Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations Flashcards

What VHF channel is designated as the primary maritime distress and calling channel?

Answer: Channel 16

VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international maritime distress, safety, and calling channel monitored by all vessels and the Coast Guard at all times.

What does the distress signal MAYDAY mean?

Answer: The vessel is in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance

MAYDAY is the internationally recognized voice distress signal indicating that a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.

What is the purpose of an EPIRB?

Answer: To transmit a distress signal and vessel position to satellites for SAR coordination

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activates in an emergency, transmitting a distress signal on 406 MHz to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites that relay location data to rescue coordination centers.

Under U.S. law, what obligation does a vessel master have upon receiving a distress signal?

Answer: Proceed to render assistance if it can be done without serious danger to the vessel

Under 46 U.S.C. § 2304, every vessel master must render assistance to any person in danger at sea as long as doing so does not place the rescuing vessel in serious danger.

What does the acronym SAR stand for in maritime operations?

Answer: Search and Rescue

SAR stands for Search and Rescue — the coordinated maritime operation to locate and assist persons in distress at sea.

What is the meaning of the PAN-PAN urgency signal?

Answer: A very urgent message concerning the safety of a vessel, aircraft, or person

PAN-PAN is the international urgency signal indicating a very urgent message concerning the safety of a vessel or person, less immediate than MAYDAY but requiring prompt attention.