Communication Procedures Flashcards

What should you do immediately after a MAYDAY call is acknowledged by the Coast Guard?

Answer: Provide full distress details: position, nature of emergency, people aboard, vessel description

Once acknowledged, give complete distress information including position, nature of emergency, number of persons aboard, and a description of your vessel.

Which VHF channel is used for inter-ship communication among recreational boaters to keep Channel 16 clear?

Answer: Channel 68 or 69

Recreational boaters use non-commercial channels such as 68, 69, 71, or 72 for inter-ship communication, keeping Channel 16 free for emergencies.

What does 'OUT' mean at the end of a radio transmission?

Answer: Conversation is over and no reply is expected

'Out' signals that the communication is complete and you do not expect a response from the other station.

When a vessel sounds three short blasts on its horn, what does this indicate?

Answer: Engines are operating in reverse

Three short blasts mean 'I am operating astern propulsion' — the engines are in reverse.

What phrase do you use to ask another station to repeat its last message?

Answer: Say again

The correct radio phrase is 'Say again' — 'Repeat' is avoided because it has a different meaning in military communications.

What information is NOT required as part of a standard MAYDAY message?

Answer: The vessel's registration number

A MAYDAY requires position, nature of distress, number of persons, and vessel description — the registration number is not part of the standard format.

Two prolonged blasts in fog indicate what type of vessel?

Answer: Power-driven vessel underway but stopped and not making way

Two prolonged blasts every two minutes in restricted visibility signals a power-driven vessel that is underway but not making way through the water.