RYA SRC GMDSS

Question 1

What does 'GMDSS' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

Answer

GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. It is an internationally agreed set of safety procedures, equipment, and communication protocols to increase safety at sea.

Question 2

What is a 'Sea Area A1' in the GMDSS?

Accepted Answer

An area within range of at least one VHF coast station with continuous DSC alerting coverage

Answer

Sea Area A1 is defined as an area within range of at least one VHF coast station providing continuous DSC alerting coverage. In the UK, this covers most coastal waters out to approximately 30-40 nautical miles.

Question 3

Which GMDSS equipment is required for vessels operating in Sea Area A1?

Accepted Answer

A VHF radio with DSC capability (Channel 70), plus a NAVTEX receiver and EPIRB or alternative alerting device

Answer

Sea Area A1 requires at minimum: a VHF DSC radio with Channel 70 watch receiver, means of receiving Maritime Safety Information (NAVTEX or Inmarsat), and a means of locating (SART or AIS-SART).

Question 4

What is 'NAVTEX' and what does it provide?

Accepted Answer

A system for receiving navigational and meteorological warnings, forecasts, and urgent maritime safety information as text

Answer

NAVTEX is an automated system for receiving Maritime Safety Information (MSI) including navigational warnings, weather forecasts, and search and rescue information, printed as text on a dedicated receiver.

Question 5

What is a SART and when would it be activated?

Accepted Answer

A Search and Rescue Transponder that produces a distinctive signal on radar screens to help rescue services locate survivors

Answer

A SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is a radar transponder activated in a distress situation. When interrogated by a rescue vessel's radar, it produces a distinctive pattern of dots on the radar screen leading to the SART's position.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC GMDSS