SVOP Marine Communications and VHF Radio 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the safety signal 'SECURITE' (pronounced 'say-cure-ee-tay') indicate?
- A vessel is sinking and requires immediate rescue
- An announcement of an important navigational or meteorological warning (Correct answer)
- A request for medical assistance for a person aboard
- A notice that communications on Channel 16 are being monitored
Correct answer: An announcement of an important navigational or meteorological warning
SECURITE is used to prefix announcements of important navigational or meteorological warnings, such as hazards to navigation or severe weather.
Question 2: On which VHF channel do boaters typically communicate with bridge tenders to request a bridge opening?
- Channel 6
- Channel 9
- Channel 13 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22A
Correct answer: Channel 13
VHF Channel 13 is the designated bridge-to-bridge navigation channel used to communicate with bridge tenders, lock operators, and nearby vessels.
Question 3: How far in advance should a vessel send a MAYDAY relay if it receives a distress signal but does not hear a Coast Guard response?
- Immediately after confirming no response for at least three minutes (Correct answer)
- Only after receiving written authorization from the master
- After waiting at least 30 minutes for authorities to respond
- Only if the vessel is within visual range of the distressed vessel
Correct answer: Immediately after confirming no response for at least three minutes
If a vessel receives a distress message and the Coast Guard does not acknowledge within about three minutes, any vessel that can help must immediately relay the MAYDAY on Channel 16.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure when you want to cancel a DSC distress alert sent accidentally?
- Transmit an 'all clear' on Channel 6 to notify nearby vessels
- Immediately broadcast a voice message on Channel 16 stating the alert was sent in error and contact the Coast Guard (Correct answer)
- Turn off the VHF radio to prevent further transmissions
- Switch to Channel 22A and wait for Coast Guard instructions
Correct answer: Immediately broadcast a voice message on Channel 16 stating the alert was sent in error and contact the Coast Guard
An accidental DSC alert must be immediately cancelled by transmitting a voice message on Channel 16 stating the alert was sent in error and contacting the Coast Guard to confirm no assistance is needed.
Question 5: Which document is required to legally operate a marine VHF radio in U.S. waters as a U.S. citizen?
- A Ship Station License from the FCC
- A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
- No license is required for recreational boaters in U.S. waters (Correct answer)
- Both an operator permit and a ship station license
Correct answer: No license is required for recreational boaters in U.S. waters
U.S. citizens operating VHF radios on recreational vessels in U.S. waters do not require an FCC license, though a Ship Station License is required when traveling to foreign ports.
Question 6: What is the purpose of conducting a radio check before departure?
- To register your departure with the Coast Guard on Channel 16
- To verify that the radio transmits and receives clearly so communications will function in an emergency (Correct answer)
- To update your vessel's MMSI number with the nearest Coast Guard station
- To test DSC distress button functionality
Correct answer: To verify that the radio transmits and receives clearly so communications will function in an emergency
A radio check confirms your VHF transmits and receives properly, ensuring you can communicate effectively if an emergency arises during your voyage.
Question 7: Which VHF channel is designated as the recreational boater-to-boater calling and hailing channel in U.S. waters as an alternative to Channel 16?
- Channel 6
- Channel 9 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22A
- Channel 68
Correct answer: Channel 9
Channel 9 is designated by the FCC as the recreational boater calling channel in U.S. waters, providing an alternative to Channel 16 for hailing other recreational vessels.
SVOP Marine Communications and VHF Radio 2
What does the safety signal 'SECURITE' (pronounced 'say-cure-ee-tay') indicate?