Coast Guard Communications Flashcards
6 cards from real Coast Guard Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Coast Guard Communications flashcards as text
What information must be included in a properly formatted MAYDAY call?
Answer: MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons, and any other relevant information
A complete MAYDAY call includes: MAYDAY x3, vessel name x3, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, any other pertinent information, and OVER.
What is the purpose of an EPIRB?
Answer: To transmit a distress signal via satellite to rescue coordination centers when activated
An EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) transmits a distress signal to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, which relay the vessel's identity and position to rescue coordination centers.
What is the difference between a Category I and Category II EPIRB?
Answer: Category I activates automatically when submerged; Category II is manually activated only
A Category I EPIRB activates automatically when submerged in water and can also be manually activated, while a Category II EPIRB must be manually activated.
What does 'working channel' mean in marine radio communications?
Answer: Any channel other than Channel 16 used for actual communication after initial contact
A working channel is any VHF channel other than Channel 16 used for conversation after contact is established; vessels switch from Channel 16 to a working channel for their exchange.
What is the Rescue 21 system?
Answer: A Coast Guard command, control, and communications system that improves distress call detection and direction-finding
Rescue 21 is the Coast Guard's national command, control, and communications system that uses direction-finding technology to accurately locate vessels transmitting distress signals on Channel 16.
How often should an EPIRB be tested?
Answer: Only during the first 5 minutes of any UTC hour, using the self-test function
EPIRBs should be self-tested monthly using the built-in test function, conducted only during the first 5 minutes of any UTC hour to prevent false alerts being processed.