Practice Test Geeks(MST) Marine Service Technician Practice Test
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MST Marine Electronics & Navigation Systems Flashcards

6 cards from real MST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 MST Marine Electronics & Navigation Systems flashcards as text

  1. What is the NMEA 2000 standard used for on modern marine vessels?

    Answer: A plug-and-play digital network protocol that allows marine electronics to share data on a common backbone

    NMEA 2000 is a CAN-bus-based networking standard that allows chartplotters, VHF radios, engines, depth finders, and other devices to share data seamlessly.

  2. What is the purpose of a marine VHF radio's DSC (Digital Selective Calling) feature?

    Answer: To transmit a digital distress alert with vessel identity and GPS position to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels

    DSC allows a single button press to broadcast a digital Mayday containing the vessel's MMSI number and GPS coordinates to rescue authorities.

  3. What minimum AWG wire size is generally required for a VHF marine radio installation drawing up to 6 amps?

    Answer: 18 AWG (with a 7-amp in-line fuse at the source)

    ABYC E-11 specifies wire gauges based on current load and length; 18 AWG is acceptable for short runs under 7 amps with proper fusing.

  4. An AIS (Automatic Identification System) Class B transponder on a recreational vessel broadcasts what information?

    Answer: MMSI number, vessel name, position, speed, and course

    AIS Class B transponders broadcast vessel identity, GPS position, speed over ground, course, and vessel type to nearby AIS-equipped vessels and VTS systems.

  5. What is the correct coaxial cable type for a VHF antenna installation to minimize signal loss on runs over 20 feet?

    Answer: RG-8X or RG-8U (low-loss coax)

    Low-loss coaxial cable such as RG-8X significantly reduces signal attenuation over longer antenna cable runs compared to standard RG-58.

  6. What is the maximum distance at which two VHF radios at sea level can typically communicate using line-of-sight propagation?

    Answer: Approximately 20–25 nautical miles between two vessels depending on antenna height

    VHF radio is line-of-sight, and the range between vessels is limited by antenna height above the waterline — typically 20–25 nm vessel-to-vessel at normal antenna heights.