Practice Test Geeks(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test
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Communication Procedures & Protocols 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 & Protocols flashcards as text

  1. What is the meaning of 'radio silence' as imposed by a Mayday relay?

    Answer: All stations must cease transmissions that could interfere with distress traffic

    Radio silence (Silence Mayday) requires all stations to stop transmitting on the distress channel to keep it clear for emergency traffic.

  2. A VTS operator is composing a Notice to Mariners broadcast. Which element must appear FIRST?

    Answer: Securite spoken three times followed by the station identifier

    Navigational warnings begin with 'Securite, Securite, Securite' followed by 'All stations' or the station name per ITU protocol.

  3. When two vessels are negotiating a passing arrangement via VHF, which regulation governs how the agreement affects the Rules of the Road?

    Answer: A VHF agreement is a permissible departure from the Rules if both vessels clearly agree

    COLREGS Rule 2 allows for departures from the rules when necessary to avoid danger, and a clear VHF agreement constitutes mutual consent.

  4. What is the correct VHF working channel for VTS communications with commercial vessels in most US ports managed by the Coast Guard?

    Answer: Channel 22A

    Channel 22A (157.100 MHz) is the primary liaison channel between the US Coast Guard and commercial vessels in most US VTS ports.

  5. A VTS operator broadcasts 'all vessels reduce speed to bare steerage way in the main ship channel.' What type of VTS service is this?

    Answer: Traffic Organization Service

    Issuing speed or routing directives to manage traffic flow is a function of the Traffic Organization Service component of VTS.

  6. Which proword is used to confirm that a message has been received and understood exactly as sent?

    Answer: ROGER

    'ROGER' means 'I have received your last transmission satisfactorily' and is the standard acknowledgment proword.

  7. A vessel master refuses a VTS instruction citing the master's overriding authority. What should the VTS operator do?

    Answer: Document the refusal, report to the appropriate authority, and continue monitoring the vessel

    The VTS operator must log the refusal, notify the appropriate authority (e.g., COTP), and continue monitoring to maintain situational awareness.