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FCC GMDSS Maintainer practice questions

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Question 1GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Under the GMDSS, which sea area is defined as the area within radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available?

  1. Sea Area A4
  2. Sea Area A2
  3. Sea Area A1 Correct answer.
  4. Sea Area A3

Explanation

Sea Area A1 is defined by VHF coverage with continuous DSC alerting available from at least one coast station. The other sea areas are built around MF, Inmarsat, or polar coverage rather than VHF.

Question 2GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which GMDSS function is performed by a NAVTEX receiver operating on 518 kHz?

  1. Reception of maritime safety information in English Correct answer.
  2. Radar transponder detection
  3. Two-way on-scene communications
  4. Transmission of distress alerts to shore

Explanation

NAVTEX on 518 kHz is an international MSI broadcast service in English, received automatically by shipborne receivers. It is a receive-only service and does not carry distress alerting or on-scene communications.

Question 3GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

What is the primary purpose of the 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite EPIRB in the GMDSS?

  1. Transmitting a distress alert with identification and position to the satellite system Correct answer.
  2. Serving as a backup to the ship's radar
  3. Providing two-way voice communications with rescue coordination centres
  4. Broadcasting weather forecasts to ships at sea

Explanation

A 406 MHz EPIRB transmits an encoded distress alert carrying the beacon identity and, when interfaced, the vessel position to the Cospas-Sarsat system. This allows alerting and locating of survivors without any shipboard action beyond activation.

Question 4GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which document assigns the radio installation requirements and the minimum equipment carriage list for a ship under the GMDSS?

  1. The International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
  2. The ship's Safety Management Certificate
  3. The Load Line Certificate
  4. The Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate Correct answer.

Explanation

The Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (or the radio portion of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate) certifies that the GMDSS radio installation meets the applicable carriage requirements. Other certificates address management, pollution prevention, or hull loading, not radio equipment.

Question 5GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

What does the abbreviation DSC denote in the GMDSS?

  1. Distress Signal Channel
  2. Digital Selective Calling Correct answer.
  3. Duplex Satellite Carrier
  4. Direct Ship Communication

Explanation

DSC stands for Digital Selective Calling, a technique using coded digital messages on dedicated frequencies to initiate distress, urgency, safety, and routine radiocommunications. It is the alerting backbone of the VHF, MF, and HF GMDSS subsystems.

Question 6GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which frequency band does a SART operate in so that it can be detected by a ship's radar?

  1. 406 MHz
  2. 518 kHz
  3. 9 GHz Correct answer.
  4. 156.8 MHz

Explanation

A SART responds to interrogation from a 9 GHz (X-band) radar, producing a series of dots on the radar display. This ties survivor location to the ship's radar rather than to the satellite or DSC systems.

Question 7GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which organisation is responsible for adopting the international regulatory framework, including the SOLAS radio chapter, that governs the GMDSS?

  1. The World Meteorological Organization
  2. The International Maritime Organization Correct answer.
  3. The International Telecommunication Union
  4. The International Association of Classification Societies

Explanation

The IMO adopts SOLAS, including Chapter IV on radiocommunications, and issues the associated GMDSS resolutions. The ITU regulates radio spectrum use, but the GMDSS carriage framework comes from the IMO.

Question 8GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

In the GMDSS, which of the following is a functional requirement rather than a specific equipment item?

  1. Transmission and reception of on-scene communications Correct answer.
  2. Carriage of a NAVTEX receiver
  3. Carriage of a VHF DSC controller
  4. Carriage of a 406 MHz EPIRB

Explanation

The GMDSS is defined by functional requirements, and on-scene communications is one of them; the equipment used to satisfy it may vary with sea area. Specific items such as the VHF DSC controller, NAVTEX receiver, and EPIRB are means of meeting functions, not the functions themselves.

Question 9GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A vessel certified for Sea Area A2 must be able to alert distress using which additional means beyond those required for A1?

  1. Inmarsat-C only
  2. MF DSC on 2187.5 kHz Correct answer.
  3. HF DSC on 8414.5 kHz only
  4. VHF DSC on Channel 70 only

Explanation

Sea Area A2 extends beyond VHF coverage, so the ship must carry an MF DSC installation operating on the 2187.5 kHz distress frequency in addition to the A1 VHF means. Inmarsat and HF are associated with A3 and A4 rather than the A2 baseline.

Question 10GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which GMDSS service provides enhanced group calling for the broadcast of maritime safety information to ships in a defined geographic area?

  1. DSC routine calling
  2. AIS
  3. SafetyNET Correct answer.
  4. NAVTEX

Explanation

SafetyNET is the Inmarsat enhanced group calling service that distributes MSI to ships within selected geographic areas. NAVTEX also distributes MSI, but it is a terrestrial MF service rather than an enhanced group calling satellite service.

Question 11GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A ship's GMDSS radio log must record which of the following entries?

  1. Only the names of crew members on radio watch
  2. Only entries made during annual surveys
  3. Distress, urgency, and safety communications, plus equipment failures and maintenance Correct answer.
  4. Only commercial messages sent to the company office

Explanation

The GMDSS radio log records distress, urgency, and safety traffic, significant incidents, equipment failures, and maintenance actions so that the installation's history can be verified. Routine personal or purely commercial matters are not the purpose of the log.

Question 12GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which statement correctly describes the carriage requirement for a 406 MHz float-free EPIRB on a GMDSS cargo ship?

  1. It is required only for passenger ships
  2. It must be stowed in the wheelhouse and manually activated only
  3. It must be capable of floating free and activating automatically if the ship sinks Correct answer.
  4. It may be replaced by a VHF handheld transceiver

Explanation

The satellite EPIRB must be capable of floating free from a sinking vessel and activating automatically, in addition to manual activation. This ensures alerting even when there is no time or opportunity for crew action.

Question 13GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

What is the function of the reserved VHF Channel 70 in the GMDSS?

  1. DSC alerting only Correct answer.
  2. Public correspondence traffic
  3. On-board intership working
  4. Radiotelephone distress and calling

Explanation

Channel 70 is reserved exclusively for DSC in the VHF band and must not be used for voice traffic. Voice distress and calling are conducted on Channel 16, which is a separate frequency.

Question 14GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which equipment provides the GMDSS bridge alert for a distress message received on MF/HF DSC when the watchkeeping receiver is unattended?

  1. The gyrocompass repeater
  2. The DSC watchkeeping receiver with its dedicated alarm Correct answer.
  3. The NAVTEX receiver
  4. The AIS transponder

Explanation

A dedicated DSC watchkeeping receiver continuously monitors the distress frequencies and raises an alarm on receipt of a distress alert. This maintains the listening watch without requiring a dedicated radio operator at all times.

Question 15GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which of the following correctly states a requirement for the GMDSS radio installation's source of energy?

  1. It may rely solely on the emergency generator with no battery
  2. It must have a reserve source of energy independent of the ship's main power Correct answer.
  3. It does not require any dedicated supply
  4. It may draw power from any convenient lighting circuit

Explanation

The GMDSS installation must have a reserve source of energy, normally batteries, independent of the main and emergency power so that communications survive a main power failure. This reserve must be capable of supplying the required equipment for the specified duration.

Question 16GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

What is the purpose of the 121.5 MHz homing signal transmitted by a 406 MHz EPIRB?

  1. To broadcast MSI to nearby ships
  2. To synchronise the ship's clocks
  3. To allow aircraft and rescue vessels to home in on the beacon Correct answer.
  4. To provide the satellite alert to the rescue coordination centre

Explanation

The 121.5 MHz transmission is a low-power homing signal used by search aircraft and rescue craft to locate the beacon at close range. The distress alert itself is carried on 406 MHz to the satellite system.

Question 17GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which GMDSS subsystem provides communications in Sea Area A3 that are not dependent on HF propagation?

  1. NAVTEX
  2. VHF Channel 16
  3. MF DSC
  4. Inmarsat satellite services Correct answer.

Explanation

Sea Area A3 is defined by coverage of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite, so satellite services provide the alerting and communications means there. MF and VHF are limited by range, and NAVTEX is a receive-only MSI service.

Question 18GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

What information must a ship's 406 MHz EPIRB be programmed with so that the alert can be associated with the vessel?

  1. The vessel's IMO number or a coded identity, plus the country of registry Correct answer.
  2. The master's personal telephone number
  3. The charterer's company address
  4. The ship's cargo manifest number

Explanation

The beacon is programmed with an identity such as the IMO number or a coded country and vessel identifier so that the rescue coordination centre can identify the source of the alert. Registration data links that identity to the vessel's particulars.

Question 19GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which statement best describes the relationship between the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and the SOLAS Convention?

  1. The GMDSS is a voluntary industry scheme unrelated to SOLAS
  2. The GMDSS replaces the COLREGs entirely
  3. The GMDSS is incorporated into SOLAS Chapter IV as a mandatory requirement for contracting governments' ships Correct answer.
  4. The GMDSS applies only to warships and government vessels

Explanation

SOLAS Chapter IV makes the GMDSS mandatory for ships on international voyages of the covered sizes, so the system is part of treaty law. It governs radiocommunications and does not displace collision regulations or other conventions.

Question 20GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A GMDSS radio surveyor finds that the ship's NAVTEX receiver is not receiving 518 kHz broadcasts. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

  1. The receiver should be replaced by an AIS unit
  2. The installation fails an MSI reception requirement and must be rectified before the certificate is endorsed Correct answer.
  3. The ship may continue indefinitely because MSI is optional
  4. The fault is irrelevant because the EPIRB is working

Explanation

Reception of MSI is a GMDSS functional requirement, and a failed NAVTEX receiver means the installation no longer meets it. The deficiency must be rectified before the radio certificate can be properly endorsed.

Question 21GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which of the following is the correct GMDSS distress and safety frequency for MF DSC alerting?

  1. 2182 kHz
  2. 156.525 MHz
  3. 8414.5 kHz
  4. 2187.5 kHz Correct answer.

Explanation

The MF DSC distress and safety calling frequency is 2187.5 kHz, paired with the MF radiotelephony distress frequency of 2182 kHz. The HF frequencies and VHF Channel 70 serve other bands.

Question 22GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A ship operating in Sea Area A4 must be equipped with which additional communications capability beyond that needed for A3?

  1. A second NAVTEX receiver
  2. An additional VHF handheld transceiver
  3. HF radiocommunications for distress alerting and safety traffic Correct answer.
  4. An Inmarsat-C terminal

Explanation

Sea Area A4 lies outside Inmarsat coverage, so the ship must use HF DSC and HF radiotelephony to provide long-range alerting and communications. VHF and NAVTEX are short range, and Inmarsat-C cannot provide coverage in polar regions.

Question 23GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

During an inspection, the surveyor notes that the ship's reserve battery for GMDSS equipment has never been load-tested. Which requirement does this most directly compromise?

  1. The requirement that the reserve source of energy be capable of supplying the installation for the specified period Correct answer.
  2. The requirement to carry a SART on each side of the bridge
  3. The requirement to broadcast MSI via SafetyNET
  4. The requirement to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16

Explanation

The reserve source of energy must be verified as capable of powering the required GMDSS equipment for the specified duration, and this is demonstrated by periodic testing. An untested battery cannot be shown to meet that requirement, which is the deficiency the surveyor has identified.

Question 24GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which combination correctly pairs a GMDSS equipment item with the functional requirement it primarily satisfies?

  1. SART with the on-scene locating function Correct answer.
  2. EPIRB with the MSI reception function
  3. NAVTEX with the distress alerting function
  4. AIS with the bridge-to-bridge distress alerting function

Explanation

The SART satisfies the on-scene locating function by allowing searching radar to detect survivors. The other pairings confuse receive-only MSI equipment, satellite alerting beacons, and identification systems with functions they do not perform.

Question 25GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A vessel is fitted with an Inmarsat-C terminal and an MF/HF installation with DSC. Which sea area certification does this most directly support?

  1. A1 and A2 only
  2. A4 only
  3. A1 only
  4. A1, A2, and A3 Correct answer.

Explanation

VHF DSC supports A1, MF DSC supports A2, and Inmarsat-C supports A3, so together they cover A1 through A3. Sea Area A4 would additionally require HF coverage outside Inmarsat range, which the stated configuration does not establish.

Question 26GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Under the GMDSS, which document issued by an administration or its recognised organisation certifies that a ship's radio installation complies with the applicable carriage requirements?

  1. The International Tonnage Certificate
  2. The Document of Compliance for the ship's safety management system
  3. The Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate Correct answer.
  4. The Continuous Synopsis Record

Explanation

The SOLAS radio chapter requires the radio installation to be surveyed and certified, and the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (or the radio portion of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate) is the instrument that attests to compliance with the GMDSS carriage and performance requirements. The other documents address ship identity, tonnage measurement, or management-system auditing and say nothing about the radio installation itself.

Question 27GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

Which entity is designated under the GMDSS structure as the authority that provides a recognised mobile satellite service for distress alerting and is used by ships in Sea Area A3?

  1. The ship's classification society
  2. A recognised mobile satellite organisation such as Inmarsat Correct answer.
  3. The port state control inspectorate
  4. The national coast radio station network

Explanation

Sea Area A3 is defined by the availability of a recognised mobile satellite service, and the GMDSS regulatory framework recognises satellite organisations (historically Inmarsat, and now also Iridium as a recognised provider) to deliver distress alerting and safety communications in that area. Coast radio stations, port state control and classification societies perform entirely different functions within the system.

Question 28GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A new GMDSS installation is being planned for a ship whose intended voyages will take it beyond Sea Area A3 into polar waters where no recognised mobile satellite service is available. Which designation applies to this ship's operating area, and what does it require?

  1. Sea Area A2, requiring MF DSC in addition to the VHF fit
  2. Sea Area A3, requiring an Inmarsat terminal as the primary alerting means
  3. Sea Area A1, requiring only a VHF installation with DSC and radiotelephony
  4. Sea Area A4, requiring HF communications capable of operating on the distress and safety frequencies Correct answer.

Explanation

Sea Area A4 is defined as the area outside Sea Areas A1, A2 and A3, which in practice means the polar regions where geostationary satellite coverage is absent. Because satellite alerting cannot be relied upon there, the ship must carry HF equipment providing DSC and radiotelephony on the distress and safety frequencies, in addition to the lower-sea-area requirements.

Question 29GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A maintainer is asked to explain why the GMDSS replaced the older Morse-based distress watch system. Which statement best captures the regulatory rationale adopted in the SOLAS radio chapter?

  1. It limited distress alerting to ships of 300 gross tonnage and above
  2. It removed the need for any human watchkeeping on the distress frequencies
  3. It made the carriage of satellite terminals mandatory for every ship
  4. It automated distress alerting and combined it with improved urgency and safety communications Correct answer.

Explanation

The GMDSS was introduced so that distress alerts could be transmitted and received automatically by equipment such as DSC and satellite terminals, rather than depending on a skilled operator listening to Morse, and so that urgency and safety traffic could share the same integrated system. The change therefore improved the reliability and speed of alerting while broadening the service beyond distress alone.

Question 30GMDSS system overview and regulatory framework

A maintainer is reviewing the status of a ship's radio installation against the requirement that it be surveyed at intervals not exceeding twelve months. Which statement correctly reflects the survey regime applied to GMDSS equipment under SOLAS?

  1. Surveys are performed only at the request of the master after a reported failure
  2. Surveys are required only when the equipment is replaced or the ship changes flag
  3. A single survey at delivery is sufficient for the life of the radio certificate
  4. Annual surveys are required, with a periodical survey within three months either side of the certificate's anniversary date Correct answer.

Explanation

The radio installation is subject to annual surveys, and the periodical survey that supports certificate renewal must fall within three months before or after the anniversary date of the certificate. This regime ensures the installation is verified regularly against the applicable performance standards, not merely at build or after a fault.

Question 31Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

On VHF channel 16, which spoken distress signal precedes the distress call and identifies the transmission as a Mayday?

  1. PAN PAN
  2. SILENCE MAYDAY
  3. MAYDAY Correct answer.
  4. SECURITE

Explanation

The GMDSS radiotelephony distress signal is the spoken word MAYDAY, repeated three times in the distress call. It announces a grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. PAN PAN is urgency and SECURITE is safety, so neither opens a distress call.

Question 32Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

A distress alert on 406 MHz from an EPIRB is routed through which system to reach a rescue coordination centre?

  1. The Inmarsat-C store-and-forward queue
  2. The Digital Selective Calling channel 70 link
  3. The NAVTEX coastal network
  4. The COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system Correct answer.

Explanation

406 MHz EPIRB alerts are detected by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, which computes the beacon position and forwards the alert to the responsible rescue coordination centre. Inmarsat, NAVTEX and DSC are separate GMDSS subsystems with different functions.

Question 33Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which statement correctly distinguishes a distress call from a distress message in radiotelephony?

  1. The call is transmitted by the coast station and the message by the ship
  2. The call announces the distress and the message gives the details of the casualty Correct answer.
  3. The call carries the vessel's position and the message carries only the vessel's name
  4. The call is sent on channel 16 and the message must be sent on channel 13

Explanation

The distress call is the short announcement containing the signal, the vessel identity and, if time permits, the position. The distress message follows and provides the full particulars such as nature of distress, assistance required and number of persons on board.

Question 34Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which frequency band and channel are used for VHF digital selective calling distress alerting?

  1. Channel 70 at 156.525 MHz Correct answer.
  2. Channel 16 at 156.800 MHz
  3. Channel 6 at 156.300 MHz
  4. Channel 13 at 156.650 MHz

Explanation

VHF DSC operates exclusively on channel 70 at 156.525 MHz, which is reserved for digital selective calling and must not carry voice traffic. Channel 16 is the radiotelephony distress and calling frequency, and channels 6 and 13 are used for other purposes.

Question 35Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which spoken signal is used to announce an urgency message concerning the safety of a vessel that is not in immediate danger?

  1. MAYDAY RELAY
  2. PAN PAN Correct answer.
  3. SECURITE
  4. MAYDAY

Explanation

The urgency signal is PAN PAN, spoken three times in the urgency call. It is used when a vessel or person is in difficulty but not in immediate danger of loss, for example a breakdown that could later become a distress. MAYDAY is reserved for grave and imminent danger.

Question 36Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

What is the purpose of the spoken phrase SILENCE MAYDAY transmitted by a coast station?

  1. It requests a repeat of the distress message
  2. It transfers control of the distress traffic to another station
  3. It cancels a distress alert that is no longer needed
  4. It orders all stations to stop transmitting on the distress frequency Correct answer.

Explanation

SILENCE MAYDAY is a control instruction meaning that all stations must cease transmitting on the frequency so that distress traffic can proceed without interference. It is normally imposed by the station controlling the distress traffic. It does not cancel, repeat or hand over the traffic.

Question 37Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which of the following is the correct content of a distress message in radiotelephony?

  1. Distress signal, name, position, nature of distress, assistance required, persons on board Correct answer.
  2. Distress signal, call sign, working frequency, radio operator's name, cargo details
  3. Distress signal, ship's agent, charterer, flag state and classification society
  4. Distress signal, port of registry, next port of call, estimated time of arrival, cargo

Explanation

A distress message follows the standard sequence: the distress signal, station identity, position, nature of distress and kind of assistance required, and any other information such as the number of persons on board. This lets rescuers assess the situation and plan the response.

Question 38Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which statement describes the correct use of the safety signal SECURITE in radiotelephony?

  1. It is spoken once before a routine ship-to-ship call
  2. It is spoken three times to announce an important navigational or meteorological warning Correct answer.
  3. It replaces MAYDAY when the vessel is aground but not sinking
  4. It is used only by coast stations to acknowledge a distress

Explanation

SECURITE is the safety signal and is spoken three times to introduce a message containing an important navigational or meteorological warning. It is distinct from MAYDAY (distress) and PAN PAN (urgency). Any station may use it when transmitting a genuine safety message.

Question 39Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

A vessel receives a DSC distress alert on VHF channel 70 but the accompanying voice distress message cannot be heard on channel 16. What is the correct action?

  1. Acknowledge the alert by DSC and then attempt to contact the vessel on channel 16 Correct answer.
  2. Wait at least one hour before taking any action
  3. Ignore the alert because no voice message followed
  4. Switch off the DSC controller to avoid false alarms

Explanation

A DSC distress alert must be treated as genuine even if the follow-on voice message is not heard. The receiving station should acknowledge by DSC where appropriate and attempt voice contact on channel 16 to offer assistance. Ignoring the alert could delay rescue.

Question 40Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which condition requires a ship station to transmit a MAYDAY RELAY?

  1. When a station has intercepted a distress message that has not been acknowledged by a coast station Correct answer.
  2. When the station has received a distress alert and wants to inform other vessels
  3. When a vessel wants to request a routine medical consultation
  4. When a vessel wishes to test its distress alerting equipment

Explanation

MAYDAY RELAY is used when a station other than the one in distress retransmits a distress alert or message, typically because the original has not been acknowledged. It may also be used by a coast station or a ship that is itself unable to render assistance to relay the call. It is not a test or routine request.

Question 41Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

A coast station is controlling distress traffic and needs to hand control to another station. Which phrase is used?

  1. SILENCE MAYDAY
  2. DISTRESS TRAFFIC ENDED
  3. I WILL NOW CONTROL DISTRESS TRAFFIC Correct answer.
  4. SEELONCE FEENEE

Explanation

When control of distress traffic is transferred, the station announces that it will now control the distress traffic, naming the station taking over. SILENCE MAYDAY imposes silence and DISTRESS TRAFFIC ENDED terminates the traffic. SEELONCE FEENEE is the French-language equivalent of SILENCE FINI, meaning silence is lifted.

Question 42Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

What is the correct procedure for a ship that has transmitted a false distress alert by DSC on VHF?

  1. Transmit a DSC cancellation on channel 70 and notify the coast station by radiotelephony on channel 16 Correct answer.
  2. Switch to channel 13 and broadcast a SECURITE message
  3. Do nothing, since false alerts are automatically ignored
  4. Send a MAYDAY RELAY to explain the error

Explanation

A false distress alert must be cancelled promptly. The station transmits a DSC cancellation message on channel 70 and then informs the appropriate coast station by radiotelephony on channel 16, giving the identity and explaining that the alert was false. Prompt cancellation prevents unnecessary search and rescue action.

Question 43Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which of these correctly states the priority order of communications in the GMDSS?

  1. Routine, safety, urgency, distress
  2. Safety, urgency, distress, routine
  3. Urgency, distress, routine, safety
  4. Distress, urgency, safety, routine Correct answer.

Explanation

GMDSS communications follow a strict priority order: distress first, then urgency, then safety, and finally routine traffic. A station must always give way to higher-priority traffic on the same frequency. This order ensures that life-threatening situations are handled first.

Question 44Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

A vessel hears a distress message from another ship and is able to assist. What should it transmit first?

  1. A SECURITE message to warn other shipping
  2. A MAYDAY call for itself
  3. A response beginning with the word RECEIVED MAYDAY, followed by its identity and position Correct answer.
  4. A DSC acknowledgement only

Explanation

A station answering a distress message identifies itself and indicates that the distress message has been received. The standard reply begins with RECEIVED MAYDAY followed by the station's name, position and, where appropriate, the assistance it can give. This tells the distressed vessel that help is coming.

Question 45Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which statement about the on-scene communications frequency for a distress incident is correct?

  1. On-scene communications are normally conducted on VHF channel 16 or a frequency designated by the on-scene coordinator Correct answer.
  2. On-scene communications must always use channel 70
  3. On-scene communications are prohibited until a coast station arrives
  4. On-scene communications are conducted only on 2182 kHz

Explanation

On-scene communications between units assisting a casualty are normally conducted on VHF channel 16 or on a frequency designated by the on-scene coordinator. Channel 70 is reserved for DSC and cannot carry voice. Coordination on a designated frequency keeps the distress frequency clear.

Question 46Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

A ship station wishes to test its DSC distress alerting function without causing a false alert. What is the correct approach?

  1. Use the dedicated DSC test call facility addressed to a coast station Correct answer.
  2. Broadcast a MAYDAY RELAY on channel 16
  3. Send a routine call to another ship on channel 70
  4. Transmit a real distress alert and cancel it immediately afterwards

Explanation

DSC equipment provides a test call facility that sends a test transmission to a specific station without triggering a distress alert. Testing must never involve transmitting an actual distress alert. Routine calls on channel 70 are not permitted because that channel is for DSC only.

Question 47Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which of the following best describes the function of a Maritime Safety Information broadcast via NAVTEX?

  1. It replaces the DSC distress alert on VHF
  2. It distributes navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent safety information to ships Correct answer.
  3. It carries distress alerts from individual vessels
  4. It provides two-way voice communication with rescue coordination centres

Explanation

NAVTEX is an international automatic direct-printing system that broadcasts navigational warnings, meteorological warnings and other urgent safety information to ships. It is a one-way broadcast service and does not handle individual distress alerts or voice communication.

Question 48Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

A vessel in serious difficulty transmits a MAYDAY on channel 16. Another station on the same channel is transmitting routine traffic. What should the routine station do?

  1. Continue its routine transmission until it is finished
  2. Cease transmitting immediately and maintain silence on the frequency Correct answer.
  3. Ask the distressed vessel to move to another channel
  4. Switch to channel 70 and continue the routine call

Explanation

Distress traffic has absolute priority over all other communications. Any station transmitting routine traffic on the frequency must stop immediately and keep silence so that the distress can be handled. The routine station must not continue, move to channel 70, or ask the casualty to change frequency.

Question 49Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which of these correctly describes the radiotelephony urgency call format?

  1. SECURITE spoken once, followed by the message
  2. SILENCE MAYDAY followed by the station identity
  3. MAYDAY spoken three times, followed by the station identity
  4. PAN PAN spoken three times, followed by ALL STATIONS three times and the station identity Correct answer.

Explanation

The urgency call consists of the urgency signal PAN PAN spoken three times, the call ALL STATIONS spoken three times, and the identity of the calling station. The urgency message then follows. MAYDAY is for distress, and SECURITE is the safety signal.

Question 50Distress, urgency and safety communications procedures

Which statement about distress alerting by Inmarsat is correct?

  1. Inmarsat terminals cannot transmit position information
  2. Inmarsat distress alerts are only possible from coast stations
  3. Inmarsat distress alerts must be followed by a DSC alert on channel 70
  4. Inmarsat distress alerts can be initiated by pressing the dedicated distress button on the terminal Correct answer.

Explanation

Inmarsat ship earth stations have a dedicated distress alert button that, when pressed, initiates a priority distress alert to the rescue coordination centre, normally including the vessel's position. It is an independent satellite-based means of alerting and does not require a DSC follow-up.