Basic Radio Law and Operating Flashcards

Transmission of false distress signals is prohibited and violators may be required to:

Answer: Pay for SAR costs, face fines up to $10,000, and/or imprisonment

False distress signals expose the responsible party to recovery of SAR costs, civil fines up to $10,000 per violation, and criminal prosecution.

A ship radiotelephone station license is issued to:

Answer: The owner or operator of the ship

The ship station license is issued to the owner or operator (not the individual radio operator) of the vessel.

What is the primary purpose of the SECURITE signal?

Answer: To announce an important navigational or meteorological warning

SECURITE (pronounced 'say-cure-ee-tay') is the international safety signal used to announce important navigational or meteorological warnings.

Under FCC rules, a GROL licensee operating a ship station may:

Answer: Operate only ship station transmitters

The GROL authorizes the holder to operate ship station transmitters; operating broadcast or other transmitters may require different licenses.

When is a ship radio operator required to use plain language rather than codes?

Answer: During distress, urgency, and safety communications

FCC rules and international regulations require plain language for all distress, urgency, and safety communications to ensure clarity.

What is the maximum allowed transmitter power for a ship VHF station on most channels?

Answer: 25 watts

Ship VHF stations are generally limited to 25 watts on most channels, with a minimum of 1 watt required on Channel 16.

Who has ultimate authority over the radio station aboard a vessel at sea?

Answer: The ship's master (captain)

The ship's master has ultimate responsibility and authority over all operations aboard, including the radio station.