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

GMDSS defines sea areas A1 (within VHF DSC coverage), A2 (within MF DSC coverage), A3 (within Inmarsat geostationary satellite coverage), and A4 (polar regions beyond A3).

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

COSPAS-SARSAT is an international satellite system that detects 406 MHz distress signals from EPIRBs and PLBs, computes their position, and relays alert data to SAR authorities.

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

SOLAS requires a minimum of three VHF radiotelephone installations, with at least two being portable handheld radios suitable for use in survival craft.

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

MSI broadcasts disseminate navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts, and urgent safety messages to mariners via NAVTEX and Inmarsat SafetyNET to support safe navigation.

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

GMDSS requires that an automatic, continuous watch be maintained on VHF Channel 70 for DSC distress alerts at all times while the vessel is at sea.

MCA CoC Practice Test

MCA CoC Practice Test

MCA CoC Marine Communications & GMDSS 2