MCA CoC Marine Communications & GMDSS 2

Question 1

Which four sea areas are defined under the GMDSS?

Accepted Answer

A1, A2, A3 and A4

Answer

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta

Answer

Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4

Answer

Inner, Coastal, Offshore and Ocean

Question 2

What is the function of the COSPAS-SARSAT system in the GMDSS framework?

Accepted Answer

To detect and locate distress signals from EPIRBs and PLBs via satellite and alert SAR authorities

Answer

To provide weather routing information and forecasts to vessels at sea

Answer

To broadcast navigational warnings to ships worldwide

Answer

To control vessel traffic in congested coastal waters

Question 3

Under GMDSS, what is the minimum number of VHF radiotelephone installations required on a SOLAS vessel on an international voyage?

Accepted Answer

Three, of which at least two must be portable handheld units

Answer

One fixed installation only

Answer

Two fixed installations

Answer

One fixed unit and one portable unit

Question 4

What is the purpose of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) broadcasts?

Accepted Answer

To provide navigational warnings, meteorological warnings, and urgent safety information to mariners

Answer

To transmit commercial shipping schedules to port authorities

Answer

To relay distress messages between vessels and coast radio stations

Answer

To broadcast vessel traffic management instructions in port approaches

Question 5

What watchkeeping requirement applies to DSC on VHF Channel 70 under GMDSS?

Accepted Answer

A continuous automatic watch must be maintained at all times while at sea

Answer

Watch is required only during daylight hours

Answer

Watch is required only when within 20 miles of the coast

Answer

A manual watch for 3 minutes at the start of each watch hour

Question 6

What information is automatically encoded in a DSC distress alert transmitted by a GMDSS-equipped vessel?

Accepted Answer

MMSI, nature of distress, position, and UTC time of position

Answer

Vessel name, cargo manifest, and destination port

Answer

Flag state, gross tonnage, and total persons on board

Answer

Call sign, master's name, and next port of call

Question 7

What does an Inmarsat system provide within the GMDSS framework?

Accepted Answer

Satellite communications for distress alerting and general communications in sea area A3

Answer

Radar tracking of other vessels within 20 nautical miles

Answer

VHF voice communications with HM Coastguard stations

Answer

Automatic identification of approaching vessels using AIS