VTS Communication Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A vessel reports engine failure while transiting a VTS zone. What is the FIRST communication action the VTS operator should take?
- Immediately broadcast a MAYDAY on Channel 16 on behalf of the vessel
- Acknowledge the report, assess the situation, and notify other vessels of a hazard if warranted (Correct answer)
- Direct the vessel to anchor immediately and monitor the channel
- Transfer the vessel to the Coast Guard and cease monitoring
Correct answer: Acknowledge the report, assess the situation, and notify other vessels of a hazard if warranted
The operator must first acknowledge and gather situational information before escalating; a SECURITE broadcast may follow if other traffic is at risk.
Question 2: In IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases, what does the phrase 'Do you require a pilot?' mean?
- Are you requesting aerial assistance from a helicopter pilot?
- Is your vessel in need of a licensed maritime pilot for navigation assistance? (Correct answer)
- Do you need a test transmission to calibrate your radio equipment?
- Are you requesting priority clearance through the traffic separation scheme?
Correct answer: Is your vessel in need of a licensed maritime pilot for navigation assistance?
In SMCP, 'pilot' refers to a maritime pilot — a licensed navigator who boards vessels to guide them through ports, harbors, or other restricted waters.
Question 3: What channel is typically designated as the primary VTS working channel in U.S. ports and waterways?
- Channel 16
- Channel 13
- Channel 22A
- Channel 65A (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Channel 65A
Channel 65A (156.275 MHz) is frequently designated as a VTS working channel in U.S. ports, though local assignments vary by port authority.
Question 4: A VTS operator receives an unintelligible transmission. Which is the correct response?
- Log the time and frequency of the unintelligible transmission and take no further action
- Transmit 'UNKNOWN STATION, YOUR TRANSMISSION WAS UNINTELLIGIBLE, SAY AGAIN' on the working channel (Correct answer)
- Immediately switch to Channel 16 and broadcast a general alert
- Request the vessel submit its message in writing via AIS text
Correct answer: Transmit 'UNKNOWN STATION, YOUR TRANSMISSION WAS UNINTELLIGIBLE, SAY AGAIN' on the working channel
Standard procedure is to inform the unknown station that their transmission was unintelligible and request they repeat, using clear standard phraseology.
Question 5: The proword 'OUT' at the end of a transmission means:
- I am ready to receive your reply
- This conversation is ended and no reply is expected (Correct answer)
- My equipment is experiencing technical difficulties
- I am transferring the conversation to another operator
Correct answer: This conversation is ended and no reply is expected
'OUT' signals the end of a transmission when no reply is expected, indicating the exchange is complete.
Question 6: Under FCC regulations, how long must a maritime VHF radio station maintain logs of communications involving distress or safety traffic?
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3 years
FCC regulations require that logs involving distress or safety communications be retained for a minimum of three years.
Question 7: A vessel transmits its ETA as '1430L.' What does the 'L' suffix signify?
- The ETA is expressed in Lima time zone (UTC+11)
- The time is local time at the destination port (Correct answer)
- The ETA uses the vessel's onboard clock, which may differ from UTC
- The letter L indicates the ETA is approximate (±30 minutes)
Correct answer: The time is local time at the destination port
In maritime communications, an 'L' suffix indicates Local time, as opposed to 'Z' (Zulu/UTC), so the operator must confirm which time zone applies.
VTS Communication Procedures 4
A vessel reports engine failure while transiting a VTS zone.
What is the FIRST communication action the VTS operator should take?