GMDSS Flashcards
What is Navtex ?
primary equipment as part of GMDSS to receive maritimes Safety Information
- 518khz
What frequency does NAVTEX operate on ?
518 KHZ - English
490 KHZ - regional language
What are the 4 messages on navtext that CANNOT be deselected?
A - Navigational Warnings
B - Meteorological Warnings
D - Search and rescue information
L- Additional navigational warnings
What are the three main search patterns?
For witnessed MOB:
Expanding Square search - good over a small search area
Sector Search -
How would you know / determine your search leg lengths?
What are you searching for? Person? Liferaft?
What are the weather conditions? Wave height, visibility?
Look at table inside IAMSAR - “uncorrected sweep widths for merchant vessels”
For unwitnessed MOB:
Creeping line search - in collaberation with yachts tenders? While waiting for SAR helicopter / professional help
What are your actions in the event of a MOB?
Call the master
Engage Hand steering
Turn towards casualty
Mark the position (GPS MOB button on all equipment)
Release MOB buoy / lifering with smoke
Sound General Alarm / Sound OSCAR and Raise flag (3 long blasts)
Make decision regarding manoeuvre (Williamson, Anderson Sharnov)
Lookouts posted with binoculars + instructions to keep eyes on MOB
Rescue boat team to muster and brief
Send out distress message
How long will your reserve power sources last?
Emergency generator 18 hours
Batteries only 6 hours
Both will power steering, bridge equipment, fire pump and bilge pumps etc
What to do when receiving a distress message MF in mid Atlantic ?
Tune to 2182 listen for comms and immediately acknowledge, then establish voice communication
You receive distress message in area A1 VHF what to do ?
listen to ch 16 for coms and defer for short time to let Coast station answer
Monthly tests
- TEST EPIRB self test, batterie, exp date, condition
- TEST SART against radar, batterie check etc. make sure to inform the port or ships in area
- test survival craft handheld VHF’s, check battery is in good condition with seal unbroken
- Inspect battery system, boxes, framework, connections, SG
- on/off load test batterie
- Inspect antennas and isolators for damage
Weekly Test
- Run emergency power supply if other than battery (generator)
- test of DSC equipment by test call to a CS (VHF/MF/HF)
- hand held survival radios check
Daily tests
- Test DSC internally
- Check battery voltage (must be reading 27V)
- internal test of Sat C
- internal test NAVTEX
- Check printers have adequate supply of paper and ink
- radio log