Section-f: Survival Craft Equip & s.A.R.: Key Topic #48: sar-mcc-rcc: Systems & Procedures-2:

48F1 What actions should the GMDSS radio operator take prior to any potential Distress situation?

A. Create a table or chart of all the DSC coast stations that might be used during the vessel’s itinerary.

B. All of these answers are good operational practice and should be consistently done.

C. Prepare a detailed Distress message file on both satellite & MF-HF SITOR (NBDP) equipment containing all information needed in a Distress so it will be available for last-minute editing.

D. Ensure all LES choices are correct and then updated properly as the vessel transits different SAR jurisdictions.

48F2 What information should be contained in a detailed Distress message that was not transmitted by an initial Distress “hot-key” alert?

A. Vessel position, course & speed and the nature of Distress.

B. The distress vessel’s IMN and position at the time of alert.

C. Vessel name & call sign, POB and all potential means to communicate with the vessel.

D. Vessel name & call sign, distress vessel’s IMN & vessel position.

48F3 Which GMDSS equipment is best suited to simultaneous long-range communications with an RCC/coast station and OSC vessels or SAR aircraft?

A. MF-HF SITOR (NBDP) transmitters using telex follow on frequencies.

B. Inmarsat Signals routed via the RCC to the SAR vessels & aircraft under their control.

C. VHF transmitters to reach SAR aircraft and OSC vessels as well as the RCC/coast station.

D. MF-HF SSB transmitters using voice follow-on frequencies.

48F4 Which statement is NOT true regarding an Inmarsat Distress Alert?

A. USCG coast stations will receive the alert and immediately notify the correct RCC.

B. The operator selection of LES will determine which associated RCC will receive the alert.

C. If the operator selects an invalid or inoperative LES code the NCS for that service will intercept the call and reroute the alert.

D. If the LES choice is not updated properly the Distress Alert might be routed to a non-optimum RCC, introducing delays and confusion into the Distress situation.

48F5 What are the best resources for researching and planning equipment setups and updates prior to any potential Distress situation?

A. NGA Pub. 117, Inmarsat handbook or manufacturer’s equipment manuals.

B. Inmarsat handbook, FCC Part 80 or ITU List of Coast stations.

C. ITU List of Coast stations, IMO GMDSS handbook, FCC Part 80.

D. Inmarsat handbook, NGA Pub, 117 or ITU List of Coast stations.

48F6 Which statement is true regarding Inmarsat “hot-key” Distress Alerts?

A. The LES programmed by the watch officers into the Distress Alert Update menu determines which RCC will receive your initial Distress Alert.

B. The vessel’s position is checked against the SAR jurisdictions and the proper LES updated as the vessel changes NAVAREAS.

C. The GPS position updates the Distress Alert Update menu to the correct LES choice to ensure proper communications with an RCC.

D. The Distress Alert defaults are set correctly by the manufacturer and then automatically updated.

Answers: 48F1 - B 48F2 - C 48F3 - D 48F4 - A 48F5 - D 48F6 - A