GMDSS Radio Operator's License
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System operations including DSC, EPIRB, SART, Inmarsat, and NAVTEX for GMDSS-equipped vessels.
Subelement B: F.C.C. Rules & Regulations
Topic :
Which of the following maintenance functions is not the responsibility of the GMDSS Radio Operator?
10B2When may a compulsory vessel not be allowed to leave port?
10B3Which statement is false regarding the maintenance of GMDSS equipment at sea?
10B4Which of the following service or maintenance functions may NOT be performed by the holder of a
10B5What are the conditions, under GMDSS, whereby a ship is NOT allowed to depart from any port?
10B6What determines the spares and maintenance materials requirements for the VHF-DSC equipment under
11B1Which FCC license meets the requirement to serve as a GMDSS operator?
11B2Which of the following statements concerning GMDSS Radio Operator requirements is false?
11B3Which FCC license meets the requirements to perform or supervise the performance of at-sea adjustments, servicing, or maintenance which may affect the proper operation of the GMDSS station?
11B4Which statement is false regarding the radio operator requirements for a GMDSS-equipped ship station?
11B5Which of the following are personnel, functional, or equipment FCC requirements of the GMDSS?
11B6How many GMDSS radio maintainers must be carried aboard a compulsory vessel if the At-Sea maintenance method is used?
12B1Under GMDSS, a compulsory VHF-DSC radiotelephone installation must be tested at what minimum intervals at sea?
12B2What is the meaning of “Reserve Source of Energy”?
12B3Which term describes the source of energy required to supply the GMDSS console with power if the ship’s source of main or emergency energy fails?
12B4What is the requirement for emergency and reserve power in GMDSS radio installations?
12B5While underway, how frequently is the DSC controller required to be tested?
12B6At sea, all required equipment (other than Survival Craft Equipment) must be proven operational by:
13B1Proper watchkeeping includes the following:
13B2Proper watchkeeping includes the following:
13B3Which is true concerning a required watch on VHF Ch-16?
13B4Which of the following statements meets requirements for 47 CFR 80 Subpart-W?
13B5How long must the radio log be retained on board before sending it to the shoreside licensee?
13B6Which statement concerning radio log archival by the station licensee is false?
8B1How often must a compulsory vessel's GMDSS radio station be inspected?
8B2What periodic inspection is required in order to remain in compliance with the regulations regarding
8B3Which statement is false regarding a GMDSS-equipped ship?
8B4Which statement is false regarding a GMDSS equipped ship?
8B5During an annual GMDSS station inspection:
8B6Which situation is least likely to result in an inspection of the radio installation by foreign governments or administrations?
9B1Which of the following references should be consulted for information on the proper setup and use of
9B2Where can GMDSS regulations pertaining specifically to U.S.-flag vessels be found?
9B3What publications should the GMDSS Radio Operator consult to review the proper procedures to be followed in Distress situations under GMDSS?
9B4Which of the following documents or publications are required by the FCC for GMDSS vessels on international voyages (other than the Great Lakes)?
9B5Which of the following documents or publications are required by Part 80 of the FCC rules for vessels on international voyages (other than the Great Lakes)?
9B6Which of the following references should be consulted to identify the name of a vessel based on its Maritime Mobile Service Identity?
Subelement C: DSC & Alpha-Numeric ID Systems
Topic :
What is the MID?
14C2How many digits are in the MID (Maritime Identification Digits)?
14C3What does the MID (Maritime Identification Digits) signify?
14C4Which of the following numbers indicates a U.S. flag ship station?
14C5Which of the following MMSI numbers indicates a U.S. flag ship station?
14C6Which of the following numbers indicates a ship station MMSI?
15C1A DSC call is received from a station with a MMSI number of 003669991. What type of station made the call?
15C2A valid MMSI number for a DSC call to a specific group of vessels is:
15C3A MMSI 030346239 indicates what?
15C4Which of the following statements concerning MMSI is true?
15C5Which of the following statements concerning MMSI is false?
15C6Which of the following statements concerning MMSI is true?
16C1When making a routine DSC call to another vessel what information should be included?
16C2A VHF “Distress Hot Key” alert will always include what information?
16C3When sending a DSC call:
16C4A "Distress Hot Key" VHF DSC Distress alert:
16C5Which statement is true regarding vessel position when sending a “Distress Hot Key” alert?
16C6A “Distress Hot Key” alert will always include what information?
17C1A Ch-70 DSC Distress alert is received. What action should be taken?
17C2Which of the following statements on DSC acknowledgement and relay of DSC Distress alerts is true?
17C3What does the DSC control unit do if the GMDSS Radio Operator fails to insert updated information when initiating a DSC Distress alert?
17C4A DSC Distress alert is received. What action should be taken?
17C5What is the quickest method of transmitting a DSC Distress alert?
17C6DSC relays of Distress alerts by vessels:
18C1A VHF-DSC “Distress Hot Key” alert always transmits what information if connected to GPS?
18C2Which of the following statements is true regarding Distress alerting under GMDSS?
18C3If a GMDSS Radio Operator initiates a DSC Distress transmission but does not insert a message, what happens?
18C4Repetition of a DSC Distress call is normally automatic if not acknowledged after a delay of:
18C5A VHF-DSC Distress alert call:
18C6A VHF-DSC Distress alert will always be transmitted on what channel?
Subelement D: Distress, Urgency & Safety Comms
Topic :
If a VHF-DSC Distress alert is transmitted what channel is used for follow-on voice transmission?
19D2Why should you always follow on with a voice transmission after sending a DSC Distress alert?
19D3You receive a VHF-DSC Distress alert. What Channel should you monitor for further information?
19D4What is the proper format for a Distress follow on voice transmission? (3x is three times),
19D5What information should be included in a Distress follow on voice transmission after a DSC Alert?
19D6What information is not vital in a Distress follow on voice transmission after a DSC Alert?
20D1Which statement is true regarding the receipt and acknowledgement of Distress alerts by ship stations?
20D2What is meant by the acronym “EOS" in a DSC message?
20D3What is the proper procedure to be followed upon receipt of a Distress alert transmitted by use of Digital Selective Calling techniques?
20D4What is meant by the acronym “ECC" in a DSC message?
20D5What action should be taken on receipt of a VHF Distress alert?
20D6What precautions should be taken when viewing an incoming DSC Distress alert message?
21D1A DSC Distress Relay should always be made under the following circumstances:
21D2Your ship received a Distress relay from a coast station on DSC VHF channel 70. What action should the watch officer take?
21D3Under what condition would you not relay a DSC Distress alert?
21D4The relay of DSC Distress alerts:
21D5Transmission of a Distress alert by a station on behalf of another vessel actually in Distress should not occur:
21D6You are in voice communication on Ch-16 with a vessel in Distress that advises you they are unable to contact a Coast Station. What action would you take?
22D1What action should you take after sending a false Distress alert on VHF?
22D2A crewmember has accidentally transmitted a VHF-DSC Distress alert. What action should be taken?
22D3What action is not applicable in preventing transmissions of false Distress alerts?
22D4The EPIRB on the bridge wing is observed with the strobe light flashing and the control switch in the “ON” position. What action(s) should be taken?
22D5You have been monitoring your 3-cm radar screen and a series of 12 concentric circles suddenly appears centered on the screen. What is the most likely cause of this situation?
22D6The EPIRB on the bridge wing is observed with the strobe light flashing and the control switch in the “OFF” position. What action should be taken?
23D1What is the fundamental purpose for imposing radio silence?
23D2When can routine communications be resumed when radio silence has been imposed?
23D3What is meant by the term “Seelonce Mayday"?
23D4How is "radio silence" imposed?
23D5What is the reason for imposing radio silence?
23D6How are normal working conditions restored after radio silence has been imposed?
24D1The Radiotelephone Urgency signal is:
24D2Which of the following situations would normally use the Urgency priority?
24D3Which of the following situations would not properly use the Urgency priority?
24D4Which of the following situations would normally use the Urgency priority?
24D5The Urgency Priority should be used for:
24D6If the Watch Officer hears "PAN PAN" spoken 3 times it means:
25D1When the GMDSS Radio Operator on watch hears "Securite" spoken three times, he can expect to receive the following information:
25D2Which of the following situations would normally use the Voice designation "Securite"?
25D3Which of the following situations would normally use the Safety priority?
25D4Which of the following situations would normally use the Safety priority?
25D5The Radiotelephone Safety signal is:
25D6Which of the following situations would normally use the Safety priority?
26D1Which of the following steps should be taken, if possible, when the vessel must be abandoned because of a Distress situation?
26D2If your vessel has suffered a casualty severe enough to disable both ship’s power and the GMDSS console RSE you should:
26D3DSC is used primarily to:
26D4The vessel’s GMDSS operator fails to properly record the particulars of an incoming DSC Distress alert. Which statement is true?
26D5What action(s) should be taken when abandoning ship?
26D6What is the best method of determining whether a Distress situation is genuine?
Subelement A: General Information and System Overview
Topic :
What is the fundamental concept of the GMDSS?
1A2The primary purpose of the GMDSS is:
1A3What is the basic concept of GMDSS?
1A4GMDSS is primarily a system based on:
1A5What is the responsibility of compulsory GMDSS vessels?
1A6GMDSS is required for which of the following?
2A1Which GMDSS system utilizes terrestrial radio techniques?
2A2What equipment utilizes satellite communications?
2A3What equipment is used in or near the survival craft?
2A4What equipment is programmed to initiate transmission of Distress alerts and calls to individual stations?
2A5What system provides accurate vessel position information to the GMDSS equipment?
2A6Which of these can be used to receive MSI?
3A1The Sea Area you are in is determined by:
3A2If a vessel is on a voyage from Miami, Florida to Houston, Texas what Sea Areas may it transit through?
3A3If a vessel is engaged in local trade and at no point in its voyage travels outside the range of a VHF shore station with continuous DSC alerting then the vessel is operating in what area?
3A4For a vessel to be in GMDSS Sea Area A-1:
3A5A vessel is on a coastwise voyage that results in a distance off shore of 10 to 40 nm and therefore:
3A6What is defined as the area within the radiotelephone coverage area of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available as defined by the IMO regulation for GMDSS?
4A1Which of the following is a functional or carriage requirement for compulsory vessels?
4A2Which GMDSS communication functions must all compulsory vessels be capable of performing to meet International Maritime Organization requirements?
4A3GMDSS-equipped ships will be required to perform which of the following communications functions?
4A4What equipment can be used to receive Maritime Safety Information?
4A5Which of the following are required GMDSS functions?
4A6Which of the following are required GMDSS functions for vessels?
5A1Which statement is true regarding a vessel equipped with GMDSS equipment that will remain in Sea Area A1 at all times?
5A2What statement is true regarding the additional equipment carriage requirement imposed for the survival craft of vessels over 500 gross tons?
5A3All passenger vessels must have what additional equipment?
5A4Within a single sea area, what is the primary reason GMDSS imposes carriage requirements for different radio subsystems?
5A5If operating within Ocean Area A1, and outside of NAVTEX coverage, a GMDSS-equipped vessel must carry:
5A6What is the equipment carriage requirement for survival craft under GMDSS?
6A1Which of the following statements concerning maintenance requirements is false?
6A2Which of the following statements concerning GMDSS maintenance requirements is true?
6A3Which of the following is a GMDSS requirement for all vessels over 300 gross tons operating within range of a MF-DSC equipped shore station?
6A4What statement is correct regarding the maintenance requirements for A3 ships under GMDSS?
6A5A ship operating exclusively in sea area A-1 must have the following provisions for maintenance:
6A6A ship operating in sea area A-1 must have the following provisions for maintenance:
7A1What is the frequency range for Medium Frequency?
7A2What is the frequency range for High Frequency?
7A3What is the frequency range for Very High Frequency?
7A4What is the frequency range for Ultra High Frequency?
7A5What is the frequency range for Super High Frequency?
7A6What is the frequency range for Maritime VHF operations?
Subelement E: Survival Craft Equip & S.A.R.
Topic :
What indication is given to the personnel in a survival craft of the approach of SAR craft?
27E2Which of the following would most likely not prevent a SART's signal from being detected?
27E3How can a SART's detection and effective range be maximized?
27E4Which statement is NOT true regarding the SART?
27E5At what point does a SART begin transmitting?
27E6A SART's signal cannot be detected:
28E1How does the searching vessel's radar interrogate a survival craft SART?
28E2What radar display changes indicate the correct approach to a SART and what care should be taken in a SAR situation?
28E3How can rescue personnel detect that a SART is transmitting in the immediate vicinity?
28E4What signal is detected as originating from an AIS SART and how is the signal displayed?
28E5How can vessel personnel detect the operation of a SART in its vicinity?
28E6What is not an advantage of an AIS SART signal when compared to a radar-based SART signal?
29E1Which of the following statements concerning testing and maintenance of SARTs is true?
29E2Why is it important to limit the duration of testing a SART?
29E3What statement is true regarding tests and maintenance that could be provided for the SART?
29E4Why should functional testing of a SART be minimized?
29E5Which is NOT a valid maintenance and testing function for a SART?
29E6The SART is required to have sufficient battery capacity to operate in the stand-by mode for what period of time?
30E1Which is not a function of a satellite under COSPAS-SARSAT using satellite EPIRBs?
30E2Which of the following satellite systems is of particular & dedicated importance to search and rescue missions under GMDSS?
30E3Which of the following statements concerning COSPAS-SARSAT is false?
30E4Which of the following statements concerning COSPAS-SARSAT is false?
30E5Which of the following statements concerning the EPIRB system is true?
30E6Which of the following statements concerning satellite EPIRBs is true?
31E1What features may be found on GMDSS satellite EPIRB units?
31E2What feature is not a component of a 406 MHz satellite EPIRB?
31E3What statement is true regarding 406 MHz EPIRB transmissions?
31E4Which of the following is normally part of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs?
31E5Which of the following statements concerning EPIRBs is false?
31E6Which of the following EPIRBs is most likely to be used to transmit a Distress alert signal?
32E1Which of the following would best be used for visual detection of a distressed vessel?
32E2Which piece of required GMDSS equipment is the primary source of transmitting locating signals?
32E3What may be used as a homing signal by the search and rescue vessels in the immediate vicinity of the ship in Distress?
32E4What part of a satellite EPIRB may function as a visual aid to rescue vessels?
32E5What is an example of a locating signal?
32E6Which device provides the best method to locate a ship in Distress or survival craft in the GMDSS?
33E1With what other stations may portable survival craft transceivers not communicate?
33E2Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under GMDSS must have what capability?
33E3Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under GMDSS must have what characteristic(s)?
33E4Which statement is NOT true regarding the requirements of survival craft portable two-way VHF radiotelephone equipment?
33E5Which statement is NOT true regarding the requirements of VHF Survival Craft Transceivers?
33E6Which statement is NOT true regarding the requirements of survival craft portable two-way VHF radiotelephone equipment?
34E1The “On Scene Coordinator” may be which of the following?
34E2Which of the following channels is designated as the VHF follow-on communications channel and is required in all portable survival craft equipment?
34E3The determination that the Distress traffic is over is usually made by whom?
34E4On Scene communications are usually initiated using what equipment?
34E5On Scene communications should be conducted on which of the following channels?
34E6Passenger vessel “On Scene” communications should be conducted with aircraft on which of the following channels or frequencies?
35E1Which action should the GMDSS radio operator take in a Distress situation when embarking in survival craft?
35E2Which of these would be vital to a GMDSS SAR situation in polar regions?
35E3Which statement is NOT true regarding the COSPAS-SARSAT system?
35E4Which statement is NOT true regarding the COSPAS-SARSAT system?
35E5What information is transmitted by a 406 MHz EPIRB alert?
35E6Which statement is false regarding the COSPAS-SARSAT system and EPIRB operations?
36E1What actions should the GMDSS radio operator take prior to any potential Distress situation?
36E2What information should be contained in a detailed Distress message that was not transmitted by an initial Distress “hot-key” alert?
36E3Which GMDSS equipment is best suited to simultaneous long-range communications with an RCC/coast station and OSC vessels or SAR aircraft?
36E4Which statement is NOT true regarding an Inmarsat Distress Alert?
36E5What are the best resources for researching and planning equipment setups and updates prior to any potential Distress situation?
36E6Which statement is true regarding Inmarsat “hot-key” Distress Alerts?
Subelement F: Maritime Safety Information (M.S.I.)
Topic :
How is mutual interference on 518 kHz among NAVTEX stations avoided?
37F2When do NAVTEX broadcasts typically achieve maximum transmitting range?
37F3What should a GMDSS Radio Operator do if a NAVTEX warning message is received but it contains too many errors to be usable?
37F4Which of these cannot happen when a paper model NAVTEX receiver runs out of paper?
37F5Which of the following is the primary frequency that is used exclusively for NAVTEX broadcasts internationally?
37F6What is the transmitting range of most NAVTEX stations?
38F1How is a NAVTEX receiver programmed to reject certain messages?
38F2How can reception of certain NAVTEX broadcasts be prevented?
38F3Which of the following statements is true?
38F4What means are used to prevent the reception of unwanted broadcasts by vessels utilizing the NAVTEX system?
38F5What statement is true regarding the control the operator can exercise over the NAVTEX receiver's operation?
38F6Which messages are mandatory to be received and should not typically be rejected or disabled by the operator of a NAVTEX receiver?
39F1The NAVTEX message header contains the following?
39F2If the Inmarsat-C terminal is inoperative but the vessel remains within NAVTEX coverage -- which of the following message categories should not be disabled by the GMDSS Radio Operator?
39F3How are NAVTEX broadcasts transmitted?
39F4What determines whether a NAVTEX receiver prints a particular type of message content from a programmed NAVTEX station?
39F5Which information determines if a NAVTEX message is to be rejected?
39F6NAVTEX broadcasts are sent:
40F1Where NAVTEX cannot be feasibly established, what system can be implemented to provide an automated service in coastal waters to receive MSI?
40F2What action should a GMDSS Radio Operator take when SafetyNETTM Distress or Urgency messages are received by the vessel's EGC receiver?
40F3What system can provide an automated service in coastal waters where it may not be feasible to establish the NAVTEX service or where shipping density is too low to warrant its implementation?
40F4Aboard ship, SafetyNETTM messages can be received by which equipment/methods?
40F5SafetyNETTM messages can be received by which of the following shipboard equipment?
40F6Maritime Safety Information is promulgated via satellite through which system?
41F1SafetyNETTM promulgates what type of information?
41F2What kind(s) of broadcasts are not available through SafetyNETTM?
41F3Which satellite system promulgates Maritime Safety Information?
41F4What information is promulgated by the international SafetyNETTM?
41F5To receive all mandatory MSI using the SafetyNETTM system the vessel must:
41F6In using SafetyNETTM for the receipt of MSI (Maritime Safety Information):
42F1Over what system are Enhanced Group Calls transmitted?
42F2What is the purpose of the dedicated EGC receiver for A-1 area GMDSS Vessels?
42F3Which of the following provides a unique automated system capable of addressing messages to predetermined groups of ships or all vessels in both fixed and variable geographic areas?
42F4What system may be useful for messages, such as local storm warnings or a shore-to-ship Distress alert, for which it is inappropriate to alert all ships in the satellite coverage area?
42F5What services are available through Enhanced Group Calls?
42F6What messages originate from registered information providers anywhere in the world and are broadcast to the appropriate ocean region via a LES?
Subelement G: VHF-DSC Equipment & Comms
Topic :
Adjusting the volume control has the following results:
43G2The Dual Watch (DW) function is used to:
43G3Setting the squelch control to just beyond the point where the background noise disappears results in:
43G4The “Scan” function is used to:
43G5Setting the squelch control to the end of its range without any noise being heard results in:
43G6Proper and legal VHF operations require all of these except?
44G1Which of the following control selections may result in limited receiving range?
44G2While conducting routine communications using the wheelhouse VHF with a station 1 mile distant, your recommended power setting would be:
44G3Which of the following factors does not normally affect the range of VHF transmissions?
44G4Much longer than normal VHF transmissions are typically caused by:
44G5Describing VHF transmissions as "line of sight" does not mean:
44G6The effectiveness of VHF communications is maximized by:
45G1Which channel would most likely be used for routine ship-to-ship voice traffic?
45G2Which channel is utilized for the required Bridge-to-Bridge watch?
45G3What channel would you use for routine communications with the U.S.C.G.?
45G4What channel would you use to place a call to a shore telephone?
45G5What channel is always being continuously monitored?
45G6Which of the following channels may be used for duplex communications?
46G1The nearest Coast Guard station is being called by a vessel on Ch-22. That vessel’s USA-INT switch is set to INT. What will be the results?
46G2What is the reason for the USA-INT control or function?
46G3Which of the following statements is true?
46G4The USA-INT control on VHF units:
46G5The USA-INT control on VHF units:
46G6What would happen if your VHF is set to “INT” and you called a VTS that operates on an “alpha” channel?
47G1The quickest way to transmit a DSC Distress alert is:
47G2A DSC Urgency priority call is usually set up in the following manner:
47G3A DSC Safety call might be used under the following conditions:
47G4To send a Distress alert use the following procedure:
47G5DSC Urgency priority calls may be sent using the “Distress Hot Key” under the following circumstances:
47G6A DSC Safety priority call might be used under the following circumstances:
48G1How are Routine calls usually formatted/initiated?
48G2What would be the appropriate menu choice when calling another ship station?
48G3What would be the appropriate channel selection for follow-on voice communications for a Routine priority call to another vessel?
48G4If the vessel you wish to call is not listed in your VHF address book, what action would not resolve the problem?
48G5What conditions must exist for a completely automatic DSC acknowledgement of a Routine call and change to suggested working channel?
48G6What actions will take place upon receipt of a Routine call from another vessel if both vessels are programmed for automatic response and the ECC is no good?
49G1The DSC received call directory usually sorts and stores incoming calls in what manner?
49G2Why would you want to access your MMSI number?
49G3What precautions should be taken when reviewing previously transmitted messages?
49G4How many times is it possible to change your own MMSI number in a VHF unit?
49G5What precautions should be taken when reviewing received Distress messages?
49G6Which of the following is not true regarding vessel position information?
50G1What information is normally entered in the address book?
50G2Which of the following statements is not true concerning the DSC call data directory?
50G3Which of the following statements on address book entries is not correct?
50G4The VHF-DSC self-test function (if available) usually performs the following:
50G5What can the operator do to adjust the audible alarm?
50G6When initiating a DSC call through the menu system what is the most likely information that will be displayed after making the first correct keystroke?