SVOP Marine Communications and VHF Radio 3

Question 1

What information should a float plan include when filed with a responsible person ashore?

Accepted Answer

Vessel description, persons aboard, intended route, departure and return times, and emergency contacts

Answer

Only the vessel's MMSI number and home port registration

Answer

The vessel's insurance policy number and marina slip assignment

Answer

Radio frequencies monitored and the captain's boating license number

Question 2

What is the range limitation of a VHF marine radio operating at 25 watts?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 20 to 60 miles depending on antenna height above sea level

Answer

Unlimited range if conditions are favorable

Answer

Approximately 1 to 5 miles regardless of antenna height

Answer

Exactly 25 miles, directly proportional to wattage

Question 3

When communicating on VHF radio, what technique should you use to indicate you are finished speaking and expect a reply?

Accepted Answer

Say 'Over' to signal you have finished your transmission and await a response

Answer

Say 'Roger' and release the transmit button

Answer

Say 'Out' to close the channel and wait for a callback

Answer

Say 'Copy' twice and pause for three seconds

Question 4

What is the correct way to spell a difficult word or vessel name over VHF radio?

Accepted Answer

Use the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie…)

Answer

Repeat the word three times clearly

Answer

Use common letter sounds such as 'A as in apple, B as in boy'

Answer

Speak very slowly and pause between each letter

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct format to give your position in a MAYDAY call when no GPS is available?

Accepted Answer

Give a bearing and distance from a known landmark or navigational aid

Answer

State the marina name and slip number

Answer

Describe the color of the water and nearby vessel traffic

Answer

State your departure port and estimated speed only

Question 6

What action should you take if you hear a MAYDAY call while underway?

Accepted Answer

Stop transmitting, listen carefully, note the details, and prepare to assist if the Coast Guard does not respond

Answer

Continue on your course and allow the Coast Guard to respond

Answer

Immediately transmit on Channel 16 to ask the distressed vessel for more information

Answer

Switch to Channel 22A to monitor the Coast Guard's response

Question 7

What is the purpose of an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) compared to a VHF radio?

Accepted Answer

An EPIRB transmits a distress signal automatically via satellite to rescue coordination centers, independent of the vessel's power

Answer

An EPIRB allows two-way voice communication with the Coast Guard on satellite frequencies

Answer

An EPIRB is a backup VHF antenna that extends range to 200 miles

Answer

An EPIRB replaces the need for DSC capability on a VHF radio