RYA SRC GMDSS 2

Question 1

How many GMDSS sea areas are there, and what determines which area a vessel is in?

Accepted Answer

4 areas (A1, A2, A3, A4) determined by the range of shore-based communication systems available

Answer

There are 4 sea areas: A1 (VHF coverage), A2 (MF coverage, beyond A1), A3 (Inmarsat coverage, beyond A2), and A4 (polar regions, beyond A3). Equipment requirements increase with each area.

Question 2

What is an 'AIS-SART' and how does it differ from a traditional SART?

Accepted Answer

It uses AIS technology to transmit the survivor's GPS position to all AIS-equipped vessels, rather than responding to radar

Answer

An AIS-SART transmits an AIS signal with GPS position, which appears on the AIS displays of all nearby vessels. Unlike traditional radar SARTs, it provides an exact position and works with any AIS-equipped vessel.

Question 3

What is the role of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the GMDSS?

Accepted Answer

To coordinate search and rescue operations, receive distress alerts, and relay maritime safety information

Answer

MRCCs (in the UK, HM Coastguard) are shore-based centres that receive distress alerts, coordinate SAR operations, broadcast maritime safety information, and maintain communications watch.

Question 4

What is Inmarsat and what GMDSS sea area does it primarily serve?

Accepted Answer

A satellite communication system primarily serving Sea Area A3, providing global coverage except the polar regions

Answer

Inmarsat is a satellite communication system that provides voice and data coverage to Sea Area A3 (between approximately 76°N and 76°S). It does not cover the polar regions (Sea Area A4).

Question 5

Under GMDSS, what is 'Maritime Safety Information' (MSI)?

Accepted Answer

Navigational and meteorological warnings, forecasts, and other urgent safety-related messages broadcast to vessels

Answer

MSI includes navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts and warnings, SAR information, and other urgent safety messages. It is broadcast via NAVTEX, SafetyNET, and coast station radio.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC GMDSS 2