MCA CoC Marine Communications & GMDSS 3

Question 1

Under GMDSS, what immediate action must a vessel take upon receiving a DSC distress alert from another ship?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge receipt on DSC and listen on the associated distress traffic frequency for further communications

Answer

Immediately re-broadcast the distress alert to all stations on Channel 70

Answer

Transmit a new DSC distress relay alert without waiting to listen

Answer

Call the vessel in distress directly on VHF Channel 16 without delay

Question 2

What is the minimum battery backup duration required for GMDSS equipment under SOLAS regulations?

Accepted Answer

6 hours at full rated load

Answer

12 hours at reduced power output

Answer

3 hours for essential equipment only

Answer

24 hours for all GMDSS installations

Question 3

What is an MMSI and how many digits does it contain?

Accepted Answer

Maritime Mobile Service Identity — a unique 9-digit number identifying a vessel's radio installation

Answer

Marine Maintenance Safety Inspection — a 6-digit survey certificate number

Answer

Maritime Maneuvering Safety Index — an 8-digit route planning code

Answer

Marine Module Signal Identifier — a 10-digit frequency allocation code

Question 4

What is the role of an MRCC in the GMDSS distress system?

Accepted Answer

To receive distress alerts and coordinate search and rescue operations

Answer

To issue radio operator certificates of competency on behalf of the MCA

Answer

To inspect vessel radio equipment for compliance with SOLAS

Answer

To broadcast meteorological forecasts and navigational warnings to vessels

Question 5

Which record must be maintained on board a SOLAS vessel as a mandatory GMDSS compliance requirement?

Accepted Answer

A radio log recording all distress, urgency, and safety communications

Answer

A passenger manifest updated every 24 hours at sea

Answer

An equipment purchase invoice for all radio installations on board

Answer

A daily transcription of all received NAVTEX weather forecasts

Question 6

How must a vessel's position be kept current in its DSC equipment under GMDSS regulations?

Accepted Answer

The DSC controller must be interfaced with a GPS or other navigation receiver for automatic position updates

Answer

The officer of the watch must manually enter the updated position every 4 hours

Answer

Position data is only required in the DSC unit when manually initiating a distress alert

Answer

No automatic position update is required for vessels under 500 GT on coastal voyages

Question 7

What is the purpose of the two-tone alarm signal sounded on 2182 kHz or VHF Channel 16 before certain radio announcements?

Accepted Answer

To alert radio watchkeepers that a distress, urgency, or safety announcement is about to follow

Answer

To indicate that a routine scheduled weather broadcast is about to begin

Answer

To signal a change in vessel traffic separation scheme routing

Answer

To announce an upcoming radio silence period required by international regulations