ASA Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A charterer is picking up a bareboat charter vessel for a week-long cruise. Which communication responsibility typically falls on the charterer under ASA standards?
- Filing a detailed passage plan with the charter company and notifying them of significant changes (Correct answer)
- Calling the boat manufacturer before departure
- Contacting local fishing vessels for weather updates
- Registering the vessel name change with the Coast Guard
Correct answer: Filing a detailed passage plan with the charter company and notifying them of significant changes
Under ASA bareboat charter standards, the charterer is responsible for leaving a passage plan with the charter company and updating them if the plan changes significantly.
Question 2: What is the correct VHF radio procedure when you finish speaking and want to indicate the other party may respond?
- Say 'Roger' and release the transmit button
- Say 'Over' and release the transmit button (Correct answer)
- Say 'Out' and release the transmit button
- Say 'Copy' and release the transmit button
Correct answer: Say 'Over' and release the transmit button
'Over' signals that your transmission is complete and you are awaiting a reply; 'Out' means the conversation is finished with no reply expected.
Question 3: A skipper is approaching a busy commercial port. Which VHF channel is typically designated for Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) communications in major U.S. ports?
- Channel 16
- Channel 9
- Channel 14 (Correct answer)
- Channel 68
Correct answer: Channel 14
VTS in most major U.S. ports operates on Channel 14 (or port-specific channels published in Coast Pilot), though skippers should verify the local channel before entry.
Question 4: When managing crew expectations on a multi-day passage, what communication practice best prevents conflict?
- Assign tasks without explanation to maintain authority
- Hold daily briefings covering schedule, weather, and roles (Correct answer)
- Limit crew knowledge to their specific watch duties
- Avoid discussing the weather to prevent anxiety
Correct answer: Hold daily briefings covering schedule, weather, and roles
Daily briefings that share schedule updates, weather information, and role assignments keep all crew informed and aligned, reducing misunderstandings and conflict.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a Securité (SAY-CURE-EE-TAY) broadcast on VHF radio?
- To declare a vessel in distress requiring immediate assistance
- To announce an urgency situation threatening vessel or persons
- To alert mariners to a navigational or meteorological hazard (Correct answer)
- To request a radio check from a shore station
Correct answer: To alert mariners to a navigational or meteorological hazard
Securité is the safety signal used to broadcast navigational and meteorological warnings, such as a hazard to navigation or an incoming severe storm.
Question 6: A marina requires vessels to call ahead on VHF. What information should the skipper provide when requesting a slip?
- Vessel name, length overall, beam, and estimated time of arrival (Correct answer)
- Vessel name, owner's phone number, and fuel capacity
- Registration number, home port, and crew count only
- Insurance policy number and boat manufacturer
Correct answer: Vessel name, length overall, beam, and estimated time of arrival
Marinas need vessel name, length, and beam to assign an appropriately sized slip, plus ETA for dockhand scheduling.
Question 7: Under ASA 101 standards, which hand signal tells a crew member on the bow to ease the anchor chain?
- Thumbs up
- Pointing finger moving in a horizontal circle (Correct answer)
- Thumb pointing down
- Open palm facing forward
Correct answer: Pointing finger moving in a horizontal circle
A rotating horizontal finger (or hand) typically signals 'pay out' or 'ease' the anchor chain when verbal communication is difficult over wind and engine noise.
ASA Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 3
A charterer is picking up a bareboat charter vessel for a week-long cruise.
Which communication responsibility typically falls on the charterer under ASA standards?