VTS Communication Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a vessel fails to respond to a VTS call on the working channel, what is the correct next step?
- Immediately notify the Coast Guard and suspend all monitoring
- Attempt contact on Channel 16 as the international distress and calling frequency (Correct answer)
- Wait 30 minutes before attempting any further contact
- Switch to a private frequency and attempt contact there
Correct answer: Attempt contact on Channel 16 as the international distress and calling frequency
Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency used as a fallback when contact cannot be established on the designated working channel.
Question 2: In VTS communications, what does the proword 'BREAK' indicate?
- The transmission is ending permanently
- A separation between the message address and the message text (Correct answer)
- The operator is pausing due to a technical fault
- An emergency situation requiring immediate action
Correct answer: A separation between the message address and the message text
'BREAK' is a proword used to separate the address portion of a message from its text, especially when other prowords are not used.
Question 3: A VTS operator receives a position report using the phonetic alphabet. The vessel states its position as 'GOLF GOLF.' What does this represent?
- A grid reference code in the geographic coordinate system
- The letter combination GG, likely part of a waypoint or report identifier (Correct answer)
- A distress signal requiring immediate response
- A vessel identification prefix for Gulf of Mexico traffic
Correct answer: The letter combination GG, likely part of a waypoint or report identifier
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, GOLF represents the letter G, so 'GOLF GOLF' spells out 'GG,' which could be part of a position identifier or code.
Question 4: What is the primary reason VTS operators use standard phraseology during radio communications?
- To demonstrate professionalism and formal training
- To reduce misunderstandings and ensure clarity regardless of language barriers (Correct answer)
- To comply with FCC licensing requirements for maritime radio
- To allow recordings to be transcribed more accurately
Correct answer: To reduce misunderstandings and ensure clarity regardless of language barriers
Standard phraseology minimizes ambiguity and misunderstanding, which is critical in safety-sensitive maritime environments where parties may have different native languages.
Question 5: Which ITU regulation governs the use of VHF radiotelephone communications in the maritime mobile service?
- Radio Regulations Appendix 18 (Correct answer)
- SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19
- ITU-R M.493
- FCC Part 80 Subpart W
Correct answer: Radio Regulations Appendix 18
ITU Radio Regulations Appendix 18 specifies the channeling arrangements for VHF maritime mobile communications, including designated frequencies for VTS.
Question 6: A vessel reports it is 'standing by on Channel 16.' What does this mean for the VTS operator?
- The vessel has secured all radio watches and will not respond until called
- The vessel is monitoring Channel 16 and can be reached there (Correct answer)
- The vessel is in distress and waiting for rescue coordination
- The vessel is requesting permission to shift to a working channel
Correct answer: The vessel is monitoring Channel 16 and can be reached there
Standing by on Channel 16 means the vessel is actively monitoring that frequency and is available to receive and respond to calls.
Question 7: When transmitting a vessel's name that could be confused with another, a VTS operator should:
- Spell it using the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases word list
- Spell it using the NATO/ICAO phonetic alphabet (Correct answer)
- Ask the vessel to transmit its MMSI number instead
- Use the vessel's call sign only to avoid confusion
Correct answer: Spell it using the NATO/ICAO phonetic alphabet
The NATO/ICAO phonetic alphabet is the internationally recognized standard for spelling out words letter by letter to avoid confusion during radio transmissions.
VTS Communication Procedures 2
When a vessel fails to respond to a VTS call on the working channel, what is the correct next step?