FCC Exam Question: 1-18C1

Under normal circumstances, what do you do if the transmitter aboard your ship is operating offfrequency, overmodulating or distorting?

A. Reduce to low power.
B. Reduce audio volume level.
C. Stop transmitting.
D. Make a notation in station operating log.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Transmitting off-frequency, overmodulating, or distorting your signal all result in emissions that violate FCC rules and cause harmful interference to other users. The operator's primary responsibility is to ensure their station transmits a clean, lawful signal. Continuing to transmit under these conditions is irresponsible and illegal. * **C) Stop transmitting** is the correct action. This immediately ceases the illegal emissions and prevents further interference. You must then diagnose and fix the problem before transmitting again. * **A) Reduce to low power** is incorrect because it doesn't resolve the underlying issue. A distorted or off-frequency signal is still problematic, even at low power. * **B) Reduce audio volume level** might help with *some* overmodulation issues, but it won't fix an off-frequency signal or other forms of distortion. It's an insufficient general solution. * **D) Make a notation in station operating log** is good practice *after* stopping the transmission and resolving the issue, but it is not the immediate corrective action to prevent interference.

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.