RYA SRC DSC Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a DSC acknowledgement from a coast station confirm?
- The distress alert has been received and help is being coordinated (Correct answer)
- The vessel's position has been confirmed correct
- The vessel should switch to Channel 67
- The distress alert was a false alarm
Correct answer: The distress alert has been received and help is being coordinated
When a coast station acknowledges a DSC distress alert, it confirms that the alert has been received and that search and rescue coordination is being initiated.
Question 2: In DSC, what is a 'position request' call used for?
- Requesting another vessel to send their current GPS position (Correct answer)
- Asking the coastguard for your own vessel's position
- Checking whether another vessel is within VHF range
- Requesting permission to enter a harbour
Correct answer: Requesting another vessel to send their current GPS position
A DSC position request allows you to request another vessel to automatically send their GPS position to your radio, useful for rendezvous situations or monitoring.
Question 3: Which organisation maintains the UK MMSI registration database?
- Ofcom (Correct answer)
- MCA
- RYA
- Trinity House
Correct answer: Ofcom
In the UK, Ofcom is responsible for assigning and maintaining MMSI numbers for vessels. All UK vessels with DSC radios must have a registered MMSI from Ofcom.
Question 4: What happens if you press the distress button on a DSC radio accidentally?
- Immediately cancel by transmitting a DSC cancellation and announcing on Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Switch off the radio immediately
- Leave the area to avoid embarrassment
- Do nothing as false alarms are not serious
Correct answer: Immediately cancel by transmitting a DSC cancellation and announcing on Channel 16
Accidental distress alerts must be cancelled immediately using the DSC cancellation procedure on Channel 70, then a voice announcement on Channel 16 explaining the false alarm, to prevent unnecessary SAR deployment.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the DSC 'polling' function?
- Automatically requesting position updates from another vessel at set intervals (Correct answer)
- Broadcasting weather forecasts to all vessels
- Testing the DSC equipment is functioning correctly
- Alerting a group of vessels simultaneously
Correct answer: Automatically requesting position updates from another vessel at set intervals
The DSC polling function allows automatic periodic position requests to another vessel, enabling a shore station or fleet manager to track vessel positions at regular intervals.
Question 6: A DSC routine call is typically used for what purpose?
- Setting up a voice call on a working channel with another vessel (Correct answer)
- Sending distress alerts in non-emergency situations
- Broadcasting to all vessels in the area
- Testing the radio equipment
Correct answer: Setting up a voice call on a working channel with another vessel
A DSC routine call is used to establish contact with another vessel or station and agree a working channel for voice communication, similar to the process of a telephone call being connected.
RYA SRC DSC Procedures 3
What does a DSC acknowledgement from a coast station confirm?