RYA SRC DSC Procedures 5

Question 1

What is the maximum power output of a standard fixed VHF marine radio?

Accepted Answer

25 watts

Answer

Standard fixed-mount VHF marine radios transmit at a maximum of 25 watts on high power. Hand-held radios are typically limited to 5 or 6 watts maximum.

Question 2

In DSC, what does the term 'working channel' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The voice channel agreed upon after a DSC call to conduct communication

Answer

A working channel is the VHF channel agreed by both parties after the initial DSC contact on which they will conduct their voice conversation, keeping Channel 16 free for distress traffic.

Question 3

What is a DSC group call?

Accepted Answer

A call addressed to a pre-defined group of vessels sharing a group MMSI

Answer

A DSC group call is addressed to a specific group of vessels that share a common group MMSI number, allowing fleet operators to contact all their vessels simultaneously.

Question 4

How does DSC improve safety compared to voice-only distress procedures?

Accepted Answer

It sends position and distress nature automatically even if the operator is incapacitated

Answer

DSC automatically transmits position, MMSI, and nature of distress with a single button press. This is critical when an operator is injured or incapacitated and cannot make a full voice MAYDAY call.

Question 5

What does it mean when a DSC radio shows 'no position' in the distress alert?

Accepted Answer

The radio is not connected to GPS or GPS has no fix

Answer

'No position' in a DSC distress alert means the radio has no GPS connection or the GPS does not have a satellite fix. Rescuers will not receive automatic position information, making a voice MAYDAY with position more critical.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC DSC Procedures 5