ah AGM batteries in series, commissioned four years ago.
665 words, about 3 min