VTS Safety Procedures 4

Question 1

A vessel informs VTS that it has a fire in the engine room but the crew believes it is under control. What should the VTS operator do?

Accepted Answer

Continue monitoring, advise the vessel of nearby assistance, and alert fire response resources as a precaution

Answer

Even when a crew reports a fire as controlled, precautionary alerting of fire and emergency services and close monitoring is required.

Question 2

Which radio channel is the international distress, safety, and calling channel for VHF maritime communications?

Accepted Answer

Channel 16

Answer

VHF Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency required to be monitored by all vessels.

Question 3

What is 'traffic separation' as managed by a VTS operator?

Accepted Answer

Organizing vessel traffic into designated lanes to reduce the risk of head-on encounters

Answer

Traffic separation schemes divide vessel traffic into inbound and outbound lanes to minimize head-on collision risk in congested or confined waters.

Question 4

A VTS operator notices on radar that a vessel is deviating significantly from the established traffic lane without communication. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Immediately call the vessel on VHF to determine the reason and provide traffic information

Answer

Contacting the vessel immediately determines if there is an emergency and allows the operator to provide traffic information or assistance.

Question 5

Under what condition should a VTS operator escalate a situation to an URGENCY (PAN-PAN) call?

Accepted Answer

When there is a serious but not immediately life-threatening situation requiring assistance

Answer

PAN-PAN is used when a vessel or person is in urgent need of assistance but the situation is not yet an immediate threat to life.

(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test

(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test

VTS Safety Procedures 4