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WPC GMDSS GOC Exam (India) study materials
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WPC GMDSS GOC Exam (India) practice questions

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Question 1GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Under the GMDSS, which sea area is defined as the area within radio telephone coverage of at least one coast station using VHF channel 16, where continuous DSC alerting on VHF channel 70 is available?

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

Explanation

Sea Area A1 is defined by the coverage of shore-based VHF stations providing continuous DSC alerting on channel 70, in addition to radiotelephony capability. The other sea areas are defined by MF and/or HF coverage or by the absence of all such coverage.

Question 2GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

A vessel equipped for Sea Area A3 must be able to initiate distress alerting by at least two separate and independent means. Which combination satisfies this requirement?

  1. INMARSAT ship earth station plus HF DSC Correct answer.
  2. Two separate VHF DSC controllers
  3. MF/HF DSC plus VHF DSC
  4. Satellite EPIRB plus SART

Explanation

For A3, the two independent distress alerting means must each provide alerting in the A3 area, so a satellite system such as INMARSAT combined with HF DSC qualifies. A SART and an EPIRB do not both count as ship-to-shore alerting means in the required sense.

Question 3GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which statement correctly describes the function of the Rescue Coordination Centre within the GMDSS?

  1. It issues meteorological forecasts for the coastal region
  2. It coordinates the search and rescue response after a distress alert is received Correct answer.
  3. It maintains the continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16
  4. It broadcasts navigational warnings to shipping on behalf of the hydrographic office

Explanation

The RCC receives distress alerts and is responsible for coordinating the search and rescue operation, tasking rescue units and maintaining communications with the casualty. Navigational warnings and meteorological broadcasts belong to other services.

Question 4GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

What is the primary purpose of Digital Selective Calling in the GMDSS?

  1. To broadcast weather facsimile charts to ships at sea
  2. To provide voice communications between ships on channel 16
  3. To transmit automatic identification and position data continuously
  4. To alert a specific station or group of stations and relay distress priority information Correct answer.

Explanation

DSC is a selective calling system that transmits a formatted digital message to one station, a group, or all stations, and carries a priority indicator including distress. It is used to establish initial contact and to send alerts rather than for the subsequent voice or telex working.

Question 5GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which frequency band is used by the NAVTEX system for the broadcast of maritime safety information?

  1. 518 kHz in the medium frequency band Correct answer.
  2. 8414.5 kHz in the high frequency band
  3. 156.525 MHz in the VHF band
  4. 2187.5 kHz in the medium frequency band

Explanation

NAVTEX international broadcasts are made on 518 kHz using narrow-band direct printing in the MF band, with 490 kHz used for national transmissions. The other frequencies listed are the VHF DSC channel and HF/MF DSC distress frequencies.

Question 6GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

In the GMDSS priority hierarchy used in DSC and radiotelephony, which priority ranks immediately below distress?

  1. Safety
  2. Public correspondence
  3. Routine
  4. Urgency Correct answer.

Explanation

The four priority levels in descending order are distress, urgency, safety and routine. Urgency therefore sits directly below distress in the hierarchy.

Question 7GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

A ship fitted with an INMARSAT-C terminal uses it for distress alerting. Which characteristic of the system makes it suitable for this purpose?

  1. It provides continuous voice communication with the RCC
  2. It offers a direct radiotelephone link to coast stations on channel 16
  3. It provides radar transponder responses for search aircraft
  4. It stores and forwards messages through the satellite with global coverage including enhanced group call Correct answer.

Explanation

INMARSAT-C is a store-and-forward messaging system that also supports enhanced group calling for distress alerting and MSI reception. It does not provide voice service, which distinguishes it from the Fleet services.

Question 8GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which equipment provides on-scene location of a survival craft by search radar after abandonment?

  1. Digital selective calling controller
  2. Enhanced group call receiver
  3. Search and rescue radar transponder Correct answer.
  4. Emergency position indicating radio beacon

Explanation

A SART responds to interrogating radar pulses with a distinctive series of dots on the search radar display, allowing the craft to be located. The EPIRB alerts shore authorities through the satellite system but does not paint a radar echo.

Question 9GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

An EPIRB operating on 406 MHz transmits an alert that is received by which system?

  1. Aircraft monitoring the aeronautical emergency frequency
  2. The COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system Correct answer.
  3. The INMARSAT geostationary satellites only
  4. Coast stations monitoring VHF channel 70

Explanation

The 406 MHz EPIRB is detected by the COSPAS-SARSAT polar-orbiting satellite system, which forwards the alert and position to the appropriate rescue coordination centre. The 121.5 MHz homing signal is used only for local homing by search units.

Question 10GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which of the following best describes the role of Maritime Safety Information in the GMDSS?

  1. It is the technical maintenance schedule for radio equipment
  2. It is limited to distress alerts sent directly to a rescue coordination centre
  3. It consists of commercial messages exchanged between ship and shore
  4. It comprises navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent safety information broadcast to ships Correct answer.

Explanation

MSI covers navigational warnings, meteorological warnings and forecasts, and other urgent safety information broadcast to ships through NAVTEX, EGC SafetyNET and HF NBDP. It is received automatically without charge to the ship.

Question 11GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which statement about the GMDSS functional requirements is correct?

  1. A vessel must maintain a continuous manual watch on all distress frequencies
  2. A vessel must carry at least three independent satellite terminals
  3. A vessel must be able to transmit and receive distress alerts from the position at which it normally operates Correct answer.
  4. A vessel must be able to communicate only within VHF range of the coast

Explanation

The functional requirements include transmitting and receiving distress alerts from the ship's normal operating position, as well as receiving shore-to-ship alerts and MSI. Carriage of multiple satellite terminals is not a universal requirement.

Question 12GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

What is the function of the HF NBDP service in the GMDSS?

  1. It provides voice communication on the VHF distress channel
  2. It provides radar transponder responses for locating survival craft
  3. It provides satellite voice communication to the rescue coordination centre
  4. It provides direct-printing telegraphy for MSI and distress communications over long range Correct answer.

Explanation

Narrow-band direct printing on HF provides automatically received typed messages, including MSI and distress traffic, over long distances. It is used where NAVTEX coverage is absent, particularly in Sea Areas A3 and A4.

Question 13GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

A vessel in Sea Area A2 is beyond VHF range but within MF range of a coast station. Which alerting capability is required as a minimum for that area?

  1. Satellite EPIRB only
  2. VHF DSC only
  3. MF DSC on 2187.5 kHz Correct answer.
  4. HF DSC only

Explanation

Sea Area A2 is defined by continuous MF DSC alerting coverage, so the ship must be able to alert on the MF distress frequency 2187.5 kHz. VHF alone is insufficient once the vessel is outside A1.

Question 14GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which statement correctly distinguishes an urgency communication from a distress communication?

  1. Urgency is used only for routine commercial traffic
  2. Urgency concerns the safety of a ship or person and requires immediate assistance
  3. Urgency concerns the safety of a ship or person but does not imply immediate danger Correct answer.
  4. Urgency is used exclusively for meteorological broadcasts

Explanation

An urgency message concerns the safety of a ship or person but does not imply that immediate danger exists, and is preceded by the signal PAN PAN. Distress, by contrast, indicates grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance and uses MAYDAY.

Question 15GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System architecture?

  1. It relies solely on satellite communications for all sea areas
  2. It combines terrestrial and satellite communication systems to cover all sea areas Correct answer.
  3. It applies only to passenger vessels on international voyages
  4. It replaces all radiotelephony with digital selective calling

Explanation

The GMDSS integrates terrestrial systems such as VHF, MF and HF with satellite systems such as INMARSAT and COSPAS-SARSAT to provide coverage across all four sea areas. It applies to all SOLAS ships on international voyages, not only passenger vessels.

Question 16GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

A distress alert has been transmitted by DSC on VHF channel 70 but no acknowledgement is received. What is the correct follow-up action under GMDSS procedures?

  1. Transmit a MAYDAY by radiotelephony on VHF channel 16 Correct answer.
  2. Switch to the NAVTEX receiver and wait for instructions
  3. Repeat the DSC alert continuously until acknowledged
  4. Transmit a PAN PAN call on channel 16

Explanation

If a VHF DSC distress alert is not acknowledged, the ship should follow up with a MAYDAY distress call by radiotelephony on channel 16 to reach stations that may not have received or acted on the DSC alert. Continuous repetition of the DSC alert is not the prescribed procedure.

Question 17GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which of the following statements about the enhanced group call system is correct?

  1. It replaces the NAVTEX service entirely
  2. It broadcasts MSI to defined geographic areas through INMARSAT Correct answer.
  3. It provides radar transponder responses to search aircraft
  4. It is used only for routine commercial messages

Explanation

EGC, through the SafetyNET service, broadcasts MSI to ships in defined geographical areas via INMARSAT satellites. It complements NAVTEX, which covers coastal waters, and is particularly valuable in areas without NAVTEX coverage.

Question 18GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which of the following best describes a ship earth station in the INMARSAT system?

  1. A radar transponder used to locate survival craft
  2. A terminal aboard ship that communicates through the satellite with a land earth station Correct answer.
  3. A satellite that relays messages between ships
  4. A shore-based coast station that coordinates rescue operations

Explanation

The ship earth station is the shipboard terminal that links to the satellite, which in turn connects to a land earth station and thence to the terrestrial network. It is distinct from the coast station and from the satellite itself.

Question 19GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

A ship in Sea Area A4 must be able to transmit distress alerts. Which capability is essential for this area?

  1. MF DSC coverage from shore stations
  2. HF DSC capability Correct answer.
  3. NAVTEX reception on 518 kHz
  4. VHF DSC coverage from shore stations

Explanation

Sea Area A4 lies outside VHF, MF and INMARSAT coverage, so the ship must rely on HF DSC for distress alerting. NAVTEX reception is a separate MSI function and does not provide alerting capability.

Question 20GMDSS General Principles and System Architecture

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the DSC distress alert and the subsequent distress traffic?

  1. The DSC alert is used only for routine calls
  2. The DSC alert replaces all subsequent voice communication
  3. The DSC alert initiates the alert phase and is normally followed by distress traffic on a radiotelephony or NBDP frequency Correct answer.
  4. The DSC alert is sent after the MAYDAY voice call is completed

Explanation

The DSC alert is the initial automated alert that directs attention to the distress, after which distress traffic is conducted by radiotelephony or NBDP on the associated frequency. The alert does not substitute for the detailed distress message.

Question 21Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

On VHF channel 16, which spoken word identifies a distress call and precedes the distress message?

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

Explanation

The distress signal in radiotelephony is the word MAYDAY, repeated three times in a distress call. It has absolute priority and is used only when a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.

Question 22Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel is drifting with engine failure but there is no immediate danger to life. Which radiotelephone signal should be used to request assistance?

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

Explanation

PAN PAN, repeated three times, is the urgency signal. It is used when a vessel or person is in difficulty and requires assistance but is not in grave and imminent danger, which fits a drifting vessel with no threat to life.

Question 23Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

What does the spoken phrase SILENCE MAYDAY mean when transmitted on a distress frequency?

  1. It asks all stations to stop transmitting because a distress traffic is in progress Correct answer.
  2. It requests a coast station to repeat the distress message
  3. It cancels a distress alert that was sent in error
  4. It marks the end of a distress communication

Explanation

SILENCE MAYDAY (or SEELONCE MAYDAY) is imposed by the station controlling distress traffic to stop all transmissions that could interfere. Only stations involved in the distress are then permitted to transmit on that frequency.

Question 24Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which frequency pair is used for radiotelephony distress, urgency and safety communication in the VHF band?

  1. Channel 70 for calling and channel 16 for working Correct answer.
  2. Channel 13 for calling and channel 16 for working
  3. Channel 9 for calling and channel 12 for working
  4. Channel 16 for calling and channel 6 for on-scene working

Explanation

VHF channel 70 is the dedicated DSC distress and safety calling channel, while channel 16 is the radiotelephony distress, urgency and safety frequency. After a DSC alert, voice distress traffic is normally established on channel 16.

Question 25Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

What is the correct spoken form of the distress call when transmitted by voice?

  1. The vessel name followed by MAYDAY and the position
  2. PAN PAN repeated three times followed by the vessel identity
  3. MAYDAY repeated three times followed by THIS IS and the vessel identity Correct answer.
  4. MAYDAY once followed by the vessel name

Explanation

The distress call consists of the signal MAYDAY spoken three times, the words THIS IS, and the identity of the station in distress. This standard format lets all listening stations immediately recognise a genuine distress call.

Question 26Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

In the standard distress message, which element immediately follows the distress signal and station identity?

  1. The nature of the distress
  2. The number of persons on board
  3. The position of the vessel Correct answer.
  4. The assistance required

Explanation

The distress message follows a fixed order: distress signal, identity, position, nature of distress, assistance required and any other useful information. Position comes first so rescuers can begin plotting immediately.

Question 27Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which phrase is used to acknowledge a received distress alert and indicate that a station is going to the assistance of the vessel?

  1. RECEIVED MAYDAY
  2. MAYDAY RELAY Correct answer.
  3. MAYDAY ACKNOWLEDGED
  4. SEELONCE FINI

Explanation

MAYDAY RELAY is used when a station relays a distress message, for example when it has received a distress alert from a vessel that cannot be heard directly by a coast station. The relaying station transmits the distress message on behalf of the vessel.

Question 28Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

What is the purpose of the safety signal SECURITE repeated three times?

  1. To announce an important navigational or meteorological warning Correct answer.
  2. To request urgent medical assistance
  3. To impose radio silence on a distress frequency
  4. To indicate that a vessel is in grave and imminent danger

Explanation

SECURITE, spoken three times, is the safety signal. It precedes messages concerning the safety of navigation or important meteorological warnings, such as a navigational hazard or a gale warning.

Question 29Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel receives a MAYDAY from another vessel and is the nearest station able to assist. Which action best follows the GMDSS radiotelephony procedure?

  1. Wait for the coast station to acknowledge before doing anything
  2. Acknowledge the distress, proceed to assist, and inform the coast station of the action taken Correct answer.
  3. Relay the distress message only after the vessel has repeated it three times
  4. Transmit SILENCE MAYDAY to clear the frequency

Explanation

A station that receives a distress message should acknowledge it, especially if it is in a position to assist, and should inform the relevant coast station or RCC of the action taken. Delaying acknowledgement risks the vessel's safety.

Question 30Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

How should a distress message be transmitted when time is short and immediate transmission is essential?

  1. The distress call may be sent without waiting for a clear frequency, and the message follows immediately Correct answer.
  2. The distress message must be sent only after a coast station grants permission
  3. The distress call must always be preceded by a DSC alert on channel 16
  4. The distress call must be repeated for five minutes before the message is sent

Explanation

When immediate transmission is essential, the distress call may be sent without waiting for the frequency to be clear, and the distress message follows at once. This ensures the alert is not delayed by routine traffic.

Question 31Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which spoken phrase announces that a distress situation has ended and normal working may resume?

  1. PAN PAN PAN PAN
  2. SEELONCE FINI Correct answer.
  3. MAYDAY RELAY
  4. SEELONCE MAYDAY

Explanation

SEELONCE FINI is transmitted by the station controlling distress traffic to indicate that the distress has ended and normal radio working may resume. It is normally followed by the station's identity.

Question 32Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel sends a MAYDAY by mistake and there is no distress situation. What is the correct radiotelephony action?

  1. Transmit SILENCE FINI to close the incident
  2. Transmit CANCEL MY DISTRESS ALERT and remain silent thereafter
  3. Transmit a PAN PAN to explain the error
  4. Transmit a cancellation message identifying the station and stating that the distress alert is cancelled Correct answer.

Explanation

A false distress alert must be cancelled immediately by transmitting a cancellation message that identifies the station and states that the distress alert is cancelled. This prevents unnecessary SAR operations and frees the frequency.

Question 33Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

On which VHF channel is a DSC distress alert normally transmitted?

  1. Channel 16
  2. Channel 9
  3. Channel 13
  4. Channel 70 Correct answer.

Explanation

VHF channel 70 is reserved exclusively for DSC distress, urgency and safety alerts and must not be used for voice communication. After the alert, voice communication is established on channel 16.

Question 34Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

What is the correct way to pronounce the digits in a distress message position report?

  1. Digits are spoken as whole numbers for speed
  2. Digits are replaced by letters to avoid confusion
  3. Only the degrees are spoken, omitting minutes
  4. Each digit is spoken separately using the standard digit code Correct answer.

Explanation

In radiotelephony, digits in a position report are spoken individually using the standard digit code (for example, one-four-two degrees) to avoid confusion between similar-sounding numbers. This ensures the position is copied accurately.

Question 35Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A coast station wishes to broadcast a gale warning to all ships. Which signal introduces the broadcast?

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

Explanation

SECURITE, spoken three times, introduces safety messages such as gale warnings and navigational hazards. It tells all stations that important safety information follows.

Question 36Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between a distress alert and a distress message?

  1. The distress alert is the initial automatic or manual alert, and the distress message is the detailed voice transmission that follows Correct answer.
  2. The distress alert and the distress message are the same transmission
  3. The distress message is sent first and the distress alert confirms it
  4. The distress alert is only used for urgency situations

Explanation

The distress alert is the initial signal, often sent by DSC, that notifies stations of an emergency. The distress message is the subsequent voice transmission containing details such as position and nature of distress.

Question 37Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

When may a station other than the vessel in distress transmit a MAYDAY RELAY?

  1. When a distress alert has been received but the vessel cannot be heard by a coast station Correct answer.
  2. When the vessel in distress is not in grave and imminent danger
  3. Only when the vessel in distress has asked for a relay
  4. Only after SILENCE FINI has been transmitted

Explanation

A MAYDAY RELAY is transmitted when a station has received a distress alert and the vessel in distress cannot be heard by a coast station, or when a relay is otherwise needed to ensure the alert reaches rescuers. The relay carries the distress message on behalf of the vessel.

Question 38Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which phrase is used to impose silence on a frequency during a distress situation?

  1. SEELONCE FINI
  2. CQ MAYDAY
  3. PAN PAN
  4. SEELONCE MAYDAY Correct answer.

Explanation

SEELONCE MAYDAY is transmitted by the station controlling distress traffic to impose silence on the frequency. It tells all stations to stop transmitting unless they are involved in the distress.

Question 39Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel in distress gives its position as latitude and longitude. Which format is correct for radiotelephony?

  1. Longitude first, then latitude, with no direction indicators
  2. Position given as a bearing and distance from a landmark only
  3. Latitude in degrees and minutes followed by north or south, then longitude in degrees and minutes followed by east or west Correct answer.
  4. Latitude only, with longitude omitted for brevity

Explanation

A position in radiotelephony is given as latitude in degrees and minutes with north or south, followed by longitude in degrees and minutes with east or west. This standard format is unambiguous to all stations.

Question 40Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

What is the correct response when a distress message is heard but the receiving station is not in a position to assist?

  1. Remain silent and continue to monitor the frequency for further instructions Correct answer.
  2. Transmit SILENCE MAYDAY to clear the channel
  3. Acknowledge the distress and state that assistance cannot be given
  4. Relay the distress message to all ships on channel 16

Explanation

A station that cannot assist should not transmit, so that the frequency remains clear for stations that can assist and for the coast station controlling the distress. It should continue to monitor the frequency.

Question 41Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel has sent a DSC distress alert but cannot establish voice contact on channel 16. What is the most appropriate next step?

  1. Transmit the distress message by voice on channel 16 and repeat it at intervals Correct answer.
  2. Send the DSC alert again on channel 16
  3. Wait for a coast station to acknowledge before transmitting
  4. Switch to channel 13 and broadcast the distress message

Explanation

If voice contact is not established, the vessel should transmit the distress message by voice on channel 16 and repeat it at intervals until acknowledged. This ensures the alert is received by stations that may not have monitored the DSC channel.

Question 42Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which statement best explains why the distress signal is spoken three times in radiotelephony?

  1. It tells other stations to switch to channel 70
  2. It indicates the number of persons on board
  3. It distinguishes the distress call from ordinary traffic and reduces the chance of misinterpretation Correct answer.
  4. It is required only when the vessel is outside DSC coverage

Explanation

Repeating the distress signal three times makes it stand out from ordinary transmissions and reduces the risk that a distress call is mistaken for routine traffic or noise. This is a core principle of the GMDSS radiotelephony procedure.

Question 43Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A station controlling distress traffic wishes to allow a specific vessel to transmit. Which phrase is used?

  1. MAYDAY RELAY
  2. SILENCE MAYDAY
  3. SILENCE LIFTED Correct answer.
  4. SEELONCE FINI

Explanation

SILENCE LIFTED (or SEELONCE FEENEE) is used by the controlling station to allow transmissions to resume, for example to permit a specific vessel to transmit. It is distinct from SEELONCE FINI, which ends distress traffic entirely.

Question 44Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

Which of the following correctly describes the priority order of radiotelephony communications?

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

Explanation

Radiotelephony communications are ranked in order of priority: distress first, then urgency, then safety, then routine. This order ensures that the most critical traffic is handled first.

Question 45Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel hears a distress message from a station that is not in grave and imminent danger but is requesting urgent medical advice. Which signal should that station have used?

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

Explanation

A request for urgent medical advice without grave and imminent danger is an urgency situation, signalled with PAN PAN. MAYDAY is reserved for grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.

Question 46Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A coast station needs to send an urgent message concerning the safety of a vessel that has been reported adrift and unlit near a busy traffic lane. Which radiotelephony priority category and signal should be used for this transmission?

  1. The distress signal MAYDAY, repeated three times, because a vessel is involved and collision risk exists
  2. The routine call with no special signal, because the hazard has not yet caused an actual casualty
  3. The urgency signal PAN PAN, repeated three times, because the message concerns the safety of a vessel and requires prompt attention Correct answer.
  4. The safety signal SECURITE, repeated three times, because the message is a navigational warning to shipping

Explanation

Urgency traffic covers messages concerning the safety of a vessel or person that do not yet amount to grave and imminent danger, and it is announced by PAN PAN spoken three times. An unlit adrift vessel is a serious hazard requiring prompt action but is not itself a distress situation.

Question 47Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

During a distress situation a station that is not itself in distress needs to impose silence on stations interfering with the distress traffic. Which transmission is correct?

  1. SEELONCE DISTRESS, all stations, this is callsign, out
  2. PAN PAN, all stations, this is callsign, cease transmitting, over
  3. SILENCE, all stations, this is callsign, distress traffic in progress, over
  4. MAYDAY, all stations, this is callsign, SEELONCE MAYDAY, out Correct answer.

Explanation

The silence procedure uses the distress signal MAYDAY followed by the international silence word SEELONCE and the distress identifier, so that all stations recognise it as part of distress working. The full form is MAYDAY, all stations, this is, followed by the controlling station identity, SEELONCE MAYDAY.

Question 48Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel in distress has been working distress traffic on VHF and the rescue has been completed, so the controlling station now ends the distress situation. Which transmission correctly releases all stations?

  1. SECURITE, all stations, this is callsign, distress traffic ended, out
  2. MAYDAY, all stations, this is callsign, SEELONCE MAYDAY, out
  3. MAYDAY RELAY, all stations, this is callsign, resume normal working, out
  4. MAYDAY, all stations, this is callsign, SEELONCE FEENEE, out Correct answer.

Explanation

When distress traffic is finished the controlling station announces MAYDAY, all stations, this is, identity, SEELONCE FEENEE, out. SEELONCE FEENEE is the standard phrase meaning silence finished, and it tells every station that normal working may resume.

Question 49Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A station hears a distress message but is itself unable to give assistance. How should it respond on the radiotelephone distress frequency?

  1. Remain silent so that the frequency stays clear for stations that are able to assist
  2. Transmit MAYDAY RELAY immediately to alert other stations in the area
  3. Acknowledge receipt of the distress message and give its own position, course and speed, then stand by for further instructions Correct answer.
  4. Send a DSC distress acknowledgement and then leave the frequency

Explanation

A station that hears a distress message and cannot assist should still acknowledge it, giving its identity and position and standing by as directed, because the distressed station needs to know its call has been heard. Silence would leave the vessel uncertain whether any station has received the alert.

Question 50Radiotelephony Communications (Distress, Urgency, Safety)

A vessel is transmitting a distress message and gives its position in radiotelephony. Which spoken format correctly conveys latitude 12 degrees 30 minutes south and longitude 074 degrees 15 minutes east?

  1. One two degrees three zero minutes South, zero seven four degrees one five minutes East Correct answer.
  2. One two degrees three zero minutes South, seven four degrees one five minutes East
  3. Twelve degrees thirty minutes South, seven four degrees fifteen minutes East
  4. Twelve point thirty degrees South, seventy-four point fifteen degrees East

Explanation

In radiotelephony each digit of a position is spoken separately so that no figure can be misheard, and longitude is normally given in three digits. Degrees and minutes are stated in full, with the hemisphere named at the end of each coordinate.