SVOP Marine Communications and VHF Radio 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which VHF channel is the international distress, safety, and calling channel?
- Channel 6
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22A
- Channel 68
Correct answer: Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the internationally designated distress, safety, and calling frequency that all vessels must monitor.
Question 2: What is the correct order of a distress call using the phonetic word 'MAYDAY'?
- MAYDAY once, vessel name, position, nature of distress, assistance needed, number of persons aboard
- MAYDAY three times, vessel name three times, MAYDAY once, position, nature of distress, assistance needed, number of persons aboard (Correct answer)
- MAYDAY twice, vessel name, MAYDAY, position, number of persons aboard, assistance needed
- MAYDAY once, vessel name twice, position, nearest landmark, nature of distress
Correct answer: MAYDAY three times, vessel name three times, MAYDAY once, position, nature of distress, assistance needed, number of persons aboard
The proper MAYDAY call format begins with 'MAYDAY' spoken three times, followed by the vessel name three times, then MAYDAY once more, position, nature of distress, assistance needed, and number of persons aboard.
Question 3: What does the urgency signal 'PAN-PAN' indicate?
- A vessel is on fire and requires immediate assistance
- An urgent message concerning the safety of a vessel or person, but not immediately life-threatening (Correct answer)
- A navigational hazard has been spotted ahead
- A request for a radio check on Channel 16
Correct answer: An urgent message concerning the safety of a vessel or person, but not immediately life-threatening
PAN-PAN signals an urgent message about the safety of a vessel or person that requires assistance but is not an immediate life-threatening situation.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a DSC (Digital Selective Calling) controller on a VHF radio?
- To decode weather broadcasts automatically
- To send an automated digital distress alert with vessel identity and position to rescue authorities (Correct answer)
- To communicate privately on a selected channel without interference
- To boost transmission power above 25 watts
Correct answer: To send an automated digital distress alert with vessel identity and position to rescue authorities
DSC allows a vessel to transmit an automated digital distress alert containing the vessel's MMSI number and GPS position to Coast Guard and other vessels.
Question 5: What is an MMSI number used for in marine communications?
- It identifies the vessel's home port and registration class
- It is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a vessel in DSC and AIS transmissions (Correct answer)
- It is the frequency code assigned to a vessel's working channel
- It is the Coast Guard licensing number required for VHF operation
Correct answer: It is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a vessel in DSC and AIS transmissions
An MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to a vessel for use in DSC and AIS systems to identify the vessel digitally.
Question 6: What is the maximum transmit power of a handheld VHF marine radio?
- 5 watts (Correct answer)
- 10 watts
- 25 watts
- 50 watts
Correct answer: 5 watts
Handheld VHF marine radios are limited to a maximum output of 5 watts, while fixed-mount radios can transmit up to 25 watts.
Question 7: Which channel should recreational boaters use to contact the U.S. Coast Guard for non-emergency communications?
- Channel 16
- Channel 22A (Correct answer)
- Channel 9
- Channel 12
Correct answer: Channel 22A
After initial contact on Channel 16, the U.S. Coast Guard directs non-emergency communications to Channel 22A, the primary working channel for Coast Guard liaison.
SVOP Marine Communications and VHF Radio 1
Which VHF channel is the international distress, safety, and calling channel?