Navigation Electronics & GMDSS Flashcards
7 cards from real ETO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Navigation Electronics & GMDSS flashcards as text
What is the international MF distress and calling frequency for voice communications?
Answer: 2182 kHz
2182 kHz is the internationally designated medium frequency for voice distress and safety calling, historically maintained as a continuous watch frequency before GMDSS replaced older procedures.
What is the primary purpose of two-way portable VHF radios carried as survival craft equipment under GMDSS?
Answer: To provide on-scene voice communication between survival craft and rescue units
Portable two-way VHF radios (survival craft equipment) enable communication between life rafts, lifeboats, and rescue vessels during abandonment and on-scene rescue operations.
What is the correct format for a ship station MMSI number?
Answer: 9-digit number whose first three digits are the Maritime Identification Digits (MID) representing the country
An MMSI is a 9-digit number where digits 1-3 are the Maritime Identification Digits (MID) assigned to the ship's flag state, enabling identification of the vessel's country of registration.
For a vessel operating in GMDSS Sea Area A3, which additional equipment beyond A1/A2 requirements is mandatory?
Answer: An INMARSAT ship earth station or equivalent satellite communication system
Sea Area A3 (within INMARSAT geostationary satellite coverage, approximately 70N-70S) requires an INMARSAT ship earth station or equivalent approved satellite system for distress alerting.
Under GMDSS regulations, how must the DSC watch on VHF Channel 70 be maintained while a vessel is at sea?
Answer: Continuously, 24 hours per day
SOLAS and GMDSS regulations mandate a continuous 24-hour automatic DSC watch on VHF Channel 70 to ensure distress alerts are never missed regardless of time of day.
What type of communication does Inmarsat-C provide aboard a GMDSS-equipped vessel?
Answer: Two-way store-and-forward digital messaging and automatic distress alerting via satellite
Inmarsat-C is a store-and-forward system providing two-way telex/data messaging and an automatic distress priority alert pathway via the Inmarsat geostationary satellite network.
Which document is an ETO required to maintain that records all radio communications, distress traffic, and daily equipment test results?
Answer: Ship's Radio Log (Radio Journal)
The Ship's Radio Log (Radio Journal) is a mandatory SOLAS document in which the ETO or radio operator records all distress communications, safety messages, and results of daily GMDSS equipment tests.