VTS Communication Procedures 3

Question 1

Under what circumstance may a VTS operator transmit on Channel 16 rather than the designated VTS working channel?

Accepted Answer

During distress, urgency, or safety communications that require broad alerting

Answer

Channel 16 is reserved for distress, urgency, and safety traffic; VTS operators may use it when the nature of the communication requires alerting all vessels in the area.

Question 2

A vessel transmits 'MAYDAY RELAY' followed by a distress message. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

A third party is relaying a distress message on behalf of a vessel in distress

Answer

MAYDAY RELAY is used by a station relaying a distress message originating from another vessel that may not be able to communicate directly.

Question 3

What is the correct format for a VTS position report when a vessel gives its bearing and distance from a landmark?

Accepted Answer

Landmark name, then true bearing FROM the landmark, then distance

Answer

Standard VTS position reports state the reference point (landmark), followed by the true bearing FROM that point to the vessel, then the distance in nautical miles.

Question 4

The urgency signal in radiotelephony is:

Accepted Answer

PAN-PAN spoken three times

Answer

PAN-PAN (pronounced 'pahn-pahn'), spoken three times, is the international urgency signal indicating a serious situation concerning the safety of a vessel or person.

Question 5

A VTS operator must log all radio communications. Which of the following is the MOST critical element to record?

Accepted Answer

Date, time, channel, vessel identity, and content of the communication

Answer

Communication logs must capture who communicated, when, on which channel, and what was said, forming the official record for safety, legal, and operational review purposes.

(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test

(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test

VTS Communication Procedures 3