Emergency and Contingency 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 Emergency and Contingency Procedures flashcards as text
When a vessel reports a steering failure in a confined channel, what is the VTS operator's FIRST priority action?
Answer: Alert all traffic in the vicinity to keep clear
Alerting all nearby traffic to keep clear is the immediate safety priority to prevent collisions while the emergency is managed.
A vessel reports a main engine failure while inbound in a narrow channel. Which contingency resource should the VTS operator recommend first?
Answer: Anchor deployment if depth permits
Anchoring to stop the vessel's momentum is the primary contingency if water depth permits, buying time to arrange further assistance.
During a vessel fire emergency, what information must VTS immediately relay to the fire department?
Answer: Vessel type, location, cargo nature, and number of persons aboard
Emergency responders need vessel type, location, cargo nature, and persons aboard to mobilize the correct resources and plan a safe approach.
A chemical tanker reports a cargo spill entering the water. What is the VTS operator's correct sequence of notifications?
Answer: Coast Guard → port authority → environmental response team
Coast Guard must be notified first as the federal authority, followed by port authority and the environmental response team for cleanup.
What is the purpose of a VTS contingency plan's 'fallback position' for communications equipment?
Answer: To ensure continuity of VTS services if primary systems fail
A fallback position in the contingency plan ensures VTS can maintain traffic management even when primary communications systems experience failure.
A vessel aground is blocking a main shipping channel. Which vessel should VTS give priority to in rerouting traffic?
Answer: Vessels carrying hazardous materials or with limited maneuverability
Hazardous cargo vessels and vessels with limited maneuverability pose the greatest risk and should receive priority routing around the obstruction.
What does the term 'MAYDAY relay' require a VTS operator to do?
Answer: Rebroadcast a distress call on behalf of a vessel that cannot reach rescue services directly
A MAYDAY relay is broadcast by VTS when the distressed vessel cannot make direct contact with rescue coordination, ensuring the call reaches responders.