Whitehorse | GMDSS Flashcards
(153 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 and coordinate rescue efforts.
4
Q
What is Maritime Safety Information and how is it transmitted?
A
MSI is a category of essential safety-related information transmitted via GMDSS EGC
5
Q
What chapter of SOLAS relates to GMDSS?
A
Chapter IV - Radiocommunications
6
Q
A shipping container has been spotted floating in a shipping lane. What type of message should be sent?
A
Safety - Securite
7
Q
How many sea areas are there?
A
Four
8
Q
How is sea area A2 defined?
A
An area, excluding Sea Area A1, within radiotelephony range of at least one Coast Station with continuous monitoring of MF DSC 2187.5 kHz
9
Q
What type of message and signal apply when ‘A vessel or person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance’?
A
The type of message is ‘Distress’ and the signal is MAYDAY
10
Q
How many types of radio messages are there - what are they?
A
Four - distress, urgency, safety and routine
11
Q
Which three things should be noted in the GMDSS log book?
A
Position of vessel, completion of daily tests and Masters signature
12
Q
Which volume of IAMSAR is carried onboard vessels?
A
Volume three
13
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
14
Q
Which vessels are required to carry a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate?
A
All cargo vessels over 300GT on international voyages.
15
Q
Which vessels are required to carry a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate?
A
All passenger vessels on international voyages, regardless of tonnage.
16
Q
What is Form R?
A
Form R is the Record of Equipment. It is attached to the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate and details the radio equipment carried onboard the vessel.
17
Q
What is an MMSI number?
A
Maritime Mobile Service Identity number is used to uniquely identify the vessel and enable calling using DSC equipment.
18
Q
Which certification would be required for radio personnel onboard a large passenger vessel on transatlantic voyages?
A
A GOC - General Operators Certificate
19
Q
Which certification would be required for radio personnel onboard a SOLAS vessel operating exclusively in Sea Area A1?
A
An ROC - Restricted Operators Certificate.
20
Q
Which two persons must be designated with regard to the GMDSS equipment and communications?
A
A person responsible for emergency communications and the person responsible for maintenance. They may be the same person.
21
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.
22
Q
When may non-GMDSS equipment be carried in lieu of GMDSS equipment?
A
Never.
23
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.
24
Q
Which type of waves are used for long-range transmission of HF?
A
Sky Waves.
25
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.
26
Why is HF able to travel great distances?
Sky waves are alternately refracted downwards by ionised layers in the ionosphere and upwards again by earth's surface causing them to 'bounce' large distances beyond the horizon.
27
Which frequencies propagate as space waves?
VHF
28
What is a DSC distress alert called which includes the nature of the distress?
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 transmissions are digital which means that they have a greater range and suffer less from interference. They are also received by DSC radio equipment which is always listening and will then sound an alarm to alert the OOW.
31
What is an alert transmitted from DSC equipment?
The transmission of a distress-priority message using DSC.
32
What is VHF Ch. 16 used for?
Distress, urgency, safety and calling by voice
33
What is VHF Ch. 70 used for?
Distress alerting, urgency, safety and routine calling by DSC
34
What is MF 2182kHz used for?
Distress, urgency and safety calling by voice on MF
35
What is 2187.5kHz used for?
Distress alerting, urgency and safety calling by DSC on MF.
36
What is 406MHz used for?
Transmission of EPIRB position to shore via COSPAS-SARSAT satellites.
37
What is 121.5MHz used for?
Aircraft emergency frequency for homing onto an EPIRB.
38
What is 9GHz used for?
Frequency used by SARTs
39
What is the VHF channel used for Safety of navigation?
VHF Ch 13
40
When communicating on VHF Ch 16, is this simplex or duplex communication?
Simplex.
41
What is an advantage of simplex communications for distress purposes?
All stations can hear all communications.
42
Which method is being used if a vessel can receive and transmit at the same time?
Duplex.
43
Which type of antenna uses an Antenna Tuning Unit to increase the effective wavelength of the physical antenna?
MF/HF antenna.
44
Where must radio antenna be fitted to maximise range?
As high on the vessel as possible, clear of obstructions and away from sources of interference.
45
Which satellite system commonly found onboard uses an omni-directional antenna?
Inmarsat-C
46
On which frequencies must you listen first before transmitting and the working must not exceed one minute?
VHF Ch 16 & 2182kHz
47
How quickly may a vessel re-transmit a DSC routine call if no acknowledgment?
After no less than 5 minutes. Further attempts must wait at least 15 minutes.
48
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.
49
What does 'station calling' mean?
It is used as a response when the identity of the station calling you is unknown.
50
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 (one for vessel under 500GT)
51
In which areas of operation are small commercial vessels required to have a fixed VHF radio installation?
Categories 1 to 5
52
Where can the carriage requirements for GMDSS equipment be found?
SOLAS, Chapter IV - Radio Communications
53
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.
54
What portable GMDSS equipment is required to be carried on yachts 500GT and over?
EPIRB, 2 x SARTs (one for less then 500GT), 3 x handheld VHF radios (2 for less then 500GT)
55
What additional piece of equipment must you have to operate in Sea Area A2?
A MF radio capable of DSC, radiotelephony and telex.
56
How many EPIRBs are carried on a vessel over 500GT operating exclusively in Sea Area A2?
One.
57
Which type of vessel is required to carry an air-band radio?
Passenger vessels.
58
How many fixed VHF radios are required to be fitted to a large vessel in Sea Area A3?
Two
59
What are the two additional pieces of equipment carried under the Satellite Option (Alternative A) in Sea Area A3?
A Ship Earth Station and an EGC receiver. The latter requirement is normally satisfied through carriage of an additional Inmarsat terminal.
60
What are the two additional pieces of equipment carried under the HF Option (Alternative B) 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 functionality of the MF/HF radio.
61
How is Sea Area A3 defined?
An area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the coverage of a recognised mobile satellite service supported by the Ships Earth Station carried on board in which continuous alerting is available. This is up to 76 degrees N & S for vessels fitted with Inmarsat terminals and global for vessels fitted with Iridium terminals.
62
In what latitudes would you be operating if you are in area A4?
Above 76 degrees North & South. That is, outside of the footprint of the Inmarsat satellites.
63
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.
64
How many MF/HF radios must be carried in Sea Area A4?
Two.
65
How is the requirement for an EGC receiver satisfied in Sea Area A4?
Through the Telex/NBDP functionality of the MF/HF radios.
66
Which VHF channel is used for DSC?
Channel 70
67
What is squelch and how is it correctly adjusted?
The squelch control adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver. To correctly adjust the radio, it should be turned down until a crackling/hissing noise stops but no further.
68
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 4 hours.
69
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)
70
What is the approximate maximum range of VHF communications between large vessels?
The effective range of VHF transmission between large vessels is up to approximately 40 nautical miles.
71
Which frequencies are used for transmitting a DSC distress alert?
Channel 70 & 2187.5kHz
72
What is the approximate range of a MF transmission?
Up to ranges of about 150 - 200nm.
73
Which frequency is used for distress-priority calling by radiotelephony over MF?
2182kHz
74
Pressing and holding the red button on the radio set will send what type of distress alert?
Undesignated distress alert.
75
On which frequency are International NAVTEX broadcasts made?
518kHz
76
Which NAVTEX message types are mandatory?
A, B, D & L
77
Which publication and volume can be referred to determine the correct station letters to input into the NAVTEX unit?
Volume V of the Admiralty List of Radio Signals (ALRS), which is entitled 'Global Maritime Distress and Safety System'
78
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.
79
What is the approximate range of NAVTEX?
Approximately 300 - 400nm from the relevant NAVTEX station.
80
Which band of frequencies does the NAVTEX transmit on?
Medium frequency (MF)
81
What do the first two letters of a NAVTEX message signify?
First letter; station transmitting message. Second letter; type of message
82
How do the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted by HF radio propagate?
By Skywave.
83
What is 'skip distance'?
The zone in which the transmissions from HF radios will not be picked up at ground level.
84
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'
85
How many HF bands are there?
Five: 4MHz, 6MHz, 8MHz, 12MHz and 16MHz.
86
What does EGC stand for?
Enhanced Group Calling.
87
What is SafetyNET?
It is the Inmarsat system which uses satellites to disseminate MSI to vessels.
88
How many Inmarsat ocean regions are there?
Four
89
What is AOR-E?
Atlantic Ocean Region (East)
90
What are the three components of a satellite system?
The Space, Ground and Mobile segments.
91
Which messages is it mandatory to receive via EGC?
It is mandatory to receive all NAVAREA and METAREA warnings for the current area, ship-to-shore distress alerts, messages relating to search and rescue coordination and warnings relating to navigation, weather and piracy.
92
What is SafetyCast?
It is the Iridium system which uses satellites to disseminate MSI to vessels.
93
How often should the MF DSC be tested with a coast station?
Weekly.
94
How often should an internal test of DSC-equipped radio equipment be carried out?
Daily.
95
How often should the antennas be visually inspected?
Monthly.
96
What should occur during the daily battery test?
The battery charger should be switched off and the voltage monitored to ensure that is doesn't start to drop.
97
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 DSC weekly test by sending a transmission from one unit to the other and back again.
98
What does the squelch adjust?
The sensitivity of the receiver.
99
Why do portable VHF radios have a lower range than fixed units?
They are lower powered and use smaller antennas. Furthermore, a portable VHF radio is likely to be used at a lower height than the antenna of the fixed unit (and may be dramatically lower if the crew have abandoned ship), which also has a significant effect on range.
100
What is the minimum required battery life of portable VHF radios?
8 hours.
101
What is the battery life of a radar SART once activated?
8 hours.
102
On which frequency do radar SARTs transmit?
9GHz - the same as X band radars.
103
What will appear on the X band radar when a vessel is very close to an activated SART?
Concentric circles.
104
Why must SARTs be mounted as high as possible in the survival craft?
To maximise their range.
105
Why should crew turn off their vessel's radar before abandoning ship?
To prevent unintended activation of their SART, which will drain the battery.
106
What do AIS SARTs transmit?
The latitude and longitude of their position, determined using built-in GNSS receiver.
107
All AIS SARTs have an MMSI number beginning with which three digits?
970
108
On which frequency do EPIRBs emit the homing signal?
121.5 MHz
109
What is the name of the satellite constellation that transmits EPIRB signals to shore?
COSPAS SARSAT
110
On what frequency does the EPIRB communicate with the COSPAS SARSAT satellites?
406 MHz
111
From 2022, new EPIRBs are required to be fitted with which two additional features?
An AIS transponder and a GNSS receiver.
112
What is the battery life of an EPIRB once activated?
48 hours.
113
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.
114
How is the position of EPIRBs which are not fitted with a GNSS receiver determined?
By triangulation using 'doppler shift' as satellites pass overhead. This process can take several hours.
115
On what channel should VHF portable radios not be tested on?
VHF Ch. 16
116
How frequently must EPIRBs be check/tested?
At least monthly.
117
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 manufacturers instructions.
118
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 manufacturers instructions.
119
What is the spoken work used to indicate distress via radiotelephony?
Mayday.
120
Which flag signal indicates distress?
The two-letter signal 'November Charlie' indicates distress.
121
Which series of characters in Morse Code indicates distress?
SOS - ...---...
122
Where 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).
123
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.
124
Which combination of shapes can be used to indicate distress?
A square (flag) with something ball-shaped above or below it. This same combination of shapes is also used to indicate distress to aircraft when placed on an orange-coloured canvas.
125
What is the phrase used for imposing silence on a distress working channel?
SEELONCE
126
What is the mnemonic used to help remember the components of a distress message?
MIPNANOO
127
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.
128
What is a DSC transmission relating to a distress called?
An alert.
129
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.
130
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.
131
What should a vessel do upon receiving a DSC urgency-priority announcement?
Tune to the indicated frequency, listen to the message and respond accordingly. They should not acknowledge receipt by DSC.
132
Which mnemonic is used to help remember the correct format for urgency messages?
PIPNANOO
133
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.
134
Which word is used to identify a safety-priority message?
SECURITE
135
What is the difference between a call and a message?
A 'call' is intended to draw other vessels' attention to the transmission, whereas the message contains important information relating to the situation.
136
By what method should a vessel acknowledge a DSC alert, if appropriate to do so?
By radiotelephony (voice) only.
137
Why must a vessel not acknowledge a DSC distress alert by DSC, unless specifically instructed to by a coast station?
Acknowledging a DISC 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.
138
When would a vessel transmit a Mayday Relay?
When they sight a distressed party who are unlikely to be able to send their own distress message.
139
A vessel which receives a VHF DSC alert in Sea Area A1 should wait how long before acknowledging by radiotelephony?
Five minutes.
140
A vessel which receives a MF DSC alert in Sea Area A3 should wait how long before acknowledging by radiotelephony?
They should set watch on 2182kHz and acknowledge by RT immediately.
141
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?
1. Make entry into GMDSS Log Book.
2. Acknowledge the distress by radiotelephony.
3. Relay the distress message to the appropriate coast station by any available means.
4. Proceed at best speed to the position of the vessel in distress.
142
What frequency does the PLB communicate with a COSPAS SARSAT satellite?
On 406MHz.
143
Which systems does a PAB (personal AIS beacon) use to alert other vessels?
AIS
144
Why can’t strobe flares be carried as a substitute for pyrotechnics on vessels to 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.
145
To which vessels does ATIS and RAINWAT apply?
Vessels operating in inland waterways in countries party to the agreement.
146
What is FFSK?
A unique Fast Frequency Shift Keying data signal, heard as a scratchy noise at the end of every transmission. This signal contains unique ATIS call sign which identifies the vessel.
147
You see a blue and white flag with a triangular cut-out. What does this mean?
I have a diver down. Keep well clear.
148
How is Morse Code used to aid identification of key navigation marks?
They may be fitted with RACONs (radar transponders) which create morse code patterns of dots and dashes on a vessels radar screen.
149
Within what timeframe must an emergency generator start and be online?
45 seconds
150
On passenger vessels, for how many hours must the emergency generator provide power?
36 hours
151
On cargo vessels, for how many hours must the emergency generator provide power?
18 hours
152
If an emegency generator is not fitted, for how long must the battery back-up provide power to the GMDSS equipment?
Six hours
153
If an emergency generator is fitted, for how long must the battery back-up provide power to the GMDSS equipment?
For one hour more than the required period for the emergency generator.
