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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

  1. What VHF-FM channel is designated as the primary distress, safety, and calling channel?

    Answer: Channel 16

    VHF Channel 16 is internationally designated as the distress, safety, and calling channel; all vessels with VHF radios must monitor it while underway.

  2. What does 'MAYDAY' mean and when should it be used?

    Answer: It signals a life-threatening distress situation requiring immediate assistance

    MAYDAY is an internationally recognized distress signal meaning grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person requiring immediate assistance.

  3. What is the difference between a MAYDAY and a PAN-PAN call?

    Answer: MAYDAY is for grave imminent danger; PAN-PAN is for urgent situations that are serious but not immediately life-threatening

    MAYDAY signals grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, while PAN-PAN signals an urgent situation that is serious but not yet life-threatening.

  4. What is SECURITE and when is it used?

    Answer: A safety call used to broadcast navigational hazards or important weather warnings

    SECURITE (pronounced 'say-coo-ree-tay') is a safety call broadcast on Channel 16 before switching to a working channel to announce navigational hazards or weather warnings.

  5. What VHF channel is used for communications between vessels and Coast Guard Sectors in the US?

    Answer: Channel 22A

    Channel 22A is the primary channel for communications between mariners and the US Coast Guard after initial contact is established on Channel 16.

  6. What is a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) controller used for?

    Answer: To send automated distress signals with vessel identity and GPS position at the push of a button

    A DSC controller sends an automated digital distress alert containing the vessel's MMSI number, GPS position, and distress nature, greatly speeding up rescue response.