ASA Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When broadcasting a Pan-Pan urgency message on VHF radio, which channel should you use first?
- Channel 72
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22A
- Channel 68
Correct answer: Channel 16
Pan-Pan urgency calls, like Mayday distress calls, are first broadcast on Channel 16, the international distress and calling frequency.
Question 2: During a pre-departure crew briefing, which item related to communication should always be covered?
- The VHF radio location and how to call for help (Correct answer)
- The cost of marina fees at the destination
- Sail trim techniques for the expected wind
- The boat's racing history and trophy wins
Correct answer: The VHF radio location and how to call for help
A pre-departure safety briefing must include the location of the VHF radio and instructions on how to call for help in an emergency.
Question 3: What does the phonetic alphabet word 'Oscar' represent in marine radio communication?
- The letter N
- The letter M
- The letter O (Correct answer)
- The letter P
Correct answer: The letter O
In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine radio communication, 'Oscar' represents the letter O.
Question 4: A skipper wants to obtain a weather update via VHF radio in U.S. coastal waters. Which source broadcasts continuous weather forecasts?
- Coast Guard Channel 22A announcements
- NOAA Weather Radio on WX channels (Correct answer)
- Vessel Traffic Service on Channel 14
- Marina office on Channel 09
Correct answer: NOAA Weather Radio on WX channels
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts continuous marine weather forecasts on dedicated WX channels (WX1–WX7) throughout U.S. coastal waters.
Question 5: When communicating your position to the Coast Guard, which format provides the most precise location information?
- A description of nearby landmarks
- Latitude and longitude coordinates (Correct answer)
- The name of the nearest town
- Your distance from the marina
Correct answer: Latitude and longitude coordinates
Latitude and longitude coordinates provide an unambiguous, precise location that rescuers can immediately plot regardless of local knowledge.
Question 6: What signal does a vessel make on the horn to indicate it is backing down (moving astern) in a U.S. inland waterway?
- One short blast
- Two short blasts
- Three short blasts (Correct answer)
- One prolonged blast
Correct answer: Three short blasts
Under U.S. Inland Rules, three short blasts on the horn signal that a vessel is operating astern propulsion.
Question 7: When hailing another vessel on VHF Channel 16 to arrange a working channel, what should you do once contact is established?
- Continue the conversation on Channel 16
- Switch to an agreed working channel such as 68, 69, or 72 (Correct answer)
- Switch to Channel 22A for non-commercial traffic
- End the call and meet at the dock
Correct answer: Switch to an agreed working channel such as 68, 69, or 72
Channel 16 is for hailing and distress only; once contact is made, vessels should agree and switch to an open working channel to free Channel 16.
ASA Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 2
When broadcasting a Pan-Pan urgency message on VHF radio, which channel should you use first?