Radio Procedures Flashcards

What is the purpose of a radio check before departure?

Answer: To confirm the radio is transmitting and receiving clearly on all required channels, especially Channel 16

A radio check (calling a marina, coastguard, or using the HMCG (HM Coastguard) radio check service) confirms the radio works before you need it in an emergency.

Under the Short Range Certificate syllabus, what is the correct procedure after a false DSC distress alert is transmitted?

Answer: Immediately transmit a cancellation message on Ch 16 and notify the nearest coast guard on Ch 16

A false alert must be cancelled immediately on Ch 16: state the vessel name/MMSI, that the distress alert was transmitted in error, and that no assistance is required. This prevents costly and dangerous SAR resource deployment.

Channel 67 in UK coastal waters is used for:

Answer: HM Coastguard small craft safety information — a working channel for safety calls with HMCG

In UK waters, HMCG uses Ch 67 as the working channel for small craft. After initial contact on Ch 16, communications with HMCG are typically conducted on Ch 67.

A vessel is dismasted and in urgent need of assistance but not immediately in danger of sinking. The correct call is:

Answer: Pan Pan — this is an urgency situation, not immediate danger to life

Mayday is for immediate grave danger; Pan Pan is for urgency requiring assistance where life is not immediately threatened. A dismasting in calm conditions requiring a tow is a Pan Pan situation.

What information must be included in a Mayday voice message?

Answer: MAYDAY × 3, vessel name × 3, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, any other relevant information

The full Mayday voice message format: MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS [vessel name × 3], MMSI [number], MY POSITION IS [lat/long or bearing/distance], [nature of distress], [persons on board], [any other information e.g. abandoning to liferaft].

A VHF radio with DSC fitted should display the time and position automatically if:

Answer: A GPS receiver is connected to the radio's data input

DSC radios display time and position when a GPS (providing NMEA data) is interfaced with the radio's data port. This ensures accurate position data is included in any automatic distress transmission.