VTS Communication Procedures & Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FCC regulations, what identification is required at the end of each VHF radio communication session?
- Vessel name only
- MMSI number only
- Vessel name and call sign (Correct answer)
- Port of registry and vessel name
Correct answer: Vessel name and call sign
FCC rules require vessels to identify by vessel name and call sign at the end of each communication session.
Question 2: What does the term 'securite' (spoken three times) signal when broadcast on VHF?
- A vessel is in distress
- A navigational or meteorological hazard warning (Correct answer)
- A medical emergency on board
- Request for a pilot
Correct answer: A navigational or meteorological hazard warning
Securite is the international safety signal used to announce navigational or meteorological hazard warnings.
Question 3: A VTS operator receives a garbled transmission. What is the correct response?
- Ignore it and wait for a repeat
- Say 'Say again' and request retransmission (Correct answer)
- Switch to a working channel immediately
- Log the time and continue monitoring
Correct answer: Say 'Say again' and request retransmission
The standard procedure is to ask the sender to repeat by using the phrase 'Say again' or 'I say again.'
Question 4: In the phonetic alphabet, what word represents the letter 'N'?
- Nevada
- November (Correct answer)
- Niner
- Normal
Correct answer: November
In the ITU/NATO phonetic alphabet, 'November' represents the letter N.
Question 5: Which VHF channel is designated as the primary distress, safety, and calling channel for non-commercial vessels in US waters?
- Channel 13
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22A
- Channel 70
Correct answer: Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel that all vessels must monitor.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a VTS 'traffic image'?
- A video feed of the vessel's bridge
- A compiled picture of all vessel movements within the VTS area (Correct answer)
- A photograph log of vessels entering port
- A real-time AIS feed shared with the Coast Guard
Correct answer: A compiled picture of all vessel movements within the VTS area
The VTS traffic image is the operator's composite picture of all vessel positions, identities, and intentions within the service area.
Question 7: When a vessel calls VTS for a position report, what is the standard order of information provided?
- Speed, heading, position, destination
- Position, course, speed, destination (Correct answer)
- Destination, position, ETA, cargo
- Name, flag, cargo, position
Correct answer: Position, course, speed, destination
Standard VTS position reports follow the sequence: position, course, speed, and destination/intentions.
VTS Communication Procedures & Protocols 2
Under FCC regulations, what identification is required at the end of each VHF radio communication session?