RYA SRC DSC Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must a DSC-equipped radio always display?
- The vessel's MMSI number and current time (Correct answer)
- Only the current working channel
- The vessel's name and port of registry
- The captain's name and licence number
Correct answer: The vessel's MMSI number and current time
A properly programmed DSC radio must always display the vessel's MMSI number. It should also display the current time, especially when connected to GPS, for accurate distress alert timestamping.
Question 2: How is a DSC distress alert sent with nature of distress set to 'fire'?
- Select 'fire' from the distress nature menu before confirming the alert (Correct answer)
- Send a standard distress alert - fire cannot be specified
- Use a separate fire alarm button on the radio
- Fire is automatically detected by the DSC controller
Correct answer: Select 'fire' from the distress nature menu before confirming the alert
Modern DSC controllers allow the operator to select the nature of distress from a menu including fire, flooding, collision, etc., before confirming and sending the distress alert.
Question 3: What is the significance of the five-second hold on most DSC distress buttons?
- It prevents accidental activation by requiring a deliberate press (Correct answer)
- It allows GPS to update the position before sending
- It charges the antenna for maximum range
- It runs a self-test before transmitting
Correct answer: It prevents accidental activation by requiring a deliberate press
Most DSC radios require the distress button to be held for approximately five seconds before the alert is transmitted. This safety measure prevents accidental activations that would trigger unnecessary SAR responses.
Question 4: Which DSC call category should be used when a vessel is taking on water but is not yet in immediate danger?
- Urgency (PAN PAN) (Correct answer)
- Distress (MAYDAY)
- Safety (SECURITE)
- Routine
Correct answer: Urgency (PAN PAN)
If a vessel is taking on water but is not in immediate life-threatening danger, the urgency category (PAN PAN) is appropriate. MAYDAY is reserved for immediate grave danger to life.
Question 5: What information does a coast station typically request after acknowledging a DSC distress alert?
- Vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, and assistance required (Correct answer)
- Only the vessel's MMSI number
- Insurance details and port of registry
- The skipper's licence number and expiry date
Correct answer: Vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, and assistance required
After acknowledging a DSC alert, the coast station will request full details including vessel name, position, nature of distress, persons on board, and what assistance is needed to coordinate the appropriate SAR response.
Question 6: Can a hand-held VHF with DSC be used as a primary distress radio on a vessel?
- Yes, if it has a programmed MMSI and is connected to GPS (Correct answer)
- No, only fixed-mount DSC radios are acceptable
- Yes, any VHF radio can serve as the primary distress radio
- No, a separate EPIRB must always be used instead
Correct answer: Yes, if it has a programmed MMSI and is connected to GPS
A hand-held VHF with a programmed MMSI and GPS connection can serve as a DSC distress radio. However, fixed-mount radios are preferred for primary use due to higher power output and permanent GPS connection.
RYA SRC DSC Procedures 4
What must a DSC-equipped radio always display?