GMDSS EPIRB and SART Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On which frequencies does a 406 MHz EPIRB transmit?
- 121.5 MHz only
- 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz (Correct answer)
- 406 MHz and 156.8 MHz
- 406 MHz only
Correct answer: 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz
A 406 MHz EPIRB transmits on 406 MHz for COSPAS-SARSAT satellite detection and on 121.5 MHz as a homing signal for rescue aircraft and vessels.
Question 2: What is the minimum operating duration required for a 406 MHz EPIRB after activation?
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- 48 hours (Correct answer)
- 72 hours
Correct answer: 48 hours
SOLAS requires a 406 MHz EPIRB to operate for a minimum of 48 hours after activation to ensure adequate time for rescue operations.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the 121.5 MHz signal transmitted by a 406 MHz EPIRB?
- To alert COSPAS-SARSAT satellites
- To provide homing guidance for search and rescue units (Correct answer)
- To transmit encoded vessel identity data
- To communicate voice messages to coast stations
Correct answer: To provide homing guidance for search and rescue units
The 121.5 MHz signal serves as a homing signal, allowing rescue aircraft and vessels to home in precisely on the EPIRB's location once in the general area.
Question 4: A Category I EPIRB is designed to:
- Require manual activation only
- Float free and activate automatically when the vessel sinks (Correct answer)
- Remain permanently attached to the vessel hull
- Operate only when removed from its bracket by hand
Correct answer: Float free and activate automatically when the vessel sinks
A Category I EPIRB is mounted in a float-free bracket with a hydrostatic release unit that automatically releases and activates the beacon when submerged to 1–4 meters depth.
Question 5: Where must a 406 MHz EPIRB be registered?
- With the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- With the vessel's flag state administration or its designated authority (Correct answer)
- With the nearest US Coast Guard district office only
- With INMARSAT's global registration database
Correct answer: With the vessel's flag state administration or its designated authority
EPIRBs must be registered with the flag state administration or its designated national authority so that the 15-digit identification code is linked to the vessel and owner.
Question 6: What does COSPAS-SARSAT stand for?
- Coastal Search Positioning and Safety System – Satellite Aided Tracking
- Cosmicheskaya Sistyema Poiska Avariynikh Sudov – Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (Correct answer)
- Communication System for Position and Safety At Sea – Satellite Aided Tracking
- Cooperative Satellite Positioning and Safety System – Search and Rescue Tracking
Correct 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.
Question 7: How often should a 406 MHz EPIRB be tested using its built-in self-test function?
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly (Correct answer)
- Annually
Correct answer: Monthly
EPIRBs should be tested monthly using the built-in self-test function, which verifies proper operation without transmitting an actual distress signal on the 406 MHz frequency.
GMDSS EPIRB and SART Operations 1
On which frequencies does a 406 MHz EPIRB transmit?