FCC Exam Question: 1-11B4

The Urgency signal concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft or person shall be sent only on the authority of:

A. Master of ship.
B. Person responsible for mobile station.
C. Either Master of ship or person responsible for mobile station.
D. An FCC-licensed operator.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Urgency signal (PAN PAN) indicates that a mobile station has a very urgent message concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, or person. The authority to transmit such a critical safety message rests with the highest individual responsible for the safety of that mobile unit or the people involved. For a ship, this ultimate authority is the Master. For other types of mobile stations, such as an aircraft or a land mobile station, this authority is the person responsible for the mobile station's operation and the safety of those aboard (e.g., the pilot in command of an aircraft). Therefore, option C correctly combines these roles, ensuring the Urgency signal is only initiated under the direct authority of the person accountable for the immediate safety situation. While an FCC-licensed operator transmits the signal, they do so under the authority of the Master or the person responsible for the mobile station, not on their own initiative.

Pass Your FCC Exam!

Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the GMDSS Trainer app.


Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.