Mixed Deck — All GMDSS Topics Flashcards

What does a Category I EPIRB do that a Category II EPIRB does not?

Answer: Automatically activates and floats free when submerged to 1-4 meters

A Category I EPIRB is mounted in a float-free bracket and automatically activates and floats free when the vessel sinks to 1-4 meters depth.

In Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, what is the most effective approach to active listening during professional interactions?

Answer: Maintaining eye contact, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions

Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, demonstrating engagement through eye contact and body language, paraphrasing to confirm understanding, and asking relevant questions.

What is the consequence of non-compliance with regulations in Global Maritime Distress and Safety System?

Answer: Potential penalties including fines, license revocation, and legal liability

Non-compliance can result in serious consequences including financial penalties, loss of professional licensure, legal liability, reputational damage, and in some cases criminal prosecution.

In GMDSS, what frequency must all vessels in sea areas A1 continuously guard for DSC alerts?

Answer: 156.525 MHz (Ch 70)

Vessels operating in GMDSS Sea Area A1 must maintain a continuous DSC watch on VHF Channel 70 (156.525 MHz).

What is a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) responsible for in a GMDSS emergency?

Answer: Coordinating search and rescue operations for maritime emergencies

An RCC is responsible for coordinating SAR operations, alerting SAR resources, and managing communications during a maritime emergency.

What is the primary objective of digital selective calling in Global Maritime Distress and Safety System?

Answer: To ensure competence and proficiency in core digital selective calling concepts

The primary objective of digital selective calling knowledge is to ensure practitioners have the competence and proficiency needed to perform effectively and safely in their professional roles.

You send a VHF-DSC Distress alert. What channel do you use for the follow-on voice transmission?

Answer: Ch-16

Explanation: After sending a VHF-DSC Distress alert, the follow-on voice transmission should be conducted on Channel 16. Channel 16 is the international distress and calling frequency designated for maritime communication. It is monitored continuously by maritime authorities and other vessels to coordinate distress, safety, and emergency communications.

In Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, what is the most effective approach to active listening during professional interactions?

Answer: Maintaining eye contact, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions

Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, demonstrating engagement through eye contact and body language, paraphrasing to confirm understanding, and asking relevant questions.

What does COSPAS-SARSAT stand for?

Answer: Cosmicheskaya Sistyema Poiska Avariynikh Sudov – Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking

COSPAS is a Russian acronym meaning 'Space System for the Search of Distressed Vessels,' and SARSAT stands for Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking.

How does an AIS-SART differ from a traditional radar SART?

Answer: AIS-SARTs transmit their position as an AIS target visible on AIS-equipped displays

An AIS-SART transmits a distress position message on AIS frequencies (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz), appearing as a vessel target on AIS-equipped receivers and chart displays rather than on radar.

How long must a GMDSS EPIRB be capable of operating after activation?

Answer: 48 hours

A GMDSS EPIRB must be capable of continuous operation for at least 48 hours after activation to allow time for SAR response.

What is the relationship between theory and practice in Global Maritime Distress and Safety System digital selective calling?

Answer: Theory provides the foundation and framework that guides effective practical application

Theory and practice are complementary: theoretical knowledge provides the conceptual framework and understanding that guides effective, evidence-based practical application in professional settings.

Which of the following two-way communications can be made through Inmarsat without charge?

Answer: Distress traffic

Explanation: Inmarsat provides distress communication services free of charge. Ships in distress can transmit distress messages via Inmarsat without incurring communication charges. This is a critical service provided to ensure rapid response to emergencies at sea. Other types of two-way communications through Inmarsat typically involve subscription or usage charges.

Under GMDSS, what is required to be posted near the main radio installation?

Answer: Radio operator license and distress/safety communication procedures

GMDSS regulations require that the radio operator's license and distress/safety communication procedures be posted near the main radio installation.

AAis (Aeronautical) emergency frequency 121.5 MHz is notable in GMDSS because:

Answer: It is the EPIRB homing frequency used by SAR aircraft

121.5 MHz serves as the EPIRB homing frequency, allowing SAR aircraft and vessels to home in on a distress beacon's location.

Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under GMDSS must have what characteristic(s)?

Answer: All of these

Explanation: Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under GMDSS must have several characteristics to ensure effective communication during distress situations. These characteristics typically include the ability to operate on Channel 16 (the international distress and calling frequency), having a permanently fixed antenna for reliable transmission, and being watertight to withstand harsh maritime conditions. Therefore, all the characteristics listed must be met by equipment used in survival craft stations under GMDSS regulations.

When must the battery of a 406 MHz EPIRB be replaced?

Answer: After any activation or when the battery's marked expiration date has passed

EPIRB batteries must be replaced after any activation (even brief or accidental) or before the marked expiration date expires, whichever occurs first, to guarantee full capacity during a real emergency.

If the vessel is experiencing atmospheric interference with NAVTEX broadcasts, especially in the tropics, the GMDSS operator should:

Answer: Select one of the 8 HF MSI frequencies and set up the transceiver in FEC telex mode.

Explanation: In areas experiencing atmospheric interference with NAVTEX broadcasts, especially in the tropics, the GMDSS operator should select one of the 8 HF (High-Frequency) MSI (Maritime Safety Information) frequencies and set up the transceiver in FEC (Forward Error Correction) telex mode. FEC is a method used to detect and correct errors in transmitted data without the need for retransmission, which is beneficial in environments where atmospheric interference may corrupt the received signal. By using FEC telex mode on the HF MSI frequencies, the operator can improve the reliability of receiving NAVTEX broadcasts despite atmospheric interference.

Which of the following message categories cannot be disabled by the GMDSS Radio Operator?

Answer: All of the above

Explanation: GMDSS Radio Operators cannot disable any of the message categories listed (Navigational warnings, Meteorological warnings, Search and Rescue information). These message categories are essential for maritime safety and must be continuously available to vessels operating in the area covered by the GMDSS. Disabling any of these categories could jeopardize the safety of maritime navigation and response to emergencies at sea. Therefore, they are not subject to discretionary disabling by the Radio Operator.

What is the designated simplex inter-ship safety frequency in VHF?

Answer: Channel 6

VHF Channel 6 (156.3 MHz) is the designated inter-ship safety and SAR coordination frequency used during search and rescue operations.