RYA Yachtmaster GMDSS & Yachtmaster Oral Exam — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does GMDSS stand for and what is its purpose?
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System — an internationally agreed framework of radio and satellite systems to alert rescue services and communicate in emergencies (Correct answer)
- General Maritime Direction and Signalling System
- GPS-based Marine Distress Signal System
- Global Marine Digital Safety Standard
Correct answer: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System — an internationally agreed framework of radio and satellite systems to alert rescue services and communicate in emergencies
GMDSS is the internationally agreed system (under SOLAS) using DSC VHF/MF/HF radios, EPIRB, SART, and Navtex to alert rescue services to distress, co-ordinate responses, and broadcast safety information.
Question 2: A SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is activated when:
- 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 (Correct answer)
- It is submerged in water
- A Mayday is received on Channel 16
- An EPIRB signal is detected
Correct 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
A SART is a passive device that activates when interrogated by a 9 GHz (X-band) radar. It responds with a distinctive 12-blip display on the radar screen, giving rescuers a clear bearing and range to survivors.
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?
- MF (medium frequency) DSC coverage for vessels up to approximately 400 nm from shore (Correct answer)
- Satellite coverage only
- HF (high frequency) radio coverage for global range
- Inshore VHF coverage only
Correct answer: MF (medium frequency) DSC coverage for vessels up to approximately 400 nm from shore
GMDSS Sea Areas: A1 = VHF DSC range (~20–50 nm). A2 = MF DSC coverage (~400 nm). A3 = Inmarsat geostationary satellite coverage (most ocean areas, excluding polar). A4 = Remaining polar areas (HF and other).
Question 4: In the Yachtmaster Offshore oral exam, what is a candidate expected to demonstrate regarding emergency procedures?
- Detailed knowledge of MOB procedures, fire, flooding, Mayday, medical emergencies, and abandon ship — and the ability to lead the crew through them decisively (Correct answer)
- Only theoretical knowledge, no practical content
- The ability to recite COLREGs Rule 18 only
- Completion of a first aid certificate
Correct answer: Detailed knowledge of MOB procedures, fire, flooding, Mayday, medical emergencies, and abandon ship — and the ability to lead the crew through them decisively
The oral exam tests practical readiness to skipper a vessel offshore. Examiners expect candidates to demonstrate that they could lead a crew through any emergency calmly, correctly, and decisively.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the 'precautionary principle' for a Yachtmaster skipper?
- Make conservative, safety-first decisions — when in doubt about weather, equipment, or crew readiness, do not proceed or seek shelter early (Correct answer)
- Always push on regardless — delays cost money
- Take risks only in good weather
- Follow other vessels' decisions rather than making independent assessments
Correct answer: Make conservative, safety-first decisions — when in doubt about weather, equipment, or crew readiness, do not proceed or seek shelter early
The Yachtmaster Offshore syllabus and oral exam strongly emphasise conservative decision-making: the skipper has ultimate responsibility for crew safety and must apply the precautionary principle when conditions are marginal.
Question 6: A MF (medium frequency) DSC distress alert should be sent on which frequency?
- 2187.5 kHz — the international MF DSC distress frequency (Correct answer)
- 156.8 MHz (Channel 16)
- 500 kHz (old Morse distress frequency)
- 121.5 MHz (aviation emergency)
Correct answer: 2187.5 kHz — the international MF DSC distress frequency
2187.5 kHz is the dedicated MF DSC distress and calling frequency. It provides greater range than VHF in distress situations when VHF is out of range of coast stations.
RYA Yachtmaster GMDSS & Yachtmaster Oral Exam
What does GMDSS stand for and what is its purpose?