Operational Procedures and Watchkeeping
This domain tests the routine that keeps the GMDSS reliable: what watch is kept, what is logged, what is tested daily, weekly and monthly, and how the watch is handed over.
Watches
- Continuous DSC watch on VHF Ch 70 and on MF 2187.5 kHz, according to the sea area.
- In A3/A4 using HF, a continuous DSC watch on 8414.5 kHz plus one other HF distress frequency appropriate to the ship's position and time.
- Continuous NAVTEX or EGC watch for MSI, and a radiotelephony watch on Ch 16 as required.
- The GOC holder is responsible for the radio watch and for ensuring the position and UTC input to DSC, AIS and EGC are current.
Log and records
Record distress, urgency and safety traffic, DSC test calls, watch periods, battery voltage and specific gravity checks, equipment failures and the action taken, and MSI warnings received.
Routine tests
- Daily: DSC internal self-test, battery voltage, check for alarms and messages.
- Weekly: DSC test call to a coast station using the test format, not the distress format; check SART/EPIRB indicators.
- Monthly: EPIRB self-test, SART test, battery terminals and specific gravity.
- Annual: survey and capacity test as required by the administration.
Worked example
At 0400 handover, the outgoing watchkeeper reports: NAVTEX silent since 0200, EGC clear, DSC log shows one routine call, battery 26.8 V, position input correct, no distress traffic. The incoming watchkeeper checks the NAVTEX receiver and antenna, finds the printer paper jam, clears it and confirms reception before accepting the watch. Reasoning: a silent NAVTEX is treated as an equipment fault, not as "no warnings".
Traps
- Leaving the VHF set on Ch 16 with Ch 70 watch disabled.
- Forgetting to update the position after a long passage, so DSC/EGC area addressing is wrong.
- Using the distress format for a routine DSC test.
- Handing over without checking MSI received during the previous watch.