OBS Communication & Documentation 2

Question 1

What does a single prolonged blast of a horn lasting 4-6 seconds indicate when a vessel is departing a dock?

Accepted Answer

The vessel is leaving the berth

Answer

The vessel is reversing

Answer

There is danger ahead

Answer

Another vessel is overtaking

Question 2

On VHF radio, what does 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY' followed by the vessel name indicate?

Accepted Answer

A distress call for grave and imminent danger

Answer

A navigational warning

Answer

A routine safety call

Answer

A request for a radio check

Question 3

Which VHF channel is designated for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore commercial working traffic?

Accepted Answer

Channel 68

Answer

Channel 16

Answer

Channel 22A

Answer

Channel 9

Question 4

What information must be included in a float plan left with a responsible person before departure?

Accepted Answer

Vessel description, trip itinerary, crew list, and emergency contacts

Answer

Only the destination and expected return time

Answer

Just the captain's cell phone number

Answer

The vessel's insurance policy number

Question 5

How long should a skipper wait before contacting the Coast Guard if an overdue vessel has not returned according to a float plan?

Accepted Answer

There is no standard — use judgment based on conditions

Answer

Immediately when the vessel is 30 minutes overdue

Answer

When the vessel is 2 hours overdue

Answer

Only after 24 hours have passed

Question 6

What does the abbreviation 'UTC' mean in marine communications and logs?

Accepted Answer

Universal Time Coordinated

Answer

United Traffic Control

Answer

Underwater Transmission Code

Answer

US Traffic Channel

Question 7

When using the phonetic alphabet in radio communications, how is the letter 'M' pronounced?

Accepted Answer

Mike

Answer

Metro

Answer

Mary

Answer

Mango