Subelement D: Distress, Urgency & Safety Comms— Topic :
Question 22D3
Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)What action is not applicable in preventing transmissions of false Distress alerts?
Explanation
False Distress alerts are a serious problem in radio communications, consuming valuable resources and potentially interfering with genuine emergencies. Preventing them is paramount.
Options A, C, and D are all vital preventative actions. Proper watch officer instruction and training (A) and ensuring officers read manuals and are familiar with menus (D) directly address operator error, a leading cause of accidental transmissions. Securing the protective cover over the “Distress Hot Key” (C) physically prevents inadvertent activation of the Distress function.
However, disabling the unit’s ability to perform DSC Relays & acknowledgments (B) does not prevent the unit itself from transmitting a false Distress alert. DSC Relays and acknowledgments are functions used by a station to retransmit or confirm receipt of *another station's* Distress call. Preventing these functions would hinder the efficient handling of actual Distress traffic rather than stopping one's own accidental transmission.
Related Questions
22D1 What action should you take after sending a false Distress alert on VHF?22D2 A crewmember has accidentally transmitted a VHF-DSC Distress alert. What action should be taken?22D4 The 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?22D5 You 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?22D6 The 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?