Module 2, GMDSS

Question 1

What does GMDSS stand for?

Answer 1

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

Question 2

What does DSC stand for?

Answer 2

Digital Selective Calling

Question 3

What channel does a DSC radio automatically monitor?

Answer 3

Channel 70, the DSC distress channel, 2187.5kHz

Question 4

What is a MMSI#?

Answer 4

It is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number that is assigned to and encoded in a DSC radio.

Question 5

How do you get a MMSI#?

Answer 5

You apply for a free MMSI number from Industry Canada.

Question 6

What is a SART?

Answer 6

A Search And Rescue Transponder.

Question 7

What is the major problem currently being experienced in the use of GMDSS devices?

Answer 7

False alarms due to the lack of operator proficiency.

Question 8

The area within range of a VHF-DSC shore station is known as…

Answer 8

Sea Area A1. It is typically up to 40 nm (20 nm) from shore. According to RAMN 2013 it is 40.

Question 9

How many sea areas are there?

Answer 9

4

Question 10

Before a DSC radio can be used for digital operations you must. . .

Answer 10

install an MMSI#

Question 11

An ordinary call to another station is called a:

Answer 11

‘routine’ call.

Question 12

The entry level (lowest cost) DSC radio standard is called:

Answer 12

SC-101.

Question 13

The next higher level standard above SC-101 is called:

Answer 13

Class D.

Question 14

What type of vessels may use a SC-101 radio? (In USA and Canada)

Answer 14

Voluntarily fitted vessels in Canada. Class D is recommended. USA no longer allows SC-101.

Question 15

Is voice communication allowed on channel 70?

Answer 15

No, channel 70 is only for digital signals.

Question 16

If your DSC radio is not connected to a GPS, you must. . .

Answer 16

manually input your position and time at least every four hours.

Question 17

Before making a digital call, you normally select. .

Answer 17

The channel on which your voice communication will take place.

Question 18

If your DSC radio does not explicitly have a ‘Safety’ setting, you use. .

Answer 18

the ‘All Ships’ setting.

Question 19

Before making a DSC Safety call, you typically select:

Answer 19

Channel 06 as the channel for your message.

Question 20

An EPIRB transmits a signal to a:

Answer 20

COSPAS- SARSAT satellite.

Question 21

A SART is activated by:

Answer 21

radar signal from another vessel or aircraft.

Question 22

What type of radio is strongly recommended for pleasure boats?

Answer 22

Class D