VTS Communication Procedures & Protocols 5

Question 1

What is the meaning of 'radio silence' as imposed by a Mayday relay?

Accepted Answer

All stations must cease transmissions that could interfere with distress traffic

Answer

Radio silence (Silence Mayday) requires all stations to stop transmitting on the distress channel to keep it clear for emergency traffic.

Question 2

A VTS operator is composing a Notice to Mariners broadcast. Which element must appear FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Securite spoken three times followed by the station identifier

Answer

Navigational warnings begin with 'Securite, Securite, Securite' followed by 'All stations' or the station name per ITU protocol.

Question 3

When two vessels are negotiating a passing arrangement via VHF, which regulation governs how the agreement affects the Rules of the Road?

Accepted Answer

A VHF agreement is a permissible departure from the Rules if both vessels clearly agree

Answer

COLREGS Rule 2 allows for departures from the rules when necessary to avoid danger, and a clear VHF agreement constitutes mutual consent.

Question 4

What is the correct VHF working channel for VTS communications with commercial vessels in most US ports managed by the Coast Guard?

Accepted Answer

Channel 22A

Answer

Channel 22A (157.100 MHz) is the primary liaison channel between the US Coast Guard and commercial vessels in most US VTS ports.

Question 5

A VTS operator broadcasts 'all vessels reduce speed to bare steerage way in the main ship channel.' What type of VTS service is this?

Accepted Answer

Traffic Organization Service

Answer

Issuing speed or routing directives to manage traffic flow is a function of the Traffic Organization Service component of VTS.

(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test