Practice Test Geeks(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test
← All VTS Flashcard Decks

Communication Procedures Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Communication Procedures flashcards as text

  1. Under what circumstance may a VTS operator transmit on Channel 16 rather than the designated VTS working channel?

    Answer: During distress, urgency, or safety communications that require broad alerting

    Channel 16 is reserved for distress, urgency, and safety traffic; VTS operators may use it when the nature of the communication requires alerting all vessels in the area.

  2. A vessel transmits 'MAYDAY RELAY' followed by a distress message. What does this indicate?

    Answer: A third party is relaying a distress message on behalf of a vessel in distress

    MAYDAY RELAY is used by a station relaying a distress message originating from another vessel that may not be able to communicate directly.

  3. What is the correct format for a VTS position report when a vessel gives its bearing and distance from a landmark?

    Answer: Landmark name, then true bearing FROM the landmark, then distance

    Standard VTS position reports state the reference point (landmark), followed by the true bearing FROM that point to the vessel, then the distance in nautical miles.

  4. The urgency signal in radiotelephony is:

    Answer: PAN-PAN spoken three times

    PAN-PAN (pronounced 'pahn-pahn'), spoken three times, is the international urgency signal indicating a serious situation concerning the safety of a vessel or person.

  5. A VTS operator must log all radio communications. Which of the following is the MOST critical element to record?

    Answer: Date, time, channel, vessel identity, and content of the communication

    Communication logs must capture who communicated, when, on which channel, and what was said, forming the official record for safety, legal, and operational review purposes.

  6. When a VTS operator issues a navigational warning, which signal word should precede the message?

    Answer: SECURITE

    SECURITE (pronounced 'say-coo-ree-tay') is the international safety signal used to precede navigational and meteorological warnings important to all mariners.

  7. What does 'WILCO' mean in maritime radio communications?

    Answer: I have received your message, understand it, and will comply

    WILCO is a proword meaning 'Will Comply,' indicating the receiving station has received, understood, and will carry out the instruction.