Deck Section 5

Question 1

What channel should you first use to send a distress call

Answer 1

156.8MHz (channel 16) International Distress and Calling frequency

Question 2

Working Frequencies for the USCG

Answer 2

2670 kHz

Question 3

Coast Guard and non Coast Guard working frequency

Answer 3

157.1 Channel 22A

Question 4

Channel used to relieve congestion on channel 16

Answer 4

158.45 MHz Channel 9

Question 5

Channel used for bridge to bridge navigation

Answer 5

159.65 Channel 13

Question 6

Civilian Aircraft Emergency Frequency

Answer 6

160.5 MHz

Question 7

Military Aircraft common emergency frequency

Answer 7

243.0 MHz

Question 8

CMDSS MF/HF International Voice Distress frequencies

Answer 8

4125 kHz, 6215 kHz, 8291 kHz, 12290 kHz, and 16420kHz

Question 9

Procedure for VHF Channel 16 MAYDAY

Answer 9

• Distress signal “MAYDAY,” spoken three times.
• The words “THIS IS THE (name of vessel spoken three times and call sign, if assigned)
• Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress.
• Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
• Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).
• Kind of assistance desired. Number of persons onboard.
• Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of people needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.

Question 10

PROWORDS

Answer 10

Procedure words for radio such as:

• This is..
• Over ..
• Put
• Do you read?
• Roger
• WilcoSay Again
• All after
• Wait Over
• Pan-Plan
• Mayday
• secutrite

Question 11

Forbidden Practices on Radio

Answer 11

• Violation of radio silence
• Unofficial conversation between operators
• Transmitting on a directed net without permission
• Excessive tuning or testing more than 10 seconds
• Failure to listen first before transmitting
• Transmitting the operator’s personal name or sign
• Unauthorized use of plain language
• Use of other than authorized PROWORDS
• Profane, indecent or obscene language

Question 12

Forbidden Practices on Radio

Answer 12

• Violation of radio silence
• Unofficial conversation between operators
• Transmitting on a directed net without permission
• Excessive tuning or testing more than 10 seconds
• Failure to listen first before transmitting
• Transmitting the operator’s personal name or sign
• Unauthorized use of plain language
• Use of other than authorized PROWORDS
• Profane, indecent or obscene language

Question 13

Each Crew Member should be able to make a distress call, to help them fill out the ____ and place it near your radio.

Answer 13

distress communications form from the vessel safety manual

Question 14

Mayday procedure

Answer 14

• Make sure the radio is on
• Pick the best channel VHS 16 pr single sideband 2182. these are internationally recognized distress channels otherwise use whatever channel provides the best chance of being heard
• Say Mayday three times
• Say your vessel name three times
• give your call sign
• describe your position using lat, long; loran lines; or range and bearing from a know landmark. I you have time, give the coast guard all three
• State the nature of your distress
• give the number of crew and describe injuries
• estimate the seaworthiness of your boat, can you control the injury or will you abandon ship
• Describe your boat in a way that would help someone find you
• end your call by saying that you will stand by on whatever channel, give your boat name and call signal
• Be ready to answer any additional questions

Question 15

Do not hoist hand signal for helicopter

Answer 15

arms extended outwards and thumbs down, with fists clenched

Question 16

Hoist arm signal

Answer 16

arms raised above to the horizontal, thumbs up

Question 17

If you hear a distress call.

Answer 17

If you hear a distress message from a vessel and it is not answered, then you must answer. If you are reasonably sure that the distressed vessel is not in your vicinity, you should wait a short time for others to acknowledge.

Question 18

Pan-Pan (pronounced “pawn-pawn”)

Answer 18

A radio call signal is used when a serious but non life threatening situation exists. The situation could involve injury to personnel or damage to the vessel .

Question 19

Securite pronounced “SUH- CURE-TAY”

Answer 19

This type of radio call signal is used to warn of conditions that may affect mariners within a specific geographic area. Some examples are: inclement weather warnings, hazards to navigation, or movement notifications from vessels about to enter confined or restricted waterways.

Question 20

Radio Call Signal Over

Answer 20

I have finished transmitting and expect an answer.

Question 21

Radio Call Signal Out

Answer 21

I have finished transmitting and do not expect an answer.

Question 22

Radio Call Signal Roger

Answer 22

I have received your transmission satisfactorily. Note: ROGER and WILCO should never be used together

Question 23

Radio Call Signal WILCO

Answer 23

I understand you last transmission. I will comply. Note: ROGER and WILCO should never be used together

Question 24

STORM WARNINGS

Answer 24

The Coast Guard announces storm warnings and other urgent marine information broadcasts on VHF channel 16, before making the broadcasts on VHF channel 22A. Storm warnings and forecasts are also made by NOAA

Question 25

MAYDAY RADIO CHECKS AND OTHER HOAXES

Answer 25

A growing number of boaters unsuccessful in getting a radio check on VHF channel 16 are calling MAYDAY to get a response. Every hoax, including MAYDAY radio checks, is subject to prosecution as a Class D felony under Title 14, Section 85 of the U.S. Code, liable for a $5000 fine plus all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual’s action.

Question 26

An FCC ship station radio license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S. waters which uses a VHF marine radio, radar or EPIRB, and which

Answer 26

is not required to carry radio equipment.

Question 27

An FCC ship station radio license is required for any vessel

Answer 27

required to carry a marine radio, on an international voyage, or carrying an HF single sideband radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal (INMARSAT).

Question 28

In addition to registering a 406 EPIRB with NOAA you must also add the 406 EPIRB to

Answer 28

a ship radio license (if one is required) as per FCC regulations. Both new and used 406 MHz beacons MUST be registered with NOAA as required by law. If any information changes on the registration (such as phone number, address, bought a new boat, etc.) it must be updated with NOAA. Also, if a 406 MHz beacon is sold, make sure the buyer re-registers the beacon. Otherwise, you may be contacted by rescue authorities if it is activated (and face a stiff fine)!

Question 29

The master or person in charge of a vessel is _______ by law to provide whatever assistance can be safely provided to any individual at sea in danger of being lost

Answer 29

Obligated. This is subject yto a fine and/or imprisonment for failure to do so.

Question 30

As of February 15, 1989, the National Weather Service retired its Coastal Warning Display network nationwide

Answer 30

For over 100 years, display stations were established at yacht clubs, marinas, and Coast Guard stations to hoist flags, pennants and colored lights to warn mariners of storms at sea.

Question 31

very hoax, including MAYDAY radio checks, is subject to prosecution as a Class _____ felony under Title 14, Section 85 of the U.S.

Answer 31

D