Navigation Electronics & GMDSS Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Navigation Electronics & GMDSS flashcards as text
What does GMDSS stand for?
Answer: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, the internationally mandated communication framework for maritime distress alerting and safety at sea.
Which GMDSS device automatically transmits a distress signal with vessel position when a ship sinks?
Answer: EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
An EPIRB is designed to float free when a ship founders and automatically transmit a distress signal with GPS position data via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.
On which VHF channel are DSC distress alerts transmitted?
Answer: Channel 70 (156.525 MHz)
VHF Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is internationally reserved exclusively for Digital Selective Calling distress, urgency, and safety alerts.
How frequently must a ship's GMDSS radio equipment be operationally tested under SOLAS regulations?
Answer: Daily
SOLAS requires daily testing of GMDSS radio equipment including DSC controllers, EPIRBs, and SARTs to ensure operational readiness for distress situations.
What is the primary purpose of a NAVTEX receiver aboard a vessel?
Answer: To automatically receive and print maritime safety information broadcasts
NAVTEX automatically receives and prints maritime safety information including weather forecasts, navigational warnings, and SAR notices broadcast on 518 kHz.
Which satellite system using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites forms the backbone of the GMDSS distress alerting network?
Answer: COSPAS-SARSAT
COSPAS-SARSAT uses a combination of LEO and geostationary satellites to detect and locate 406 MHz distress signals from EPIRBs and PLBs for search and rescue coordination.
At what maximum range can a SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) typically be detected on a ship's 3 cm X-band radar?
Answer: Up to 10 nautical miles
Under normal conditions, a SART responding to an X-band radar can be detected at up to 10 nautical miles, displaying as a distinctive line of 12 dots on the radar screen.