RYA Yachtmaster GMDSS & Yachtmaster Oral Exam

Question 1

What does GMDSS stand for and what is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System — an internationally agreed framework of radio and satellite systems to alert rescue services and communicate in emergencies

Answer

General Maritime Direction and Signalling System

Answer

GPS-based Marine Distress Signal System

Answer

Global Marine Digital Safety Standard

Question 2

A SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is activated when:

Accepted Answer

It receives a 9 GHz radar transmission — it then responds with a series of blips on the searching radar, giving a bearing and range to the casualty

Answer

It is submerged in water

Answer

A Mayday is received on Channel 16

Answer

An EPIRB signal is detected

Question 3

Under GMDSS sea area A1, a vessel is within range of a VHF DSC coast station. What sea area A2 adds to this coverage?

Accepted Answer

MF (medium frequency) DSC coverage for vessels up to approximately 400 nm from shore

Answer

Satellite coverage only

Answer

HF (high frequency) radio coverage for global range

Answer

Inshore VHF coverage only

Question 4

In the Yachtmaster Offshore oral exam, what is a candidate expected to demonstrate regarding emergency procedures?

Accepted Answer

Detailed knowledge of MOB procedures, fire, flooding, Mayday, medical emergencies, and abandon ship — and the ability to lead the crew through them decisively

Answer

Only theoretical knowledge, no practical content

Answer

The ability to recite COLREGs Rule 18 only

Answer

Completion of a first aid certificate

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the 'precautionary principle' for a Yachtmaster skipper?

Accepted Answer

Make conservative, safety-first decisions — when in doubt about weather, equipment, or crew readiness, do not proceed or seek shelter early

Answer

Always push on regardless — delays cost money

Answer

Take risks only in good weather

Answer

Follow other vessels' decisions rather than making independent assessments

Question 6

A MF (medium frequency) DSC distress alert should be sent on which frequency?

Accepted Answer

2187.5 kHz — the international MF DSC distress frequency

Answer

156.8 MHz (Channel 16)

Answer

500 kHz (old Morse distress frequency)

Answer

121.5 MHz (aviation emergency)