Coast Guard Test Coast Guard Communications

Question 1

What VHF-FM channel is designated as the primary distress, safety, and calling channel?

Accepted Answer

Channel 16

Answer

VHF Channel 16 is internationally designated as the distress, safety, and calling channel; all vessels with VHF radios must monitor it while underway.

Question 2

What does 'MAYDAY' mean and when should it be used?

Accepted Answer

It signals a life-threatening distress situation requiring immediate assistance

Answer

MAYDAY is an internationally recognized distress signal meaning grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person requiring immediate assistance.

Question 3

What is the difference between a MAYDAY and a PAN-PAN call?

Accepted Answer

MAYDAY is for grave imminent danger; PAN-PAN is for urgent situations that are serious but not immediately life-threatening

Answer

MAYDAY signals grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, while PAN-PAN signals an urgent situation that is serious but not yet life-threatening.

Question 4

What is SECURITE and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

A safety call used to broadcast navigational hazards or important weather warnings

Answer

SECURITE (pronounced 'say-coo-ree-tay') is a safety call broadcast on Channel 16 before switching to a working channel to announce navigational hazards or weather warnings.

Question 5

What VHF channel is used for communications between vessels and Coast Guard Sectors in the US?

Accepted Answer

Channel 22A

Answer

Channel 22A is the primary channel for communications between mariners and the US Coast Guard after initial contact is established on Channel 16.

Coast Guard Practice Test Practice Test

Coast Guard Practice Test Practice Test

Coast Guard Test Coast Guard Communications