PCOC Communication Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which VHF channel is designated as the primary calling and distress channel for recreational boaters?
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22
- Channel 9
- Channel 6
Correct answer: Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency that all vessels must monitor.
Question 2: What does a single prolonged blast of a horn (4–6 seconds) indicate when leaving a dock?
- Vessel departing the berth (Correct answer)
- Vessel in distress
- Vessel intending to overtake
- Vessel approaching a blind bend
Correct answer: Vessel departing the berth
One prolonged blast signals that a vessel is departing from a dock or berth.
Question 3: In the phonetic alphabet, how is the letter 'M' spoken?
- Mike (Correct answer)
- Metro
- Mary
- Marco
Correct answer: Mike
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, 'M' is spoken as 'Mike' to reduce radio miscommunication.
Question 4: When making a radio call, what information should you state first?
- The name of the vessel you are calling (Correct answer)
- Your vessel's position
- The weather conditions
- Your vessel's speed
Correct answer: The name of the vessel you are calling
Standard radio procedure is to first state the name of the station you are calling, followed by your own vessel name.
Question 5: What does 'SECURITE' mean when heard on the radio?
- Safety message about navigational hazard (Correct answer)
- Distress signal for immediate help
- Urgency message about medical emergency
- Vessel requesting a radio check
Correct answer: Safety message about navigational hazard
SECURITE (pronounced 'say-cure-ee-TAY') is a safety signal announcing a navigational or meteorological hazard.
Question 6: How many short blasts signal a vessel's intention to overtake another vessel on the starboard side?
- Two short blasts (Correct answer)
- One short blast
- Three short blasts
- One prolonged blast
Correct answer: Two short blasts
Two short blasts indicate a vessel intends to pass or overtake on the starboard (right) side of another vessel.
Question 7: What is the correct radio phrase to indicate you have finished speaking and await a reply?
- Over (Correct answer)
- Out
- Roger
- Wilco
Correct answer: Over
'Over' means your transmission is complete and you are waiting for a reply from the other station.
PCOC Communication Procedures 2
Which VHF channel is designated as the primary calling and distress channel for recreational boaters?