Communication & Documentation Flashcards

What does a single prolonged blast of a horn lasting 4-6 seconds indicate when a vessel is departing a dock?

Answer: The vessel is leaving the berth

One prolonged blast (4-6 seconds) signals a vessel is departing from a dock or berth.

On VHF radio, what does 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY' followed by the vessel name indicate?

Answer: A distress call for grave and imminent danger

MAYDAY repeated three times is the internationally recognized distress signal for a vessel in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.

Which VHF channel is designated for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore commercial working traffic?

Answer: Channel 68

Channel 68 is one of the recreational working channels used for ship-to-ship communication after establishing contact on Channel 16.

What information must be included in a float plan left with a responsible person before departure?

Answer: Vessel description, trip itinerary, crew list, and emergency contacts

A complete float plan includes vessel description, color, registration numbers, trip itinerary, number of persons aboard, and emergency contact information.

How long should a skipper wait before contacting the Coast Guard if an overdue vessel has not returned according to a float plan?

Answer: There is no standard — use judgment based on conditions

There is no fixed wait time; the decision to contact the Coast Guard depends on weather, vessel type, operator experience, and other circumstances.

What does the abbreviation 'UTC' mean in marine communications and logs?

Answer: Universal Time Coordinated

UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) is the global time standard used in marine communications to avoid confusion across time zones.

When using the phonetic alphabet in radio communications, how is the letter 'M' pronounced?

Answer: Mike

In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine communications, 'M' is pronounced 'Mike' to avoid confusion over radio.