RYA SRC DSC Procedures 3

Question 1

What does a DSC acknowledgement from a coast station confirm?

Accepted Answer

The distress alert has been received and help is being coordinated

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Requesting another vessel to send their current GPS position

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Ofcom

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Immediately cancel by transmitting a DSC cancellation and announcing on Channel 16

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Automatically requesting position updates from another vessel at set intervals

Answer

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.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC DSC Procedures 3