Marine Communications and VHF Radio Flashcards
7 cards from real SVOP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Marine Communications and VHF Radio flashcards as text
What information should a float plan include when filed with a responsible person ashore?
Answer: Vessel description, persons aboard, intended route, departure and return times, and emergency contacts
A float plan should document vessel description, persons aboard, intended route, departure and expected return times, and emergency contact information to assist SAR operations if overdue.
What is the range limitation of a VHF marine radio operating at 25 watts?
Answer: Approximately 20 to 60 miles depending on antenna height above sea level
VHF radios are line-of-sight communications devices, so range depends heavily on antenna height; typical ranges are 20–60 miles between vessels with elevated antennas.
When communicating on VHF radio, what technique should you use to indicate you are finished speaking and expect a reply?
Answer: Say 'Over' to signal you have finished your transmission and await a response
'Over' is the correct radio procedure term meaning your transmission is complete and you expect a response from the other party.
What is the correct way to spell a difficult word or vessel name over VHF radio?
Answer: Use the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie…)
The NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta…) is the international standard for spelling out words over radio to avoid misunderstanding.
Which of the following is the correct format to give your position in a MAYDAY call when no GPS is available?
Answer: Give a bearing and distance from a known landmark or navigational aid
Without GPS, mariners should state their position as a bearing and distance from a known charted landmark or navigational aid to help rescuers locate them.
What action should you take if you hear a MAYDAY call while underway?
Answer: Stop transmitting, listen carefully, note the details, and prepare to assist if the Coast Guard does not respond
Upon hearing a MAYDAY, all vessels must cease transmitting, listen carefully, record the details, and stand by to relay or respond if the Coast Guard does not acknowledge.
What is the purpose of an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) compared to a VHF radio?
Answer: An EPIRB transmits a distress signal automatically via satellite to rescue coordination centers, independent of the vessel's power
An EPIRB transmits an automated distress signal via satellite directly to rescue coordination centers, operating independently of the vessel's electrical system and without human action.