Subelement A: Rules & Regulations— Topic 3: Watchkeeping
Question 1-3A1
Element 1 (MROP)Radio watches for compulsory radiotelephone stations will include the following:
Explanation
Compulsory radiotelephone stations are required by international and domestic regulations (such as FCC Part 80) to maintain a continuous listening watch on **VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz)** when underway. Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency for maritime voice communications. This ensures that vessels can receive distress calls, urgent safety information, and establish initial contact with other stations.
Option A, VHF channel 22A, is a U.S. Coast Guard working channel, not the primary international distress and calling watch channel. Option B, 121.5 MHz, is an aeronautical emergency frequency and was historically used by emergency locator transmitters (ELTs/EPIRBs), but it is not a maritime radiotelephone watch frequency for vessels. Option D, 500 kHz, was the international distress frequency for Morse code telegraphy but has been phased out and replaced by modern GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) components, including VHF Channel 16.
Related Questions
1-2A5 What is the minimum radio operator requirement for ships subject to the Great Lakes Radio Agreement?1-2A6 What is a requirement of every commercial operator on duty and in charge of a transmitting system?1-3A2 All compulsory equipped cargo ships (except those operating under GMDSS regulations or in a VTS) while being navigated outside of a harbor or port, shall keep a continuous radiotelephone watch on:1-3A4 When a watch is required on 2182 kHz, at how many minutes past the hour must a 3 minute silent period be observed?1-3A5 Which is true concerning a required watch on VHF Ch-16?