RYA SRC Distress and Urgency Calls 4

Question 1

On a DSC controller, which button or control initiates an emergency distress alert without any pre-programming?

Accepted Answer

The dedicated distress button, held for 5 seconds

Answer

All DSC controllers have a protected distress button (usually red) that when held for approximately 5 seconds sends an immediate distress alert.

Question 2

If time permits before sending a DSC distress alert, what additional information should ideally be programmed into the alert?

Accepted Answer

Nature of distress and position

Answer

When time allows, inputting the nature of distress and the vessel's position makes the DSC alert far more useful to rescue services.

Question 3

What does a DSC distress acknowledgement from a coast station tell the vessel in distress?

Accepted Answer

The coast station has received the alert and rescue coordination is underway

Answer

A DSC distress acknowledgement from a coast station confirms receipt and indicates that search and rescue coordination has been initiated.

Question 4

In the MAYDAY message, what does the word 'OVER' at the end signify?

Accepted Answer

You are inviting a reply

Answer

'OVER' at the end of a radio transmission means you have finished speaking and you expect a reply.

Question 5

What is the minimum information that MUST be included in every MAYDAY message?

Accepted Answer

Vessel name, position, nature of distress, and assistance required

Answer

Every MAYDAY must include the vessel's name/identification, its position, the nature of distress, and what help is needed.

RYA SRC Practice Test