GMDSS & Distress Flashcards
(150 cards)
1
Q
What does GMDSS stand for?
A
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
2
Q
What does MSI stand for?
A
Maritime Safety Information.
3
Q
What function do shore facilities play in the GMDSS System?
A
They disseminate MSI coordinate rescue efforts.
4
Q
A shipping container has been spotted floating in a shipping lane. What type of message should be sent?
A
Safety.
5
Q
How many Sea Areas are there?
A
Four. They are named A1 to A4.
6
Q
How is Sea Area A2 defined?
A
An area, excluding Sea Area A1, within radiotelephone range of at least one Coast Station with continuous monitoring of MF DSC on 2187.5 kHz.
7
Q
When shall a MAYDAY distress message?
A
A person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
8
Q
How many types of messages are there regarding GMDSS?
A
- Distress.
- Urgency.
- Safety.
- Routine.
9
Q
Who is in charge of distributing MSI for the UK?
A
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
10
Q
What is the WWNWS?
A
- World-wide Navigational Warning Service.
- Internationally recognised framework designed to efficiently distribute navigational warnings.
11
Q
How many NAVAREA’s are there?
A
21.
12
Q
Which three things should be noted in the GMDSS log book each day?
A
- Position of vessel.
- Completion of daily tests.
- Master’s signature.
13
Q
Which volume of IAMSAR is carried onboard vessels?
A
Volume Three.
14
Q
What will a newly embarked Deck Officer enter into the GMDSS log book shortly after arriving onboard?
A
They will enter their name and General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) number into Section B of the GMDSS log book.
15
Q
Which vessels are required to carry a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate?
A
All cargo vessels over 300gt on international voyages.
16
Q
Which vessels are required to carry Passenger Ship Safety Certificate?
A
All passenger vessels on international voyages regardless of tonnage.
17
Q
What is form R?
A
(Record of equipment)
- It is attached to the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate and details the radio equipment carried onboard the vessel.
18
Q
What is an MMSI number?
A
A maritime Mobile Service Identify number is used to uniquely identify the vessel and enable calling using DSC equipment.
19
Q
Which certification would be required for radio personnel onboard a large passenger vessel on transatlantic voyages?
A
A general Operator’s Certificate.
20
Q
Which certification would be required for radio personnel onboard a SOLAS vessel operating exclusively in Sea Area A1?
A
A Restricted Operator’s Certificate.
21
Q
Which two persons must be designated with regard to the GMDSS equipment?
A
The person responsible for emergency communications and the person responsible for maintenance. They may be the same person.
22
Q
Does the person responsible for emergency communications determine whether to send a distress message?
A
No. All distress or urgency messages must be authorised by the Master, although it is likely that the responsible person will transmit the message.
23
Q
When may non-GMDSS equipment be carried in lieu of GMDSS equipment?
A
Never.
24
Q
Why must mobile phones not be relied upon for sending distress messages?
A
Because they have limited or no signal even a short distance offshore and, even when there is signal do not alert vessels in the vicinity.
25
Which type of waves are used for long-range transmission of HF?
Sky waves.
26
Why are ground waves able to travel further than line of sight?
The part of the wave that is touching the ground slows due to diffraction and therefore bends downwards. This keeps the wave in contact with the ground and allows it to follow the curvature of the earth.
27
Why are HF able to travel great distances?
Sky waves are alternately refracted downwards by ionised layers in the ionosphere and upwards again by the earth's surface causing them to 'bounce' large distances beyond the horizon.
28
What is a distress alert which includes the fact that the vessel is sinking called?
A designated distress alert.
29
Which class of DSC equipment is fitted to SOLAS compliant vessels?
Class A
30
What are the advantages of using DSC to transmit distress messages?
- DSC are digital which means they have a greater range.
- DSC's are also received by radio equipment which is always listening will then sound an alarm to alert the OOW.
31
What is an alert?
The transmission of distress-priority message using DSC.
32
VHF Ch 16?
Distress, urgency safety and calling by voice.
33
VHF Ch 70?
Distress alerting, urgency, safety and routine calling by DSC.
34
2182 kHz
Distress alerting, urgency, safety and calling by voice on MF.
35
2187.5 kHz
Distress alerting, urgency, safety and calling by DSC on MF.
36
406 MHz
Transmission of EPIRB position to shore via COSPAS-SARSAT satellites.
37
121.5 MHz
Aircraft emergency frequency for homing onto an EPIRB.
38
9 GHz
Frequency used by SARTs to create pulses on the screen of an X-Band radar.
39
When communicating on VHF Ch 16, is this simplex or duplex communication?
Simplex
40
What is the advantages of simplex communications for distress purposes?
All stations can hear all communications.
41
Which method is being used if a vessel can receive and transmit at the same time?
Duplex
42
Which type of antenna uses an Antenna Tuning Unit to increase the effective wavelength of the physical antenna?
MF/HF antenna.
43
Where must radio antenna be fitted to maximise range?
As high as possible on the vessel clear of obstructions and away from sources of interference.
44
Which satellite system commonly found onboard uses an omni-directional antenna?
Inmarsat-C
45
On which frequencies must you listen first before transmitting and the working must not exceed one minute?
VHF Ch 16 and 2182 kHz.
46
How quickly may a vessel re-transmit a DSC routine call if no acknowledgement is received?
After no less than five minutes. Further attempts must wait at least 15 minutes.
47
What number is required to enable a vessel to send a DSC call to another vessel?
The MMSI number of the vessel to be called.
48
What does 'STATION CALLING' mean?
It is used as a response when the identity of the station calling you is unknown.
49
If you are on a vessel over 500gt which is equipped for Sea Area A1, how many SARTs would you expect to find onboard?
Two.
50
In which Areas of Operation are small Commercial Vessels required to have a fixed VHF radio installation?
Categories 1-5
51
Where can the carriage requirements for GMDSS equipment be found for large vessels?
SOLAS, Chapter IV (Radiocommunications).
52
A large vessel operating in Sea Area A1 is required to carry which piece of equipment to enable the reception of MSI in text form?
A NAVTEX receiver.
53
What additional piece of equipment must you have to operate in Sea Area A2?
A MF radio capable of DSC radiotelephony and telex.
54
Haw many EPIRBs are carried on a vessel over 500gt operating exclusively in Sea Area A2?
One.
55
Which type of vessel is required to carry an airband radio?
Passenger vessels
56
How many fixed VHF radios are required to be fitted to a large vessel in Sea Area A3?
Two.
57
How many Inmarsat or Iridium terminals are typically carried under the two Satellite Options in Sea Area A3?
Two. A Ship Earth Station and duplicate which typically also acts as the EGC receiver.
58
What are the two additional pieces of equipment carried under the HF option in Sea Area A3?
An MF/HF radio (capable of DSC, radiotelephony and Telex/NBDP) and an EGC receiver. The latter requirement may be satisfied through carriage of an Inmarsat terminal or by using the Telex/NBDP functionally of the MF/HF radio.
59
How is Sea Area A3 defined?
- Excluding sea areas A1 and A2.
- 76 degrees N & S for vessels fitted with Inmarsat terminals and global vessels fitted with Iridium Terminals.
60
In what latitudes would you be operating if you are in area A4?
- Above 76 degrees N & S.
- Outside the footprint of Inmarsat Satellites.
61
Which GMDSS equipment routinely carried in Sea Area A3 does not meet the carriage requirements for Sea Area A4?
An Inmarsat terminal because Sea Area A4 is defined as being outside of the footprint of the Inmarsat constellation.
62
How many MF/HF radios must be carried in Sea Area A4?
two
63
How is the requirement for an EGC receiver satisfied in Sea Area A4?
Through the Telex/NBDP functionality of the MF/HF radios.
64
Which channel is used for DSC?
Ch 70
65
What is squelch and how is it correctly adjusted?
- Adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver.
- To adjust, it should be turned down until a crackling/hissing noise (static) is heard and then turned back up until the noise stops but no further.
66
If the VHF DSC radio is not integrated with the vessel's GNSS unit, how often must the vessel's position be updated manually?
At least every four hours.
67
Which series of publications can be referred to in order to determine the correct VHF channel on which to contact a coast station?
Admiralty List of Radio Signals (ALRS).
68
What is the approximate max range of VHF communications between large vessels?
approx up to 40nm.
69
Which frequency is used for transmitting a DSC distress alert?
2187.5 kHz
70
What is the approximate range of MF transmissions?
Up to ranges of about 150-200nm.
71
Which frequently is used for distress-priority calling by radiotelephony over MF?
2182 kHz.
72
Pressing and holding the red button on the radio set will send what type of distress alert?
Undesignated.
73
On which frequency are International NAVTEX broadcasts made?
518 kHz.
74
Which message types are mandatory?
A, B, D & L
75
Which publication can be referred to determine the correct station letters to input into the NAVTEX unit?
Volume V of the ALRS which is entitled 'Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
76
What action must be taken by the OOW on receipt of a NAVTEX message?
The OOW must read the message and ascertain whether or not it relates to the vessel and its passage plan. If so, the Master must be informed so that appropriate action can be taken.
77
What is the approximate range of NAVTEX?
Approximately 300-400nm
78
Which band of frequencies does NAVTEX transmit on?
MF
79
How do the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted by HF radios propagate?
By Sky Wave.
80
What is 'skip distance'?
The zone in which the transmissions from HF radios will not be picked up at ground level.
81
Why are different frequencies used to transmit on HF at night or during the Day?
Because UV radiation from the sun affects the amount of refraction which will occur when the HF electromagnetic waves hit the ionosphere and thus affects the distance covered by each 'bounce'.
82
How many HF bands are there?
Five:
- 4 MHz, 6 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz and 16 MHz.
83
What does EGC stand for?
Enhanced Group Calling.
84
What is SafetyNET?
It is the Inmarsat system which uses satellites to disseminate MSI to vessels.
85
How many Inmarsat ocean regions are there?
4.
86
What is AOR-E?
Atlantic Ocean Region (East)
87
What are the three components of a satellite system?
The space, ground and mobile segments.
88
Which messages is it mandatory to receive via EGC?
- NAVAREA and METAREA warnings for the current area.
- Ship to shore distress alerts.
- Messages relating to search and rescue coordination.
- Warnings relating to navigation.
- Weather and piracy.
89
What is SafetyCast?
It is the Iridium system which uses satellites to disseminate MSI to vessels.
90
How many NAVAREAs and METAREAs are there?
21 of each.
91
How often should the MF DSC be tested with a coast station?
Weekly.
92
How often should the MF DSC be tested with a coast station?
Weekly.
93
How often should an internal test of DSC-equipped radio equipment be carried out?
Daily.
94
How often should the antennas be visually inspected?
Monthly.
95
What should occur during the daily battery test?
The battery charger should be switched off and the voltage monitored to ensure that it doesn't start to drop.
96
How is the weekly external DSC test for VHF radios normally carried out on large vessels?
Vessels that are equipped with two or more VHF DSC radios will normally conduct the external will normally conduct the external DSC weekly test by sending a transmission from one unit to the other and back again.
97
What does the squelch adjust?
The sensitivity of the receiver.
98
Why do portable VHF radios have a lower range than fixed units?
- Lower powered and use smaller antennas.
- VHF radio is likely to be used at lower heights than the antenna of the fixed unit.
- In the event of an abandonment being lower height and reducing VHF range.
99
What is the minimum required battery life of portable VHF radios?
8 hours.
100
What is the battery life of a radar SART once activated?
8 hours.
101
On what frequency does a SART transmit?
9 GHz
102
What will appear on the X band radar when a vessel is very close to an activated SART?
Concentric circles.
103
Why must SARTs be mounted as high as possible in the survival craft?
Maximise range.
104
Why should the crew turn off their vessel's radar before abandoning ship?
Prevent unintended activation of their SART, which will drain the battery.
105
What do AIS SARTs transmit?
Lat/Long of their position, determined using a built-in GNSS receiver.
106
All AIS SARTs have an MMSI number beginning with which three digits?
970
107
On what frequency do EPRIBs emit the homing signal?
121.5 MHz
108
What is the name of the satellite constellation that transmits EPIRB signals to shore?
COSPAS SARSAT.
109
On what frequency does the EPIRB communicate with the COSPAS SARSAT satellites?
406 MHz.
110
From 2022, new EPRIBs are required to be fitted with which two additional features?
An AIS transponder and a GNSS receiver.
111
What is the battery life of an EPIRB once activated?
48 hours.
112
EPIRBs must be able to be activated in which two ways?
They must be mounted in a float-free housing and activate automatically when in contact with water, in addition to having the facility to be activated manually.
113
How is the position of EPIRBs which are not fitted with a GNSS received determined?
By triangulation using 'doppler shift' as satellites pass overhead. This process can take several hours.
114
On what channel should VHF portable radios not be tested on?
VHF Ch 16.
115
How frequently must EPIRBs be checked/tested?
Monthly.
116
How should a SART be checked/tested?
It should be visually inspected to ensure that it is in good condition and a self-test should be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
117
How should an EPIRB be checked/tested?
- The EPIRB and its float-free mounting should be visually inspected to ensure that they remain in good condition.
- A self-test of the unit should be conducted, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
118
What is the spoken word used to indicate distress via radiotelephony?
Mayday.
119
Which flag signal indicates distress?
The two-letter signal 'November Charlie' indicates distress.
120
Which series of characters in Morse code indicates distress?
... _ _ _ ...
121
What are the majority of internationally-recognised distress signals laid down?
In Annex IV of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS or COLREGs).
122
How could an individual indicate that they are in distress without any other form signalling apparatus?
By slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering their arms outstretched to each side.
123
Which combination of shapes can be used to indicate distress?
- Square flag with a ball-shape above or below it.
- Indicates distress to aircraft.
124
What is the phrase used for imposing silence on a distress working channel?
SEELONCE.
125
What is the mnemonic used to help remember the components of a distress message?
M - MAYDAY.
I - Identity.
P - Position.
N - Nature.
A - Assistance.
N - Number.
O - Other.
O - Over.
126
Who is a distress priority call addressed to?
Unlike urgency and safety messages, distress messages are automatically addressed to all stations, so the phrase 'ALL STATIONS' is redundant.
127
What is a DSC transmission relating to a distress called?
An Alert.
128
Why is it important to take the time to think through or note down a distress message before transmitting?
Taking the time to formulate the distress call and message will ensure that all relevant information is transmitted immediately and ultimately save time.
129
How is an accidental distress alert by Inmarsat/Iridium cancelled?
By sending a distress-priority message to the same LES through which the accidental alert was sent.
130
What should a vessel do upon receiving a DSC urgency-priority announcement?
- Alter to the indicating frequency.
- Listen to the message and respond accordingly.
- They should not acknowledge receipt by DSC.
131
What is the mnemonic used to help remember the components of a urgency message?
P - PANPAN.
I - Identity.
P - Position.
N - Nature.
A - Assistance.
N - Number.
O - Other.
O - Over.
132
Which piece of information is sent during a safety call but not during an urgency call?
The frequency or channel on which the safety message will be transmitted.
133
Which word is used to identify a safety-priority message?
SECURITE
134
What is the difference between a call and a message?
- A call is intended to draw other vessels' attention to the transmission.
- The message contains important information relating to the situation.
135
By what method should a vessel acknowledge a DSC alert, is appropriate to do so?
By RT (voice) only.
136
Why must a vessel not acknowledge a DSC distress alert by DSC, unless specifically instructed to by a coast station?
Acknowledging a DSC distress alert will stop the alert and may mean that the vessel does not receive the assistance it requires.
silencing an alert to stop the alarm locally is different from acknowledging it.
137
When would a vessel transmit a Mayday Relay?
When they sight a distressed party who are likely to be able to send their own distress message.
138
A vessel which receives a VHF DSC alert in Sea Area A1 should wait how long before acknowledging by radiotelephony?
5 minutes.
139
A vessel which receives a MF DSC alert in Sea Area A3 should wait how long before acknowledging by radio telephony
They should set watch on 2182 kHz and acknowledge by RT immediately.
140
If a vessel does not hear a response from a coast station within five minutes of receiving a VHF DSC distress alert while in Sea Area A1 what should they do?
- Make an entry into the GMDSS log book.
- Acknowledge the distress by RT only.
- Relay the distress message to the Appropriate coast station by an available means.
- proceed at best speed to the position of the vessel in distress.
141
How does the PLB communicate with a COSPAS SARSAT satellite?
On 406 MHz.
142
Which system does a PAB use to alert other vessels?
Automated Identification System (AIS).
143
Why can strobe flares not be carried as a substitute for pyrotechnics on vessels which the requirements of SOLAS, Chapter IV (Radiocommunications) apply?
They have not received approval and, therefore, vessels carrying strobe flares instead of pyrotechnics would simply not be meeting the GMDSS carriage requirements.
144
To which vessels does ATIS and RAINWAT apply?
Vessels operating in inland waterways in countries party to the agreement.
145
What is FFSK?
(Fast Frequency Shift Keying data signal)
Heard as a scratchy noise at the end of every transmission. This signal contains a unique ATIS call sign which identifies the vessel.
146
Within what timeframe must an emergency generator start and be online?
45 seconds.
147
On passenger vessels, for how many hours must the emergency generator provide power?
36 hour.
148
On cargo vessels, for how many hours must the emergency generator provide power?
18 hours.
149
if an emergency generator is not fitted, for how long must the battery back-up provide power to the GMDSS equipment?
6 hours.
150
If an emergency generator is fitted, for how long must the battery back-up provide power to the GMDSS equipment?
1 hour more than the required period for the emergency generator.
